SMOKING MATERIAL. 37 



arrived at a notch between two bluffs, from which I 

 looked into a long and wide valley ; its lower margin 

 was abundantly clothed with timber, gradually de- 

 creasing in quantity as the sides were ascended. 

 Such a scene was too attractive to pass, so I entered 

 through its portals, and found a good camping-ground, 

 with a capital sheltered corner for myself, plenty of 

 browse for the nags, and firewood galore, as Pat is 

 supposed to say. 



In searching over my traps to take stock of the 

 quantity of ammunition I had remaining, I dis- 

 covered, in an old cap pouch, a piece of plug tobacco, 

 as black as coal, and which, from it richness, cut like 

 a piece of cheese. This Godsend afforded me great 

 satisfaction, increased also by its appearance, which 

 was a proof of its strength. A neighbouring yellow 

 willow I soon afterwards denuded of a portion of its 

 bark, which, when dried, I mixed with the Nicotian 

 leaf in about equal proportions thus doubling the 

 amount of smoking material, and spinning two pipes 

 out into four. That night half my supply was con- 

 sumed. In each puff which I inhaled I saw outlines 

 of home, of dear friends, of valued companions ; and 

 when I fell asleep I do not believe I turned till the 

 bright rays of the sun whispered to my eyelids that 

 I should be up and doing homage to their Producer. 



