296 FOREST LIFE IN ACADIE. 



expedition through the forest. So nicany luxuries may 

 be taken ; and the position in which one reclines, legs 

 stretched at full length in the bottom, with the back 

 propped up against the blankets and loads, is just the 

 one in which to enjoy the ever changing scenery; and 

 whilst on the water you are blessed by a perfect immu- 

 nity from the flies. 



Though of course each fresh abrasion of the outside 

 bark takes off from the value of the canoe, injuries to the 

 bottom or sides are generally mended with great ease 

 and celerity. The sligiitest puncture is soon detected by 

 the Indian, on turning her over, by suction, the mouth 

 being applied to doubtful looking spots. Eents or gashes 

 of considerable extent are " fixed " by a piece of rag 

 dipped in melted resin softened somewhat by tallow : 

 the forest remedy is the hard gum which plentifully 

 exudes from the black spruce — " chewing gum," as it is 

 called, being the favourite sweetmeat of the backwoods- 

 man. The bark, however, must be quite dry before the 

 application is made. 



In smooth water two vigorous Indians will paddle the 

 canoe, well loaded, about six miles an hour. In a spurt, 

 however, when they strain to pass another canoe, or to 

 avoid some rapid or rock towards which they are drifting, 

 or to overtake wounded game in the water, they can nearly 

 double this speed. It is a charming sight to watch the 

 passing canoe thus powerfully impelled, from the shore. 

 With its exquisitely symmetrical lines and fragile appear- 

 ance, as it glides noiselessly yet swiftly through the 

 water, one is strongly impressed with the poet's fancy 

 that " the forest's life was in it, all its mystery and its 

 magic." Kcclining by the river side in the vicinity of 



