84 Thirty Years 
There are other inconveniences which, though keenly 
felt during the day’s journey, are speedily forgotten, 
when stretched out in the encampment before a large. 
fire, you enjoy the social mirth of your companions, 
who usually pass the evening in recounting their for- 
mer feats in traveling. At this time the Canadians 
are always cheerful and merry, and the only bar to 
their comfort arises from the frequent interruption oc- 
casioned by the dogs, who are constantly prowling 
about the circle, and snatching at every kind of food 
that happens to be within their reach. These useful 
animals are a comfort to them afterwards, by the 
warmth they impart when lying down by their side or 
feet, as they usually do. But the greatest gratifica- 
tions a traveler in these regions enjoys, are derived 
from the hospitable welcome he receives at every 
trading post, however poor the means of the host may 
be ; and from being disrobed even for a short time of 
the trappings of a voyager, and experiencing the plea- 
sures of cleanliness. 
The following are the estimated distances, in stat- 
ute miles, which Mr. Back and I have traveled since 
our departure from Cumberland : 
From Cumberland House to Carlton House - - - - 263 
From Carlton toIsleala Crosse - - - - - = « 230 
From Isle ala Crosse to Northside of the Methyo Portago 124 
From the Methye Portage to Fort Chipewyan - 240 
857 Miles 
