DARK FURS. 203 



mals, such as marten, those living in and resort- 

 ing to black spruce swamps being invariably 

 dark colored, whereas those in mixed pine, birch 

 and balsam hills are larger and lighter in color. 



For seven years I trapped on a chain of 

 lakes, five in number. One of these lay off at 

 one side, not over a quarter of a mile from the 

 other four; it was of considerable extent, possi- 

 bly a mile and a half long by a quarter wide. 

 This lake was very clear and deep, and used to 

 freeze over two weeks later than the others, and 

 open that much earlier in the spring^ 



On the borders of this lake, which was 

 known as "Clear Water Lake," were two beaver 

 lodges, which I preserved with the greatest care, 

 only trapping a few out of each lodge every fall, 

 thus keeping up the supply, and finer and more 

 beautiful skins I never handled. This valley 

 being within a few miles of the post, I got the 

 Indian who owned the lands to make over his 

 rights for a consideration, and I kept these lakes 

 as a home farm or preserve as long as I re- 

 mained in that district. 



It was in the upper one of these lakes that I 

 trapped the most extraordinary beaver of my 

 experience, he having only one hind foot, the 

 other feet having been gnawed or twisted off in 

 traps. The Indian owner of the lands, when 

 selling his good will, told me of this desperate 



