FORT BELKNAP. 215 
elevated, sandy plain, and though called Fort, is destitute 
of any sign of fortification. One or two substantial stone 
buildings have been erected, but the major part are in the 
style called jacal—huts built of logs stuck up on one end and 
roofed in with long prairie grass, the quarters scattered over 
a very extended surface, affording a fine drill ground in front, 
It was surprising how much the taste and ingenuity of the 
officers stationed here had done to improve the few advan- 
tages they had, and as usual the most unbounded hospitality 
met us at their doors. . 
Major Steen of the 2d Dragoons commanded the post, and 
had a garrison of two companies of dragoons commanded by 
Messrs. Tree and Givins, and one company of infantry com- 
manded by Major Paul, all in fine health and discipline>a 
great credit to the officers, considering the arduous duties so 
small a command must perform in such an exposed position. 
Lieutenant Givins is an ardent sportsman, and by care and 
judgment has succeeded in raising the finest pack of hounds 
—thirty-five in number—on the continent, combining the 
strong scent of the fox-hound, with greater speed than usually 
found possessed by them, and the courage of the bull-terrier. 
This result he effects by retaining only the swiftest and 
healthiest, crossing the swift ones with those having a good 
nose, taking care to keep the blood pure, and always running 
his pack in company with a bull-terrier, whose example 
teaches them courage, and also chasing wolves, which deve- 
lopes that quality. The colors he retains are the blue, the 
