164 NARRATIVES. 



frying-pan from our luggage, and soon tempts my olfactories 

 with a savory odor, of which, sooth to say, with my appetite 

 sharpened by exercise and abstinence, I am in no wise unap- 

 preciative. 



By the time we had finished our repast, our boat had ar- 

 rived ; and after securely packing our luggage in the bow and 

 stern, and under the seats, we pushed off from shore, and 

 directed our course toward the upper lakes. 



The lakes of the North Woods are a peculiar feature of the 

 region. A chain of small and picturesque sheets of water, 

 eight in number, and connected with each other by shallow 

 channels, extends far into the interior of the wilderness. 

 These lakes are invaluable in the facilities they afford to hunt- 

 ers and trappers and others, wishing to penetrate the heart of 

 the tract ; as the transportation of one's self and baggage is 

 rendered comparatively easy, by means of boats. Advent- 

 urers in this region can procure a boat at the outlet of the 

 lower lake, and journey upward at their leisure till they find 

 a suitable place for a camp. Those who have walked from 

 the outside world to the landing, will appreciate the value of 

 this arrangement, especially if they have transported their 

 baggage thither on their own shoulders. 



The day was drawing to a close when we turned the bow 

 of our boat to the shore, and landed near the foot of lake 

 No. 4 of the series. In our search after a proper location for 

 our camp, we were so fortunate as to find an unoccupied 

 " shanty " of the first quality, of which we lost no time in 

 taking possession. 



A " shanty " proper is an institution peculiar to the woods. 

 The most common variety, which the woodsmen erect for 

 temporary use, is made of spruce bark, carefully peeled, so as 

 to preserve the full width, and opened flat like a mammoth 

 shingle. A low frame-work of poles is then constructed, and 

 this bark is so disposed thereupon as to form a dwelling which 

 is nearly impervious to rain. One side of the edifice, how- 

 ever, is always left open, and in front of this the fire is built, 

 which serves to warm the occupants in cool weather. The 

 more aspiring style of shanty, to which ours belonged, is built 



