102 A JOURNEY TO THE 



1770. laden, they can neither hunt nor travel to any considerable 

 '^^° ^^' distance ; and in case they meet with success in hunting, who 

 is to carry the produce of their labour ? Women," added he, 

 " were made for labour ; one of them can carry, or haul, as 

 much as two men can do. They also pitch our tents, make 

 and mend our clothing, keep us warm at night ; and, in fact, 

 there is no such thing as travelling any considerable distance, 

 or for any length of time, in this country, without their 

 assistance. Women," said he again, " though they do every 

 thing, are maintained at a trifling expence ; for as they always 

 stand cook, the very licking of their fingers in scarce times, 

 is sufficient for their subsistence." This, however odd it may 

 appear, is but too true a description of the situation of women 

 in this country ; it is at least so in appearance ; for the women 

 always carry the provisions, and it is more than probable they 

 help themselves when the men are not present. 

 23d. Early in the morning of the twenty- third, I struck out 

 of the road to the Eastward, with my two companions and 

 two or three Northern Indians, while Matonabbee and his 

 crew continued their course to the Factory, promising [^6] to 

 walk so slow that we might come up with them again ; and 

 in two days we arrived at the place to which we were directed. 

 25th. We went to work immediately in making snow-shoe frames 

 and sledges ; but notwithstanding our utmost endeavours, we 

 could not complete them in less than four days. On the first 

 November, of November we again proceeded on our journey toward the 

 Factory ; and on the sixth, came up with Matonabbee and his 

 gang : after which we proceeded on together several days ; 

 when I found my new acquaintance, on all occasions, the most 

 sociable, kind, and sensible Indian I had ever met with. He 

 was a man well known, and, as an Indian, of universal know- 

 ledge, and generally respected. 



Deer proved pretty plentiful for some time, but to 

 my great surprise, when I wanted to give Matonabbee a 

 little ammunition for his own use, I found that my guide. 



