INDUSTRY OF TRAPPERS. 187 



number of defenders, if able to secure their retreat 

 into the citadel, could have cleared the inclosure 

 surrounding it. 



This day it was bitterly cold, the wind blowing 

 in fitful squalls from the north. Occasionally 

 fragments of snow floated before it, probably the 

 precursors of a heavy fall ; but our encampment 

 being possessed of plenty of firewood, no incon- 

 venience was anticipated. A stranger taking a peep 

 into the interior of our citadel, would be struck with 

 the industry, and amused with the diversity of the 

 occupations on which its inmates were engaged. A 

 few days ago it would have been different, for then 

 three-fourths of our numbers would have been trap- 

 ping, or endeavouring to kill time at eucre or old 

 sledge, the favourite card-games of the western 

 man. As the season, however, was now advanced, 

 and their future course of action had been settled, 

 every spare moment was passed by the trappers in 

 getting ready their rude outfit, so that they might 

 be prepared for all emergencies. Mocassins, leggings, 

 and hunting-shirts, had to be patched ; knives 

 sharpened ; gun-locks dismembered, washed, and 

 oiled ; packs of ammunition and necessaries put 

 together in the most portable shape. It was really 

 surprising to witness with what skill these large, 

 rough, powerful, weather-beaten men handled their 

 needles ; many of the alterations and patches made 

 by them being so neatly executed that none but 

 eyewitnesses could have believed that the work did 



