to another, they are quite accustomed to change
of diet;--one year rejoicing in buffalo-humps and marrow-bones, in the
prairies of the Saskatchewan, and the next devouring hung white-fish and
scarce venison, in the sterile regions of Mackenzie River, or varying
the meal with a little of that delectable substance often spoken of by
Franklin, Back, and Richardson as their only dish--namely,
_tripe-de-roche_, a lichen or moss which grows on the most barren rocks,
and is only used as food in the absence of all other provisions.

During the first years of the Company, they were much censured for not
carrying out the provision contained in the royal charter, that they
should prosecute Discovery as much as possible; and it was even alleged
that they endeavoured to prevent adventurers, not connected with
themselves, from advancing in their researches. There is every reason
to believe, however, that this censure was undeserved. A new company,
recently formed in a wild country, could not at first be expected to
have time or funds to advance the arduous and expensive cause of
Discovery. With regard to their having impeded the attempts of others,
it is doubtful whether any one in the service ever did so; but even had
such been the case, the unauthorised and dishonourable conduct of one or
two of their servants does not sanction the condemnation of the whole
Company. Besides, the cause of Discovery was effectively advanced in
former days by Herne, and in later years by Dease and Simpson, Dr Rae,
and others; so that, whatever might have been the case at first, there
can be no doubt that the Company have done much for the cause of late
years.

The trade carried on by the Company is in peltries of all sorts, oil,
dried and salted fish, feathers, quills, etcetera. A list of some of
their principal articles of commerce is subjoined:--

Beaver-skins.
Bear-skins, Black.
Bear-skins, Brown.
Bear-skins, White or Polar.
Bear-skins, Grizzly.
Badger-skins.
Buffalo or Bison Robes (see note below).
Castorum, a substance procured from the body of the beaver.
Deer-skins, Rein.
Deer-skins, Red.
Deer-skins, Moose or Elk.
Deer-skins, parchment.
Feathers of all kinds.
Fisher-skins.
Fox-skins, Black.
Fox-skins, Silver.
Fox-skins, Cross.
Fox-skins, Red.
Fox-skins, White.
Fox-skins, Blue.
Goose-skins.
Ivory (tusks of the Walrus).
Lynx-skins.
Marten-skins.
Musquash-skins.
Otter-skin