OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 187 



The lakes are less numerous and the portages are longer ; 

 and, furthermore, we could not, in this way, accomplish the 

 object of this movement, since we would not be brought 

 into contact with the evidences of the presence of moose, 

 which are generally found only in the forest. 



The canoes we therefore abandoned on Suear-Bush 

 Lake, and we now endeavored to follow the ridges and 

 high ground as much as possible. The captain is carrying, 

 this morning, a tomahawk, one tin cup, one coffee- or tea- 

 kettle, one rubber blanket, one single woollen blanket, 

 a small quantity of dried venison, bread, coffee, tea, and 

 salt. The reader will now observe that we have aban- 

 doned nearly all our camp luggage, that we are not even 

 supplied with knives and forks, and possess only a single 

 cup from which to drink our coffee, although there are 

 three persons in the party. The captain estimates the 

 weight of his pack at fifteen pounds, and, therefore, may 

 be regarded as in light marching trim. He walked in front 

 of the party, George Ross and myself following behind, 

 sometimes in true Indian file, while at others we fell into 

 position on the right and left flanks. The captain's ad- 

 vance was at all times noiseless, while his keen and prac- 

 tised eye penetrated into every nook and corner. He 

 likewise listened to every sound, and instantly recognized 

 the voice of every bird and beast of the forest. The long 

 and active experience which he has had in the Canadian 

 forests has made him an expert in all matters pertaining 

 to woodcraft, trapping, and hunting. The morning's 

 journey passed without the occurrence of any incident 

 worthy of narration. At one o'clock we halted on a high 



