262 LIFE AT VANCOUVER. 



" The dining-hall is a spacious room, on the second floor, 

 ceiled with pine above and at the sides. In the southwest 

 corner of it, is a large close stove sending out sufficient caloric 

 to make it comfortable. 



" At the end of a table, twenty feet in length, stands Gov- 

 ernor McLaughlin, directing guests and gentlemen from neigh- 

 boring posts, to their places ; and chief-traders, traders, the 

 physician, clerks, and the farmers, slide respectfully to their 

 places, at distances from the Governor, corresponding to the 

 dignity of their rank in the service ; thanks are given to God, 

 and all are seated. Roast beef and pork, boiled mutton, 

 baked salmon, boiled ham, beets, carrots, turnips, cabbage 

 and potatoes, and wheaten bread, are tastefully distributed 

 over the table, among a dinner-set of elegant Queen's ware, 

 burnished with glittering glasses, and decanters of various 

 colored Italian wines. Course after course goes round, and 

 the Governor fills to his guests and friends, and each gentle- 

 man in turn vies with him, in diffusing around the board, a 

 most generous allowance of viands, wines, and warm fellow- 

 feeling. The cloth and wines are removed together, cigars 

 are lighted, and a strolling smoke about the premises, en- 

 livened by a courteous discussion of some mooted point of 

 natural history, or politics, closes the ceremonies of the din- 

 ner-hour at Fort Vancouver. These are some of the inci- 

 dents of life at Vancouver." 



