Christmas-day was particularly stormy; but the gale did not prevent the full enjoyment of the festivities which are annually given at Cumberland House on this day.

All the men who had been despatched to different parts in search of provision or furs returned to the fort on the occasion, and were regaled with a substantial dinner and a dance in the evening.
1820.Jan.

1.
The new year was ushered in by repeated discharges of musketry; a ceremony which has been observed by the men of both the trading Companies for many years.

Our party dined with Mr.Connolly, and were treated with a beaver, which we found extremely delicate.

In the evening his voyagers were entertained with a dance, in which the Canadians exhibited some grace and much agility; and they contrived to infuse some portion of their activity and spirits into the steps of their female companions.