DAYS ON THE NEPIGON. 



one hundred and fifty pounds, and had it con- 

 sisted of fish, would have been computed by 

 every rule of guessing to have weighed at 

 least two hundred, which is not an exception- 

 ally heavy tump-line load for short distances. 

 It is simply a question of what has to be 

 moved; and then with his burden properly 

 balanced and standing higher than his head, 

 away he goes, surefooted as a burro. The 

 tump-line is safer and more practical than any 

 other style of pack harness, for if anything un- 

 foreseen should happen to the packer's foot- 

 ing, a shake of the head will instantly release 

 the load, thus affording a better chance of 

 recovery. 



Years ago the canoes here were almost en- 

 tirely of birchbark, which harmonized in 

 every respect with their environment, and 

 were admirably adapted to their requirements 

 and to the character and contour of the coun- 

 try, dovetailing with their natural surround- 

 ings and blending harmoniously into the land 

 and water scape. They were appropriate and 



becoming, conforming so closely to the map 



38 



