rom his loved ones,
whom he would not see for a month, the missionary gave the word to
start, and they were off.

Murdo, the guide, ran on ahead on his snow-shoes. The missionary came
next. He had with him Oowikapun, the happiest man in the crowd. When
the missionary could ride--which was the case where the route lay over
frozen, lakes or along stretches of the rivers--Oowikapun was his
driver, and rejoiced at being thus honoured. Following the missionary's
train, came the other three in single file, so that those following had
the advantage of the road made by the sleds and snow-shoes in front.
Where the snow was very deep, or a fresh supply had recently fallen, it
sometimes happened that the missionary and all the Indians had to strap
on their snow-shoes, and, following in the tracks of the guide, tramp on
ahead of the dogs, and thus endeavour to make a road over which those
faithful animals could drag their heavy loads.

When our travellers began to feel hungry a fire was quickly kindled, a
kettle of tea prepared, and a hearty lunch of cold meat or pemmican was
eaten and washed down with the strong tea. So vigorous are the
appetites in that cold land, that often five times a day do the
travellers stop for lunch. Then on they go until the setting sun tells
them it is time to prepare for the wintry camp, where the night is to be
spent. If they can possibly find it, they select a place where there
are green balsam trees, and plenty of dry dead ones. The green ones
will furnish the bed, while the dry ones will make the fire.

When such a place is found a halt is called and everybody is busy. The
dogs are quickly unharnessed and gambol about close to the camp and
never attempt to desert.

From the spot selected for the camp the snow is quickly scraped by using
the great snow-shoes as shovels. Then a roaring fire is made, and on it
the kettles, filled with snow, are placed. In the larger kettle a piece
of fat meat is cooked, and in the other one tea is made. While supper
is cooking the dogs are fed. They are only given one meal a day, and
that is at night. Two good whitefish constitute a meal. These are
thawed out for them at the fire; and after eating them they curl
themselves up in their nests and sleep or shiver through the cold night
as best they can. The supper, which consists principally of fat meat,
is then eaten, and after prayers preparations are made for retiring. A
layer of balsam boughs is