288 THE ADIRONDACK. 



take the cool air and escape the flies of the lower 

 grounds, but you make such a thrashing among the 

 branches, both green and dry, that they are off, long 

 before you come in sight of them. These forests are 

 so dense that you can see but a short distance ahead. 

 A good rifle, a knife, three or four shirts, and a blan- 

 ket or overcoat, making a package of only a few 

 pounds weight, must be all that you take with you — 

 for, in the first place, your rifle weighs from eight to 

 twelve pounds, and in the second place, you are often 

 compelled to carry that of your guide also, together 

 with a tin kettle, perhaps, or pan which you need 

 in cooking. Over the portages he can carry only the 

 boat, and it would be a great waste of time to com- 

 pel him to go back after the traps. Your guide must 

 have also a little sack of Indian meal with which to 

 make Johnny-cakes. A small bit of pork is likewise 

 desirable to fry your trout with. Thus equipped, 

 with a good pair of legs under you, a spirit not easily 

 discouraged, and a love for the wild, and free, you 

 can have a glorious tramp — enjoy magnificent scenery 

 — catch trout and kill deer to your heart's content, 

 and come back to civilized life a healthier and a bet- 

 ter man. 



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