OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 197 



was everywhere covered to the depth of about two inches 

 with snow. Thus far the day has passed without the oc- 

 currence of any important events. In fact, we have seen 

 only a single deer-trail, no ruffed grouse, and only two red 

 squirrels. The conditions for still-hunting have, however, 

 gradually improved, until now we are able to travel without 

 much noise. Our party is cheerful ; there is no despond- 

 ency, although the prospect for sport is not flattering, in- 

 asmuch as the storm causes game to remain under cover. 

 Dinner consisted of dried venison, bread, and coffee. The 

 last of our fresh venison was consumed at breakfast this 

 morning. The midday meal was partaken of in the same 

 manner as that already described in connection with the 

 first day's tramp, and consequently it need not be more 

 fully detailed here. The start was made promptly after 

 the completion of this repast, inasmuch as we were less 

 comfortable while standing than when walking. 



We have walked rapidly since our start to-day, have 

 not turned aside for any purpose, and are off at the same 

 pace and pushing forward in the same direction. About 

 two o'clock in the afternoon we altered our general course 

 from northeast to west, and continued in the latter direc- 

 tion until nearly three o'clock, when we struck a fresh 

 moose-trail. Here began the most exciting chase it has 

 ever been my good fortune to participate in, one in which 

 our party saw not less than twenty moose, fired probably 

 thirty shots, killed two red deer, but absolutely failed with 

 the larger game. The following of the moose-trail, which 

 we first discovered this afternoon, led us within twenty 

 minutes into a large moose-yard, where the tracks of these 



