IV. LIFE IN THE WOODS. 



[The outfit for campaigning in the woods proposed by Mr. Newhouse in 

 the following chapter may seem rather elaborate and luxurious, adapted 

 perhaps better to amateur sportsmen than to the " rough and ready " fol- 

 lowers of the trap. But it is best to encourage and help forward as far 

 as possible good civilized living, even in wild places. Those who prefer a 

 freer and less expensive style of outfit can leave Mr. Newhouse and take 

 lessons of the older trapper, John Hutchins, or of Mr. Gunter, both of 

 whose programmes are given fui-ther on, and are simple enough for the 

 hardiest. — Editors.] 



The great question, after all, for the trapper as well as for 

 the soldier, is, how to live and keep himself comfortable while 

 he carries on the war. He requires in some respects even 

 more than a soldier's courage, for he is to encounter the hard- 

 ships of camp-life alone^ or with but one or two companions, 

 and without a baggage-train to bring up provisions at every 

 halt. The very first article of outfit that he should equip 

 himself with, I should say, would be a firm trust in Provi- 

 dence. But as Cromwell told his soldiers to " trust God and 

 keep their powder dry," so the trapper will need to provide 

 some thincrs for himself, while he trusts Providence. I will 

 therefore tell him as well as I can, how I equip myself for life 

 in the woods. 



OUTFIT FOR A CAMPAIGN ON FOOT. 



If the region in which you propose to trap cannot be reached 

 by boat or wagon, you must be content with such necessaries 

 as you can carry on your person. A trapper on foot should 

 not tire himself with long stiff-legged boots, but should wear 

 short half-boots (with soles well nailed), fitting snugly above 

 and around the ankle. His pants should be gray woolen, 

 closely fitting below the knee, but roomy above. His coat 

 should be of the same material and color, with plenty of 



