192 THE UPPER YUKON 



was eaten, and our journey over a plateau that 

 was everywhere soft and spongy was renewed. 

 Nothing of note happened until Billie got into 

 a nasty piece of muskeag ground. He be- 

 haved very well this time, making but three 

 spasmodic jumps to extricate himself, which 

 he succeeded in doing, and I also did well in 

 not getting thrown. 



That night we pitched tent In a slight snow- 

 storm. There was some little wood around, 

 which enabled us to build a fire and obtain a 

 hot supper. Close to us was a small tent left 

 standing, and under its canvas we counted 

 nine sheep — rams — which a native had killed 

 for his winter's food. Under the game laws 

 of Yukon Territory the natives are allowed to 

 kill what meat they need for food. 



The distance covered on this day's march 

 was but eleven miles at the most; some of 

 the men said it was but nine and a half 

 miles. 



On the morning of the next day the pack 

 train was again started early. More soft, 

 spongy ground was encountered and for the 

 forenoon's work less than six miles were 

 made. At lunch time a dry piece of ground 

 with some good grass for the horses was lo- 

 cated. The saddles and blankets were re- 



