88 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



covering of any description beyond a blanket stretched 

 on poles is admissible, as it would scarcely be possible to 

 fold canvass in the morning, and time does not generally 

 allow of the erection of a hut, nor are the materials always 

 at hand. When pine or spruce is accessible, a very com- 

 fortable floor can be made from the boughs, but in the 

 prairie country or on its borders these useful trees are 

 rarely to be seen. 



As soon as the fire is made and supper in course of 

 preparation, the dogs are fed. After eating their allow- 



Pembina. 



ance for the tw r enty-four hours, the dogs seek for warm 

 spots for themselves as near the fire as possible, or if the 

 night be very cold, and any wind stirring, they partially 

 bury themselves in the snow. As soon as supper is dis- 

 cussed, which with the half-breeds almost uniformly con- 

 sisted of cold pemmican and tea, mocassins are taken off, 

 dried if damp, and put on again ; the fire is replenished, 

 and one by one each man or two together cover them- 

 selves completely with their blankets or robes, and go to 

 sleep. Mocassins are necessary in making a winter jour- 



