OK, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 



219 



expected moment, and most graciously receive our caresses, 

 thus adding surprise to conquest. Before sunset we reached 

 the scene of our recent shooting, and made the neces- 

 sary preparation for the night. The pack was promptly 

 brought to the spot, the lean-to erected, wood and balsam 

 boughs gathered, after which the moose-meat — which con- 

 stituted our entire meal — was cooked. 



We no longer had either bread, tea, or coffee. Thus 

 the sportsman may be compelled to live, but what is the 

 odds so long as you are happy ? This was certainly the 

 most joyful night spent by us during the whole reconnois- 

 sance. We had already accomplished more than we ex- 

 pected when we left our camp near Sugar-Bush Lake ; had 

 not only determined the whereabouts of the moose, but 

 had actually slain two fine animals, a male and a female. 



The early part of this evening was spent in recounting 

 the exploits of the day, and the balance of the night in 

 refreshing slumber, — a blessing almost unknown to the 

 drudging professional slaves of the city. We arose early 

 the following morning, and while it was yet dark began 

 our preparations for the return to the old camp. The 

 dead moose were well covered with brush, in order that 

 the wild animals might not deface them before the photog- 

 rapher had completed his part of the work. The moose- 

 meat was prepared, our breakfast eaten, and we were 

 again off on our homeward tramp. The sun soon made 

 its appearance ; the weather had moderated, and all now 

 went merry as a marriage bell. The partridge were found 

 to-day in great abundance and afforded us much sport. 

 We were no longer troubled because of their excessive 



