348 PBAIBIE AND FOREST. 



man, to perform the duty of guide ; and if he still possesses 

 his noble dog, the jaunt might possibly be diversified by 

 the treeing of a bear, for Mr. Bruin here roams at large, 

 undisputed master of a gigantic demesne. At the same 

 time, care must be taken to ascertain that a boat is avail- 

 able to transport you across the river, for thus early in the 

 season the water will be found too high and too cold for 

 fording or swimming. 



But if previous confinement and sedentary habits have 

 relaxed the muscles and made the feet tender, get Mr. Frost 

 to negotiate for the services of the steamboat,* taking 

 care that a direct understanding as to charge is made 

 before embarking. In fact, go not to the dam ; do nothing 

 till you are certain what will be the cost ; for once you are 

 caught sleeping, if away from Mr. Frost's protecting 

 influence, you may, on awakening, find your molars gone, 

 or your strength, if it consists in the length of your purse. 

 To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed ; and now, if you fall 

 into the snare, blame not the writer. 



The voyage by water, distance fourteen or fifteen miles, 

 is charming. After leaving the place of embarkation you 

 proceed about two miles down the Cambridge, which is 

 here dead and sluggish,f till you reach the entrance to 

 Lake Umbagog, when your vessel's prow is pointed for 

 distant hills fringed with giant timber. On either side, 

 islands after islands dot the bosom of the water, while 



* By what other name to designate this extraordinary piece of mechan- 

 iam I know not, but be advised while on board always to keep the wood 

 bunkers between you and the boiler. 



t Once a favourite haunt of moose. 



