in order, and around we gather
with vigorous appetites. It is fortunate that they are so good, as
otherwise our homely fare would not be much prized. The large piece of
fat meat is served up in a tin pan, and our pint cups are filled up with
hot tea. If we are fortunate enough to have some bread, which was far
from being always the case, we thaw it out and eat it with our meat.
Vegetables were unknown on these trips. Our great staple was fat meat,
and the fatter the better; morning, noon, and night, and often between
times did we stop and eat fat meat. If we did vary the _menu_, it would
be by making a raid on the dogs' supply, and in the evening camp cooking
ourselves a good kettle of fish.

As we dared not wash our hands or faces, of course such a thing as
washing dishes was unknown. When supper was in progress, Jack Frost
made us busy in keeping ourselves and provisions warm. I have seen the
large piece of meat put back into the pot three times during the one
meal, to warm it up. I have seen the ice gather on the top of the cup
of tea that a few minutes before was boiling vigorously in the kettle.

After supper wood was cut, to be in readiness for the morning's fire;
and every break in clothes or harness was repaired, that there might be
no delay in making a good start. Then the guide, who always had charge
of all these things, when satisfied that all was arranged, would say,
"Missionary, we are ready for prayers." The Bible and Hymn-book were
brought out, and the Indians gathered round me, and there together we
offered up our evening devotions. Would that our readers could have
seen us! The background is of dense balsam trees, whose great drooping
branches, partially covered with snow, sweep the ground. Above us are
the bright stars, and, it may be, the flashing auroras. In front of us
is the blazing fire, and scattered around us, in picturesque confusion,
are our dog-sleds, snow-shoes, harness, and the other essentials of our
outfit. A few of the dogs generally insisted on remaining up until
their masters had retired, and they were now to be seen in various
postures around us. With uncovered heads, no matter how intense the
cold, my Christian Indians listened reverently, while in their own
language I read from the precious volume which they have learned to love
so well. Then together we sang a hymn. Frequently it would be the
Evening Hymn, the first verse of which in their beautiful Cree language