TRAPPING BEAVER. 81 



took the beaver to cainp skinned them and packed the 

 tails, which are a great dainty, carefully away. I then 

 stretched the skins over hoops, scraped off the flesh and 

 fatty substance, and left them to dry. When dry, I folded 

 them into square sheets, the fur being turned inward ; 

 and about a dozen made a bundle ready for transportation. 

 I had cheering success, both in trapping and hunting, 

 and while my camp was well supplied with meat, I stowed 

 away some beautiful skins. Occasionally I saw Indian 

 sign, and was driven to extreme caution in my expedi- 

 tions through the valley. However, no red men appeared ; 

 and I spent two weeks of successful hunting and exqui- 

 site enjoyment of all the luxuries of a mountain camp. 



