FOREST LIFE. 121 



very ; hadn't had any fresh pork before for nearly a year. It 

 was tender — it was sweet and good." With much effort, the risi- 

 bility of the jokers was kept in subjection through the meal. 

 Many senseless things were said, and every thing seemed to elicit 

 laughter. 



Dinner over. " Well, captain, how have you enjoyed your din- 

 ner ?" " First rate." " Do you know that you have been eat- 

 ing bear's meat?" "No !" said he ; "that warn't bear's meat, 

 was it ?" " Yes." He seemed incredulous ; but the evidences 

 were at hand ; the quarter from which the dinner had been taken 

 was produced. Poor fellow ! he looked as though he had swal- 

 lowed a lizard ; and, to " finish him up," the long-nailed Bhaggy 

 paw was produced. He could stand it no longer ; but, rushing 

 out of the camp, and throwing himself down upon his hands and 

 knees, he retched as though he had taken a dozen doses of ip- 

 ecacuanha, while all the rest of the crew were convulsed with 

 laughter at the poor fellow's distress. 



The moose is the largest species of deer found in the New En- 

 gland forest. Their size varies from that of a large pony to the 

 full-grown horse. They have large branching antlers, which 

 grow and are shed every season. 



The taking of moose is sometimes quite hazardous. The most 

 favorable time for hunting them is toward Bpring, when the snow 

 it, and when the warmth of mid-day melts the surface, and 

 > a crust, which greatly embarra 

 and di 



11 One pleasant moi rted with the in1 



takingdeer; we had a gun and a larj ength, 



with several hours' travel, and meet 

 eluded i'» give it up, and returned to camp La 

 Havin i ttent in our search 



Little notic i had traveled, and, 



when the pulp v :, much to 



P 



