OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 185 



exist in order to make the ox-team and jumper available 

 in these cases. The captain informed us that the road 

 which now terminated at the settler's cabin was only avail- 

 able for this sort of travel ; and we therefore determined 

 to move our camp from its present location forward to 

 Camp Lake, where we would be only about five miles from 

 Mr. Harkness's clearings, the nearest pioneer settler. 

 This movement was finally postponed until after the re- 

 connoissance, for the reason that it was thought barely 

 possible that our discovery of moose in some unexpected 

 part of the forest might render some other base more 

 desirable. The arrangements for this reconnoissance con- 

 templated the maintenance of camp in our rear, where the 

 trophies of the hunt, the photographer's instruments, and 

 other luggage could remain safely in the care of Milden- 

 berger, while the captain, George Ross, and myself were 

 making our tour through this grand forest for the pur- 

 pose of determining the exact locality where the moose 

 were to be found in the greatest abundance. It therefore 

 became necessary for the guides, before our start, to pre- 

 pare the wood for Mr. Mildenberger (inasmuch as he had 

 not yet become expert in the use of the axe) which would 

 enable him to keep the fire burning during our absence. 

 It was also thought necessary to take enough bread to 

 serve the whole party through the entire reconnoissance. 

 Attempts at these preparatory efforts were often made last 

 week, but in every instance the work was interrupted by a 

 storm. The weather has been very unfavorable. Storm 

 after storm has interfered with our plans. I am now tired 

 of and impatient with these delays. I must soon push 



