222 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICGS OF C4AhAD 
boughs, and give them their daily meal of seal-blubber 
or fish. The other members of the party busied them- 
selves in clearing away the snow, cutting down brush 
and firewood, and building the camp. This latter did 
not consist of a tent, shanty, or indeed covering of any 
kind, but simply of a wall of brush built crescent shaped, 
to a height of three or four feet, and in such a position 
as to best afford shelter from the cutting wind. The 
two main elements of a good winter camp-ground are 
shelter and dry wood, both of which are indispensable. 
The snow was cleared away from the inside of the 
wind-break, and in its stead spruce boughs were strewn 
to a depth of several inches, and in front of this a big 
fire kindled—and camp was complete. 
These tasks ended, the preparation of supper was 
commenced. Bacon and biscuits were hauled out, while 
frying-pans and tea-kettles were brought and placed 
with their contents upon the fire. Fresh water had 
been found by cutting through the ice of a creek close 
by, so nothing was lacking. 
Tin plates and cups, knives and forks were provided, 
but as we took hold of them they froze to our fingers, 
and before we could use them they had to be heated. 
After supper preparations were made for the night and 
for the morrow’s tramp. Socks, duffles and mocéasins, 
wet with perspiration from the day’s march, were hung 
up before the fire to dry; robes and blankets were 
spread about the camp, and upon them our tired party 
assembled to enjoy a rest and smoke beside the fire 
before turning in for the night. Though cold, the night 
was beautifully calm and clear, and when from time to 
