XIV 



PREFACE 



more commonly used by trappers and prospectors, but 

 is heavier. 



Until the month of November I always wore summer 

 underclothing. A gray flannel shirt, and one pair of gab- 

 ardine trousers last me for two seasons. Heavy wool- 

 len socks and moccasins (leather, or preferably moose- 

 hide when to be had in sufficient quantity) provide the 

 footgear necessary for summer. The rubber shoe with 

 leather uppers, soled and hobnailed, if possible, is best 

 for early fall. I never wore a coat, but instead carried a 

 parkay or seamless cloak, made of the skins of ground- 

 squirrels. I wore this only on the tops of mountains, or 

 when the cold required it. A pair of Zeiss prism field- 

 glasses, eight or ten power, an Eastman kodak for films, 

 31-4 x 41-4, were always carried on my belt. Any kind 

 of felt hat answered, but usually I hunted without any 

 hat at all. One of the most important things was my 

 Alpine rucksack, which had been made in Germany. 

 Instead of a coat, I always carried this on my shoulders. 

 In it were the parkay and any extra things needed. 

 Sixty pounds of meat could be packed into it, or a whole 

 bear skin, or the head and skin of a ram. One small 

 canvas bag would hold all my equipment for a season, 

 except the small mouse traps, and the steel traps. A 

 common pocket knife of good steel, for skinning, a com- 

 pass, a barometer and a steel tape were always in my 

 pockets. Usually I bought the provisions commonly used 

 by all prospectors and trappers of the country flour, rice, 

 sugar, dried fruit, butter in cans, tea, bacon and salt; 

 and a few other things when transportation could be 

 provided. Skins were cured with salt when I could bring 

 it. I always had a .22 rifle to use for shooting grouse and 

 small animals, but for large game my Mannlicher, .256 

 calibre, is the only rifle I have ever used in the North. 



