382 THE FISHING COTTAGE. 



falling weather, and the consequent impossibility of keeping 

 the people in proper order, proved a total failure. 



In the first instance we took up our quarters at an unin- 

 habited cottage, or rather hut, situated at the northern 

 extremity of a fine lake, called the Skargan, and at three to 

 four miles to the eastward of Munkforss on the Clara. This 

 hut had been erected by a former owner of the property for 

 fishing purposes, to which, as was evidenced by the nets and 

 angling implements hanging around the walls of the single 

 apartment, it was still used in the summer season ; and as 

 there was a fire-place, and fuel in abundance, we made our- 

 selves exceedingly comfortable. 



In this quiet and secluded retreat, which was far away 

 from the haunts of men, we remained for several days and 

 in that while diligently searched the forest far and near. The 

 first two days we were quite alone ; but on each of the other 

 days we were aided by twenty to thirty men, kindly placed at 

 my disposal by M. Falk. 



But all our endeavours to get a bear on foot were unavail- 

 ing. This was partly attributable to the depth and looseness 

 of the snow ; for though Elg and myself, who were on 

 Skidor, managed well enough, the people, some of whom 

 were not even provided with Skarbagar, got on very badly, 

 and consequently not half the ground was traversed, as other- 

 wise would have been the case. 



Tiring of ill success, we resolved on shifting quarters. 

 Despatching the baggage in a sledge, therefore, to the 

 hamlet of Hallsby, situated a few miles to the southward 

 of Munkforss, where some fifty men had been ordered by 

 M. Falk to meet us on the following morning that we might 

 search another line of country, Elg and I, with the dogs, 



