222 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA. 



boughs, and give them their daily meal of seal-blubber 

 or fish. The other members of the party busied them- 

 selves in clearing away the snow, cutting down brush 

 and firewood, and building the camp. This latter did 

 not consist of a tent, shanty, or indeed covering of any 

 kind, but simply of a wall of brush built crescent shaped, 

 to a height of three or four feet, and in such a position 

 as to best afford shelter from the cutting wind. The 

 two main elements of a good winter camp-ground are 

 shelter and dry wood, both of which are indispensable. 



The snow was cleared away from the inside of the 

 wind-break, and in its stead spruce boughs were strewn 

 to a depth of several inches, and in front of this a big 

 fire kindled and camp was complete. 



These tasks ended, the preparation of supper was 

 commenced. Bacon and biscuits were hauled out, while 

 frying-pans and tea-kettles were brought and placed 

 with their contents upon the fire. Fresh water had 

 been found by cutting through the ice of a creek close 

 by, so nothing was lacking. 



Tin plates and cups, knives and forks were provided, 

 but as we took hold of them they froze to our fingers, 

 and before we could use them they had to be heated. 

 After supper preparations were made for the night and 

 for the morrow's tramp. Socks, duffles and moccasins, 

 wet with perspiration from the day's march, were hung 

 up before the fire to dry; robes and blankets were 

 spread about the camp, and upon them our tired party 

 assembled to enjoy a rest and smoke beside the fire 

 before turning in for the night. Though cold, the night 

 was beautifully calm and clear, and when from time to 



