Thus the relations existing between the Indians and their European visitors were friendly in the highest degree.

Both parties were alike benefited by this traffic; the Indian certainly not less than the European, for he was receiving into his lowly wigwam the products of the highest civilization.
Indian tribes scattered far and wide through the primitive and illimitable forest, plied all their energies with new diligence, in taking game.

They climbed the loftiest mountains and penetrated the most distant streams with their snares.

Some came trudging to the forts on foot, with large packs of peltries upon their backs.

Others came in their birch canoes, loaded to the gunwales, having set their traps along leagues of the river's coast and of distant streams.
Once a year the ships of the company came laden with the most useful articles for traffic with the Indians, and, in return, transported back to Europe the furs which had been collected.