OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 31 



could sleep so nicely on the fresh hay in the barn. The 

 proposition to sleep in the barn was opposed by the Scribe, 

 an old soldier, who expressed a decided preference for a 

 bed of balsam boughs beneath the clean canvas; but the 

 Governor and Esculapius favored the proposition made by 

 John, who was supposed by them to know very well what 

 was best for us under these circumstances ; therefore the 

 tent was employed, while we remained at this point, only 

 as a baggage- and mess-room. The tent having been 

 erected and a fire built, the labor next in order was the 

 preparation, by the guides, of the evening meal, which 

 consisted of broiled ham, broiled pigeon, bread, butter, and 

 tea. 



The labors of the day had prepared us for the full 

 enjoyment of this meal, which was followed by the free use 

 of cio-ars, which we had brought with us. We sat about 



^> <j 



the camp-fire, smoking and chatting, for several hours after 

 the darkness had gathered in about us. 



The guides, having gathered wood for the camp-fire, 

 and performed such other duties as were required of them 

 for the time being, with our consent crossed the lake in 

 their canoes, for the purpose of visiting a family living in 

 a log cabin distant from our camp about two miles. We 

 subsequently discovered that the principal attraction for 

 our guides in this cabin was its fair and rather famous 

 hostess, who seemed to be equally appreciated by the chief 

 and his colored companion, Jim. It was about nine o'clock 

 when the Governor, Esculapius, and the Scribe entered the 

 barn, spread their blankets on the hay, and sought refresh- 

 ment in sleep. Towards morning their slumbers were 



