86 FOREST LIFE IN ACADIE. 



slightest excuse for leaving in the woods the spoils which 

 it becomes the imperative duty of the hunter, for many- 

 reasons, to remove. 



At the same time fall-hunting has likewise its ad- 

 vantages. There is a double chance of sport now pre- 

 sented, as creeping may be pursued by day, whilst at 

 sunrise and sunset, and, indeed, throughout the night 

 when the moon is round, the " call" may be resorted to. 

 Much, too, in the way of camp equipage may be dispensed 

 with at this season. One may travel till sundown and 

 camp in one's tracks amongst the rank ferns and bushes 

 of the upland barrens with but one rug or blanket for 

 cover, and sleep soundly and comfortably in the open, 

 though a rime frost sparkles on every spray next morn- 

 ing. And if, perhaps, the supply of firewood has been 

 somewhat short towards dawn, the excitement of hearino* 

 an answer in the still morning air warms you to action ; 

 a mouthful of Glenlivet from the flask, and a hasty 

 snatch of what small amount of caloric may be excited 

 by the Indian s breath amongst the embers of the night 

 fire, and you are ready for the " morning call." 



And then, when the sun dispels the vapours, raises the 

 thin misty lines which mark the water courses and forest 

 lakes, and, finally, mellows the scenery with the hazy 

 atmosphere of a warm autumnal day, what a glorious 

 time it is to be in the woods ! Give me the fall for 

 moose hunting, and the stealthy creep through glowing 

 forests on an Indian summer's day, when the air in the 

 woods holds that peculiar scent of decaying foliage which 

 to my nostrils conveys an impression as pleasing as that 

 produced by the blossom-scented zephyrs of May. 



Perhaps one of the most singular of the experiences 



