310 WILD LIFE AND THE CAMERA 



shoes, as they cut the webbing. For head-gear a 

 broad-brim felt hat or the toque may be used. 

 The former is useful in going through the woods 

 when the branches are snow-laden, as it keeps the 

 snow from sifting coolly down one's back. In very 

 bad weather a woollen cap, which covers the head, 

 neck, ears, and cheeks, is a great comfort, as it keeps 

 the driving snow from stinging one's face, and will 

 usually protect the ears from freezing. Such a 

 hood is also comfortable for a nightcap. Do not on 

 any account carry anything that is not absolutely 

 necessary. Snow -shoeing trips are not like 

 canoe trips. In a canoe a few pounds more or less 

 make but little difference, but on the snow, whether 

 you have a dog-sled, or draw the pack yourself, 

 you will find that extra weight counts in an alarm- 

 ing way. A well-filled pack-basket, which could 

 be easily carried under ordinary conditions, would 

 prove discouraging when the snow is in good con- 

 dition, and impossible if the snow should happen to 

 be deep and soft, so I repeat, throw out all un- 

 necessary things and be liberal in determining what 

 things are unnecessary. In the way of shelter, a 

 light-weight tent is useful, though not absolutely 

 essential. It should be in the form of a lean-to 

 with no front, something like a reflecting oven. 

 The lower parts must be well embedded in the 

 snow to keep out draughts. A large fire directly 

 in front will throw enough heat into the tent to 

 keep a person warm even in the coldest weather. 

 If the party is large, put the tents end to end, and 

 have one long or two smaller fires in front of them. 

 But do not on any account place two of these tents 



