a massive stone wall all around
it, with the Company's buildings in the centre. It was built in stormy
times, when rival trading parties existed, and hostile bands were ever
on the war path. It is capable of resisting almost any force that could
be brought against it, unaided by artillery. We were a little amused
and very much pleased with the old-time and almost courtly etiquette
which abounded at this and the other establishments of this flourishing
Company. In those days the law of precedents was in full force. When
the bell rang, no clerk of fourteen years' standing would think of
entering before one who had been fifteen years in the service, or of
sitting above him at the table. Such a thing would have brought down
upon him the severe reproof of the senior officer in charge. Irksome
and even frivolous as some of these laws seemed, doubtless they served a
good purpose, and prevented many misunderstandings which might have
occurred.

Another singular custom, which we did not like, was the fact that there
were two dining-rooms in these establishments, one for the ladies, and
the other for the gentlemen of the service. It appeared to us very odd
to see the gentlemen with the greatest politeness escort the ladies into
the hall which ran between the two dining-rooms, and then gravely turn
to the left, while the ladies all filed off into the room on the right.
As the arrangement was so contrary to all our ideas and education on the
subject, we presumed to question it; but the only satisfaction we could
get in reference to it was, that it was one of their old customs, and
had worked well. One old crusty bachelor official said, "We do not want
the women around us when we are discussing our business matters, which
we wish to keep to ourselves. If they were present, all our schemes and
plans would soon be known to all, and our trade might be much injured."

Throughout this vast country, until very lately, the adventurous
traveller, whose courage or curiosity was sufficient to enable him to
brave the hardships or run the risks of exploring these enormous
territories, was entirely dependent upon the goodwill and hospitality of
the officials of the Hudson's Bay Company. They were uniformly treated
with courtesy and hospitably entertained.

Very isolated are some of these inland posts, and quite expatriated are
the inmates for years at a time. These lonely establishments are to be
found scattered all over the upper