Tire CoMMODORE AND CREW. 291 

an oval, dry spot quite near the lake, among the evergreens. 
For here, we now decide to stay 
About the lake where breezes play ; 
Oft on the hills to while away 
Many an hour and autumn day. 
‘¢Tsn’t that so, Commodore ?”’ 
pooWedesyea, yea, yea!” 
To look out upon the water is pleasant, especially when 
sheltered from the winds. After the tent is raised, a small 
channel is made close to it to turn off all water if a heavy 
rain, insuring us a dry bed. Rock maples are cut for our 
fire and its backing, or back logs; these are piled three high 
and staked behind. As the winds will be breezing in mostly 
from one direction, we oppose them greatly by a barricade of 
logs and a row of small, cut and sharpened evergeens, 
pushed down beside them. This is a help to the evergreen 
chimney just behind the back logs. Also, with others growing 
near, mostly hides our white canvas: from the curious neigh- 
bors, the caribou, yet whom we will be pleased to see calling 
upon us, if on their journeyings they pass in this vicinity. A 
suitable log is cut and laid lengthwise, with one already lying 
upon the shore, upon which two the canoe is placed crosswise, 
bottom up, thus being on a good bearing to keep its proper 
shape, and always to be found dry upon the inside on the 
frosty mornings. The sun, reminding us by its waning light 
that soon it will bid us another good evening, the Commodore 
proceeds to collect the fir boughs for our bed, and the crew 
hustles around for something for supper. We find all nicely 
arranged by the Commodore, for the fire, in front of the back 
logs; two maple hand junks, for andirons, are placed well out 
