22 THE CAMP DESCRIBED. 



ness which rises abruptly from the banks of the Clear- 

 water River. An extensive range of hills, of which this 

 is the most remarkable, runs parallel with the stream, 

 their sides clothed with forests, and often traversed by 

 deep ravines opening back from the water. The sinu- 

 ous course pursued by the river frequently conceals it 

 behind wooded promontories ; and, as often, its rapid 

 waters issuing from their shelter are visible at inter- 

 vals as it flows down the valley. 



From among the trees which grow on one of the 

 most heavily -wooded of these promontories a dense 

 smoke is issuing, and hangs in thick clouds above the 

 summits of the trees. Evidently it is an encampment. 

 We will approach and see who they are who journey 

 in this vast wilderness. 



As \7e near the spot, an immense fire, formed of the 

 entire trunks of decayed trees, shines ruddily among 

 the thick foliage of the spruces, and combats for su- 

 premacy with the thickening twilight. By its light we 

 see a hut a mere temporary shelter, composed of the 

 dense branches of the pines. In the doorway, which 

 fronts the fire, and is of ample size to accommodate 

 them, we behold three figures. They are busily engaged 

 in superintending the cooking of their evening meal ; 

 and for this purpose they have raked large and clear 

 embers from the main fire nearer to their hut, and 

 upon these sputter sundry parts of a deer, the remain- 

 der of which hangs from a branch near by. 



These travellers are evidently hunters, as may be 



