58 Thirty Years 
from our kind host, and in passing through the gate 
were honored with a salute of musketry. After riding 
six miles, we joined the men at their encampment, 
which was made under the shelter of a few poplars. 
The dogs had been so much fatigued in wading 
through the very deep snow with their heavy burdens, 
having to drag upwards of ninety pounds weight each, 
that they could get no farther. Soon after our arrival 
the snow began to fall heavily, and it continued 
through the greater part of the night. 
Our next day’s march was therefore particularly te- 
dious, the snow being deep, and the route lying across 
an unvarying level, destitute of wood, except one 
small cluster of willows: In the afternoon we reached 
the end of the plain, and came to an elevation, on 
which poplars, willows, and some pines grew, where 
we encamped, having traveled ten miles. We crossed 
three small lakes, two of fresh water, and one of salt, 
near the latter of which we encamped, and were, in 
consequence, obliged to use for our tea, water made 
from snow, which has always a disagreeable taste. 
We had scarcely ascended the hill on the following 
morning, when a large herd of red deer was perceived 
grazing at a little distance; and, though we were 
amply supplied with provision, our Canadian compan- 
ions could not resist the temptation of endeavoring to 
add to our stock, A half-breed hunter was therefore 
ol ‘ 
