58 Thirty Years 



from our kind host, and in passing through the gate 

 were honored with a salute of musketry. After riding 

 six miles, we joined the men at their encampment, 

 which was made under the shelter of a few poplars. 

 The dogs had been so much fatigued in wading 

 through the very deep snow with their heavy burdens, 

 having to drag upwards of ninety pounds weight each, 

 that they could get no farther. Soon after our arrival 

 the snow began to fall heavily, and it continued 

 through the greater part of the night. 



Our next day's march was therefore particularly te- 

 dious, the snow being deep, and the route lying across 

 an unvarying level, destitute of wood, except one 

 small cluster of willows. In the afternoon we reached 

 the end of the plain, and came to an elevation, on 

 which poplars, willows, and some pines grew, where 

 we encamped, having traveled ten miles. We crossed 

 three small lakes, two of fresh water, and one of salt, 

 near the latter of which we encamped, and were, in 

 consequence, obliged to use for our tea, water made 

 from snow, which has always a disagreeable taste. 



We had scarcely ascended the hill on the following 

 morning, when a large herd of red deer was perceived 

 grazing at a little distance ; and, though we were 

 amply supplied with provision, our Canadian compan- 

 ions could nut, resist the temptation of endeavoring in 

 add to our slock. A half-breed hunter was therefore 



