no more, sewn together with wat-tap--the roots of
cedar or spruce gathered in spring--placed between the stakes with the
outer side down, and then made fast. The well-soaked ribs are then put
in place and as soon as they are loaded with stones the bark assumes
its proper form. The gunwales, into which the ends of the ribs are
mortised, are bound into position with _wat-tap_. The thwarts are next
adjusted. The stones and stakes are then removed; the seams are
covered with a mixture of one part grease to nine parts spruce gum; the
craft is tested, and is then held in readiness for its maiden voyage.

On entering the Indian shop or trading room, Oo-koo-hoo was ready to
talk about anything under the sun save business, as he wanted to force
the Trader to solicit his patronage; but as the Factor was trying to
make the hunter do the same thing, they parted company a little later
without having mentioned the word "trade."

No wonder the Indians are glad to return to their tribal summer camping
grounds; for it is there that they rest and play and spend their summer
holidays. It is there, too, that the young people enjoy the most
favourable opportunity for doing their courting; as every event--such
as the departure or the return of the Fur Brigade--calls for a festival
of dancing which not infrequently lasts for several days. Also, in
many other ways, the boys and girls have chances of becoming
acquainted. Since young hunters often claim their sweethearts during
the winter, many "marriages" take place after the Indian fashion. On
their return to the Post, however, the young couples are generally
married over again, and this time after the white man's custom--"in the
face of the Church." The way the young people "keep company" at the
summer camping grounds presents no feature of special interest. It is
during the winter season in the forest many miles beyond the Post that
the old customs have full sway. The re-marrying the young couples "in
the face of the Church" frequently demands extreme vigilance, for in
the confusion of the matrimonial busy season when the Indians first
come in the little papoose is apt to be christened--unless the
clergyman is very careful--before the parents have had time to arrange
for their church wedding.

Meanwhile, the women having erected the canvas lodge and put in order
one of their last-year's birch-bark wigwams, called upon the Factor's
wife and presented her with a handsome work-bag