They were now on the eastern side of those gigantic ranges which form the central portion of the North American Continent.
Here, in the midst of the mountains, the winter was inclement, with piercing blasts and deep snows.

Still the trappers, warmly clad, vigorously pursued both hunting and trapping, availing themselves of every pleasant day.

In inclement weather they gathered joyously around their ample camp-fires, finding ever enough to do in cooking, dressing their skins, repairing garments, making moccasins, and in keeping their guns and knives in order.

Some of these valleys were found sheltered and sunny.

Even in mid-winter there were days of genial warmth.