84 Thirty Years 



There are other inconveniences which, though keenly 

 felt during the day's journey, are speedily forgotten, 

 when stretched out in the encampment before a large 

 fire, you enjoy the social mirth of your companions, 

 who usually pass the evening in recounting their for- 

 mer feats in traveling. At this time the Canadians 

 are always cheerful and merry, and the only bar to 

 their comfort arises from the frequent interruption oc- 

 casioned by the dogs, who are constantly prowling 

 about the circle, and snatching at every kind of food 

 that happens to be within their reach. These useful 

 animals are a comfort to them afterwards, by the 

 warmth they impart when lying down by their side or 

 feet, as they usually do. But the greatest gratifica- 

 tions a traveler in these regions enjoys, are derived 

 from the hospitable welcome he receives at every 

 trading post, however poor the means of the host may 

 be ; and from being disrobed even for a short time of 

 the trappings of a voyager, and experiencing the plea- 

 sures of cleanliness. 



The following are the estimated distances, in stat- 

 ute miles, which Mr. Back and I have traveled since 



our departure from Cumberland : 



From Cumberland House to Carlton House - - - - 263 



From Carlton to Isle a la Crosse 230 



■ North side of the Methyc Portage 1 2 1 



From the Methye Portage to Fort Chlpevryan - - - 240 



8f>7 Miles, 



