210 SPORT AND TRAVEL PAPERS 



children stared at the stranger, insisting on examining his clothes 

 and baggage and succeeding in making themselves generally 

 objectionable. The rooms, thanks to the hot stove, the mass of 

 humanity in it and the tightly-closed windows and doors 

 became very stuffy and almost unbearably hot, so that when 

 about 6.30 the sleigh arrived I was delighted to make a start 

 for the home of my hunter that was to be, some miles further 

 inland. The sleigh travelled well on that still, beautiful evening, 

 the bright moon lighting up the pretty snow-covered woodland 

 country and it seemed all too soon when we stopped at Mr. 

 Brissou's house, where, although unexpected, we were hospitably 

 received by that famous hunter, by his wife and his nine children. 

 I may here state that the proud father of twelve is further re- 

 warded by a generous Government with the free gift of 100 

 acres of land, and hope that my friend will soon be able to put 

 in his claim and thereby enlarge the extent of his property. 

 The usual aromatically stuffy and most trying atmosphere 

 markedly pervaded this house also, crowded as it was by a 

 numerous and not very cleanly family. Two small dark 

 chambers opened into the day room, in one corner of which 

 stood a large bedstead and at first it seemed a puzzle where all 

 would find a resting-place for the night. When the time came 

 the riddle was solved ; the old-fashioned spinning-wheel and 

 weaving frame, whereon the homespun garments of the family 

 are made, had to make room for various mattresses and blankets. 

 Into and on to these the youngsters crept, the elder boys dis- 

 appearing into the loft, while the old people and the youngest 

 baby, the ninth, retired into the family bed in the corner, after 

 I had been hospitably shown into the adjoining state apartment, 

 cleared now of its usual occupant or occupants, the eldest 

 daughters no doubt. It was almost filled with a large bedstead 

 which at once inspired me with great misgivings ; along the 

 wall were suspended various articles of female apparel belonging 

 probably to the young ladies who now were mixed up in hope- 

 less confusion with other members of the family on the floor 

 next door. I did not dive into that mysterious bed but covered 

 it carefully with a large waterproof, then lying upon it wrapped 

 in an overcoat I blew out the candle and awaited events. To 

 my delight nothing disturbed my slumbers until called at 4 a.m. 

 to take my place at the breakfast-table, which I found supplied 



