THE MOOSE. 63 



practice, and even when their use has been mastered, a 

 little preparatory exercise is advisable before starting on 

 one of these expeditions, in order to accustom the ankles 

 to the unusual strain upon the muscles, which, under the 

 name of mal a raquette, frequently confines the tyro to 

 his room. The snow-shoe, which it is perhaps hardly 

 necessary to describe, is a light ash frame of an oval 

 form, varying in dimensions according to circumstances, 

 the full size being about thirty-nine inches in length by 

 seventeen in breadth at the widest part, which is near 

 the centre. This framework, strengthened by a couple 

 of transverse bars, is laced across with a strong and 

 beautifully made net-work of caribou or moose skin, 

 which is cut into fine strips resembling catgut, arid 

 interwoven close enough to prevent the feet sinking 

 even into the softest snow ; this part of the work is 

 generally performed by the squaws, the men manu- 

 facturing the wooden frame. When in use the snow- 

 shoes are attached by stout straps to the fore part of 

 the feet ; and if necessary while hunting, to remove them, 

 in order to advance more noiselessly, are generally hung 

 round the neck. 



Each night the party bivouacs in the sombre snow- 

 laden forest : 



" Manet sub Jove frigido venator ;" 



and a convenient and sheltered spot being selected, the 



