286 THE DRAMA OF THE FORESTS 



smaller stakes diverging and converging so as to form the 

 shape of the canoe. The smaller stakes are five feet apart at 

 the centre. Pieces of birch bark are soaked in water for a day 

 and no more, sewn together with wat-tap — the roots of cedar or 

 spruce gathered in spring — placed between the stakes with the 

 outer side down, and then made fast. The well-soaked ribs 

 are then put in place and as soon as they are loaded with 

 stones the bark assumes its proper form. The gunwales, 

 into which the ends of the ribs are mortised, are bound into 

 position with wat-tap. The thwarts are next adjusted. The 

 stones and stakes are then removed; the seams are covered 

 with a mixture of one part grease to nine parts spruce gum; 

 the craft is tested, and is then held in readiness for its maiden 

 voyage. 



On entering the Indian shop or trading room, Oo-koo-hoo 

 was ready to talk about anything under the sun save business, 

 as he wanted to force the Trader to solicit his patronage; but 

 as the Factor was trying to make the hunter do the same thing, 

 they parted company a little later without having mentioned 

 the word "trade." 



No wonder the Indians are glad to return to their tribal 

 summer camping grounds ; for it is there that they rest and play 

 and spend their summer holidays. It is there, too, that the 

 young people enjoy the most favourable opportunity for doing 

 their courting; as every event — such as the departure or the 

 return of the Fur Brigade — calls for a festival of dancing which 

 not infrequently lasts for several days. Also, in many other 

 ways, the boys and girls have chances of becoming acquainted. 

 Since young hunters often claim their sweethearts during the 

 winter, many "marriages" take place after the Indian fashion. 

 On their return to the Post, however, the young couples are 

 generally married over again, and this time after the white 

 man's custom — "in the face of the Church." The way the 

 young people "keep company" at the summer camping 



