The Indians, who have done hunting at this season, as the furred animals are now changing their hair, and the pelt becomes bad, follow them to enjoy themselves along the open shores of the lakes, and share in the good things that may fall to their lot, either from the traders at their places of outfit, from presents issued by the British or American governments at their chief posts, or from merchants in the towns, to whom a few concealed skins are still reserved to trade.

An Indian's time appears to be worth but little to him at this season, if at any season.

He lives most precariously on small things, such as he can pick up as he travels loitering along the lake shores, or strolls, with easy footsteps, about the forest precincts of his lodge.

A single fish, or a bird or squirrel, now and then, serves to mitigate, if it does not satisfy, hunger.

He has but little, I am told, at the best estate; but, to make amends for this, he is satisfied and even happy with little.