Nothing worthy of remark occurred during a tedious ride of about two hours across the prairie, on our return to the forests except that, on our way, we overtook a few of the hunters, who were engaged in dragging and goading on their struggling captives, the two buffaloes. Several times, these powerful animals succeeded in getting their limbs partially freed from the ropes, composed of twisted thongs of raw hide, with which they were entangled; but their efforts at complete extrication were of no avail; for new thongs were, by the aid of the dogs distracting the animals’ attention, again and again more securely fastened. It was found, however, that it would be impossible to convey them through the woods alive, without great trouble and loss of time. Mr C , therefore, gave orders for their slaughter as soon as we arrived at our breakfasting place.

Here we found the rest of the party, all apparently in high glen at the result of our bison hunt, having killed, as I now for the first time ascertained, thirteen of these ponderous animals, besides the two which were taken alive. Having tethered our horses, and given directions for the collection of dried grass for their refreshment, we joined the hunters, who were seated, in small groups, around smoking heaps of damp sticks and leaves—this being the method usually adopted in the woods, of scaring those intolerable nuisances, mosquitoes. For my own part, I think the cure is as bad as the disease, as the moke and smell produced is insufferable; and, unless one sit directly in the current of smoke, he cannot reckon on being free from the attacks of the insect. However, our horses seemed to enjoy the protection of the smoke more than we did.

In the meantime, the poor buffaloes were undergoing the last sentence of the law, at a little distance, much to the satisfaction of the hunters who had had the arduous task of conveying them so far on their way; though, I confess, I felt sick at heart when I saw the poor animals writhing under the torture of the knife. However much pleasure the chase and subsequent death of the quarry may give to the true sportsman, he cannot fail to recoil from witnessing systematic butchery, particularly when applied to those animals which, from their peculiar disposition and habits, are denominated game; but, among the North American trappers, sights of this kind are by no means uncommon; and ha who takes up his residence with them, must make up his mind to witness their frequent recurrence. During the subsequent partition of the still warm beef among the hunters and Indians, our attention was called to the condition of three of the dogs, which had been so terribly gored in their encounter with the old bull during the day’s hunt, that Mr C was reluctantly obliged to order them a brace of bullets a-piece.

By the time these, and sundry other items, were disposed of, the day was so far advanced that Mr C thought it would be more prudent to make preparations for our accommodation during the ensuing night, than run the risk of mistaking the path, and falling into swamps while crossing the woods to the Fort in the dark. His proposition met the unanimous consent of all concerned; and it was agreed, that a party, headed by Mr C— , should reconnoitre the woods on the edge of the prairie, in search of a more sheltered situation for an encampment than had been chosen by our advanced-guard in the morning ; while those who felt so inclined, should, with the dogs, scour the forest in search of some of the larger game. Charles and I avowed our intention of proceeding with the latter party; and, having agreed on mutual signal, once more mounted our horses, and rode off through the more open parts of tbe forest, towards a small lake, to which we were guided by a couple of Indians on foot, who assured us that we would without fail meet with game of some sort in its vicinity, as they had never been near it without observing the recent trails of deer and wolves, which had come to drink, and the latter began their evening prowl about the time we would reach it On our way, Charles introduced me to Jaques Couseain, one of the half-breed hunters, who formerly was in his own employ, but had been obliged to leave him, on account of a quarrel with some of the Indians in his neighbourhood, who had sworn, by the shades of their fathers, to take revenge for some fancied injury. I had observed this man before; he seemed a sort of chief among both his Indian and half-caste companions. Ha bowed gracefully on our introduction; and as, on the way, he boasted of the deeds and disposition of his favourite hound Vivant, his dark eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and his well-formed features were lighted up with an appearance of intelligence but seldom noted in the otherwise handsome and athletic race to which he belonged. His father was a French Canadian, and his mother one of the Omahaw beauties.

He, Charles, and I, kept together, a little behind the main party; and we soon became very intimate. I found him well acquainted with the manners and customs of various Indian tribes— haring been a chief among the Omahaws (a branch of the Sioux nation, whose territory is situated near the sources of the Missouri) for several years, and prisoner, for various short periods, among other tribes. I obtained a promise from him that he would, during our stay at the Fort, give me a sketch of his life and adventures, which, I hope, when inserted, my readers will find interesting.

Having heard the repeated call of wild turkeys lay near us, I expressed a wish to obtain a shot at them. We, therefore, diverged from the mote the hunters were pursuing, and soon found ovaches alone in a part of the mighty forest, where the heaps of broken branches and decayed leaves clearly proved that no human foot had pawed over its surface for many years—perhaps centuries.

While making our way—slowly, and with great difficulty—through these encumbrances, a flutter was heard among the branches under nor horses feet; and, with a screaming and adding which the horses did not seem to relish at all, a fine hen-turkey, with a numerous and well-grown progeny, flew, or rather scrambled, from the tops of the branches and underwood to the nearest tree. Charles immediately fired, and brought down the hen; and I had just drawn the trigger, with equal success, at a maple of the brood, which were preparing to fly, when a large wild cat, or grey lynx, appeared from behind a fallen tree; and, after eyeing us, for an instant, with the most consummate impudence, darted on Charles turkey, flung it over fife shoulder, and was immediately lost to our view among the brushwood. This was intolerable —to be thus cheated of our game; but it was too late to grumble, though each blamed the other for not having’ fired at the intruder. Bat the fret was, we were all so amazed at its boldness, that no one thought of shooting it till too late. However, 1 have no doubt each mentally resolved to look better after fallen game for the future.

After having picked up my game, and examined the underwood around the spot where the lynx disappeared, without again seeing it or any vestige of its prey, we were proceeding in •web of more turkeys, when, on a sudden, ve heard several shots in quick succession, apparently at a considerable distance, which we set about lessening as fast as the closeness of the trees and the inequalities of the ground weald permit. Again the reports reached our can, seeming as distant as before, and we almost despaired of being able to make up with the boaters. My companions being better acquainted with the nature of the soil, from its appearances, were out of sight and hearing; and I was left alone, plunging and floundering among deep beds of leaves, which concealed, under a dry and equal surface, holes, probably occasioned by the uprooting of one or more trees, containing trunks, roots, branches, and leaves, mingled in a particularly soft and unpleasant state of decomposition. In these treacherous deposits, my horse, after sinking a foot or two, stuck so firmly that I was more than once obliged to dismount beside him, and keep in a state bordering on perpetual motion, to preserve, in any measure, a footing on the sounder fragments of timber mingled with the mass—meanwhile, jerking the bridle, and coaxing the horse, to cause him to exert himself vigorously in his own and my extrication. After spending above an hour by myself in this manner, 1 began to feel considerable uneasiness at the unpleasant prospect before me; for the shades of evening were coming on; and, as I could neither see nor hear anything of my companions or their path, I felt morally certain of having to spend the night in the dreary wood; and my anxiety was very materially increased when, after a few minutes* more riding, my poor horse became exceedingly lame. 1 dismounted beside him; and, by coaxing, contrived to get him on a few hundred yards, when he lay down, and would, notwithstanding all my efforts, make no farther attempt to proceed. For some time 1 stood beside him, in hopes that he would again rise; but, poor animal, he seemed to be getting gradually worse, and, from the nature of his symptoms, I had reason to believe that he had been bitten by a rattlesnake, or some other equally venomous reptile. I could not ascertain the situation of his wound, being apprehensive of bodily injury were I to approach too near to him while rolling in agony; I therefore left him to his death-bed reflections, and looked round for the highest neighbouring tree hoping that if I could reach the top, I might see the reflection of the camp-fires, and thereby discover my distance from, and route to them. With considerable difficulty I reached the top, and was much gratified to find my expectations more than realized. Instead of the distant and faint illumination which I had expected, a lurid glare was diffused through the atmosphere, appearing most intense over a. partially open space about a mile to the westward. I also observed, that, between me and the spot— which I felt sure could be no other than Mr C 's camp—there extended a considerable space, but thinly covered with large trees, probably a cedar swamp. After making these observations, I prepared to descend, previously however firing one of the pistols, which had been dangling from my belt all day, in the vain hope of being answered by some of my more fortunate companions. I was indeed answered, but in a manner suited to remind me of my lonely and dangerous situation; for, as the numerous echoes, awakened in the gloomy recesses of the silent forest, became fainter and fainter until they utterly died away, a starving wolf sent up a series of the most mournful howls from beneath, while numerous members of the fraternity filled the air on all tides with the same cadences. 1 hastened to descend; and haring repossessed myself of my gun, which I had left leaning on an adjoining tree, proceeded, as quickly as I could, to the place where my steed was lying, intending, should I not find him already dead, to put an end to his misery at once, rather than leave him to be torn piecemeal, while yet alive, by the hungry brutes whose yells were still ringing in my ears. The daylight was by this time nearly gone, but the wood was not so dark as I should have expected. I could still, with a little groping, find my way to the spot where the horse lay moaning and tumbling, but apparently in the same state as when I left him. Poor animal! 1 shall never forget the mournful looks I fancied he gave me when he saw my intentions towards him. My first ball not giving him immediate relief, I was forced to send him a second; and in the interval my feelings were so painful that I could scarcely steady my hand whilst 1 gave him his quietus. While removing his various trappings previous to suspending them on a tree, that they might not share the fate of the carcase, I discovered that my two young turkeys had disappeared, having been probably taken by the wolves as a gout, preparatory to their supper of horseflesh.

While ascending a tall pine at a little distance, to deposit the saddle, &c., out of reach, I could hear the rustling of the bushes below, as the greedy animals arrived from all quarters, to take possession of the spoil. This alone would not have given me any serious alarm, as, being well acquainted with the cowardly disposition of wolves in general, I knew that, after shewing myself, I had only to raise a shout or fire a shot amongst them, when they would immediately disperse in all directions; but presently a low growl grated on my ear, and, looking down, I saw the dark form of a large bear snuffing about my gun, which was lying near the foot of the tree. I dared not move, lest he should observe and endeavour to reach me, for I was not ten feet above him. After twisting and scratching my gun, and grunting like a hog all the time, he was kind enough to shuffle off towards the banquet, probably more tempted by the crunching of the bones, (which I could hear most distinctly,) than inclined to pay the attention to me which, under other circumstances, he would undoubtedly have done. Having witnessed his departure with sincere pleasure, I made my way down, and, having loaded my gun£and pistols, with a brace of bullets in each barrel, set out in as good spirits as I could muster on my difficult and dangerous walk, hoping that, oould 1 reach the edge of the morass before-mentioned unmolested, I should be able, from the thinness of the wood, and the light afforded by the camp-fires, to find my way round or across it, and ultimately reach my destination. I met with no interruption further than frequently stumbling over fallen trees, falling headlong into holes, thereby occasionally nearly shooting myself, with numerous similar inconveniences on the way; besides being annoyed by a pertinacious wolf, which was continually presenting himself before or on either either side of me, gurring most viciously, and probably anxious to distract my attention from others of the species, whose glaring eyes were most distinctly visible around, and who probably intended to make an attack as soon as this object was gained. But I was up to them; and, sensing a favourable opportunity, fired at my annoying attendant, sending him and the rest of the pack away, yelling like a dozen trampled-on curs. This, however, was the last annoyance I met with on this occasion, for, within five minutes after I fired at the wolf, I was jogging leisurely along on Charles' horse, while he and a couple of Indians accompanied me on foot, listening to a brief account of the various adventures which had befallen me since Jaques and he had so unceremoniously left me. After which, Charles gave me the following account of his own mishaps, which were nearly as dangerous as mine.

"Jaques and I," said he, “kept up with each other for some time after we left you. We soon got on the trail of the hunters, (and I wish I had kept on it;) but, hearing distant reports in an almost opposite direction from that we were pursuing, 1 left Jaques, and turned off at right angles from the track, hoping thus to save a long circuitous ride; but I soon found out my error, for, coming to a very thick part of the forest, I dismounted, and led my horse through many winding paths, till I once more reached the open wood, when, to my dismay, I found I was utterly ignorant in which direction 1 had come, or how to proceed. I wandered about, amusing myself by shooting turkeys, hoping the hunters might pass within hearing of the reports; but in this 1 was grievously mistaken. However, after some time, 1 once more got on the trail, and, immediately after, came upon four Indians, who had been left by the hunters to flay the carcases of half a dozen wolves, shot out of a pack of a score or more, which had been surprised by the hunters while devouring an elk. From this party, I learned that it was useless to proceed in search of the hunters, as 1 could scarcely expect to make up with them before the night came on, when I would undoubtedly lose the tract. I therefore, guided by one of the Indians, who are never at a low, even in the most intricate parts of the forest, as to their route, set off in this direction. We had reached the opposite end of this cedar swamp, and could see the illumination from Mr C——1s watch-fires, when, by a singular went of caution on my part, I found myself unexpectedly in a situation of the greatest danger. The Indian had, by imitating the cry of a species of owl, succeeded in discovering several turkeys on their roosts. I dismounted, and, hiving tethered my horse, proceeded to bring them down one by one. I had killed three when the Indian pointed to a tree at a few yards’ distance, on which several were perched. I got my gun in readiness; and, desiring my companion to stay with the horse, I made my way as noiselessly aa possibly among the thick brash wood, and haring reached a suitable hiding-place close to the tree, I fired both barrels, and brought down two splendid turkeys, being all I could discern from my retreat. I then left my gun, without loading it again, leaning against a tree, ind proceeded towards some bushy underwood, among which both birds fell. After forcing my way through numerous obstacles, I found that, before 1 could reach the desired spot, 1 should hare to creep below a large fallen branch. I did net hesitate, but knelt down; and had got my head out on the other side, when I was startled by bearing a ferocious yell, uttered apparently close alongside. 1 looked cautiously round, and through the interstices of the leaves above me, but nothing was to be seen. Again tbe yell thrilled on my ear, seeming nearer, if possible, than before; while, at the same instant, the Indian uttered a warning-cry. I now felt that 1 was in rather a serious scrape, and heartily repented having ventured so far for the sake of two paltry turkeys. Shutting my eyes, I expected every moment to feel myself torn by the Jangi of some large and ferocious animal. Being completely under the branch and its incumbent bed of leaves, I knew I could make no attempt at defence, unless the assailant should commence operations in front, when I .could try the effect of a pistol-ball on him. Comforting myself with the latter suggestion, I was about to raise my- lf (for I had fallen flat on my face through fear) and once more look about me, when suddenly 1 felt a warm but fetid breath pass over my face, followed by the well-known gurr of a f, close to my ear. Turning my head to see the full extent of my danger, my eyes met the flaring pupila and white fangs of the animal. A few seconds passed, and it was still gazing on me, no doubt calculating the extent of the meal k would have when it commenced operations, mid, in the interim, employing the time in sharpening its teeth, and gurring hideously; another second elapsed, a gush of blood spouted from a round in its breast, and, with a deafening howl, which completely hushed the report of a rifle, fired et a little distance, it rolled over, and expired.

An Indian trapper of Mr C ’s party immediately after made his appearance; and, having managed to extricate me from my uneasy pos-hoe, told me that, having been sent out by Mr C—, along with several others, to shoot turkeys so the swamp, he had wandered about with-out discovering any game, until he fell in with grids, who acquainted him with my where kouts and occupation, and mentioned that he heard a repetition of this sound, the turkeys are kept a state of alarm that they dare not fly; so that, if I had heard the cry of a wolf in the direction I had gone; but, as he knew I was well armed, he had no fear of me. 'At this moment/ added the trapper, we both heard the cry of the animal, and simultaneously shouted to you. I then forced my way among the brushwood In search of yon; and, hearing the often-repeated growl of the animal, concluded you must be in some danger. I beat the bush all round, without seeing either you or the wolf, for some time. The moment I saw the brute, I fired; and it is well for you that the wound proved immediately mortal. 'You may well believe' concluded Charles, “I returned grateful thanks to the Indian trapper for his timely assistance; and having picked up the turkeys, we made the best of our way to the spot where I left my horse, (leaving the grim carcase of the wolf as a supper for some of his hungry companions,) and set off in this direction, determined to let nothing tempt me to more adventures until I had procured a good night’s rest/’

I, having some time before come to a similar determination, was not sorry to reach the camp soon after Charles had concluded his narration. 1 wish I could give the reader an adequate description of the scene which presented itself before us as we emerged from the ever-gloomy wood into a space bordering on the prairie, selected by Mr C—- as being the driest and most sheltered spot within several miles. The most prominent object was a huge fire, composed of several large trees, which had been hewn so as to fall across each other. The carcase of some large animal—which I afterwards heard was a moose, shot by some of the Indians while reconnoitring the woods in search of a suitable spot for a night encampment — depended by some ingenious contrivance (somewhat similar to that described in the first number of this narrative) amidst the tall column of lurid smoke and sparks which seemed to unite the brilliantly Illumined atmosphere above, with the roaring conflagration before us.

As soon as our arrival was observed, Mr C -came up and informed us that the hunting party had just before made their appearance, and finding that Charles and I had not yet arrived, were about to disperse through the woods in search of us. Fortunately they had staid to refresh themselves. Had they set out at once, they would probably have missed us, and searched all night. I went with Charles to see his horse accommodated for the night, before going with Mr C-— into a shanty which had been hurriedly erected for our reception. Charles and I found the bunters all busied with their horses. These were tied within twenty yards of the camp fire, side by side, to a rope of twisted hide, stretched between two trees, eating, apparently with great relish, a quantity of prairie grass, which had been collected during the day. Smoking heaps of wet leaves were placed at short distances behind them, to prevent their being annoyed by mosquitoes. The hunters were Ml much grieved at the fate of my beautiful horse; and one old Indian, after uttering many unintelligible lamentations, desired Jaques to tell me that, when he returned to the Fort, he would send one of the young men of his tribe with a message to his squaw, desiring her to send him his best and fleetest horse as a gift to the white stranger. I declined his offer; but presented him with my hunting knife, as an acknowledgment of his disinterested kindness.

On returning with my cousin to Mr C , we found him seated on the ground in the log-hut, anxiously waiting for our assistance in discussing a hot roast turkey, (grievously burnt on one side,) a fragment of cold roast bison hump, some biscuit, and a large flask of spirits—all which articles were stuck in various crevices of the partially decayed root of a tree, which, on the present occasion, served as a table. The hut itself consisted of three sides, composed of logs piled anyhow on each other, while the roof was nothing but a heap of the larger branches of the trees which formed the sides. At a little distance before the open side, was a smoking fire, which, together with others, completely prevented the appearance of a single musquito. But I must confess, that, when Charles and I joined Mr C , we paid more attention to the discussion of the various eatables before us, than to the nature of any other arrangements for comfort or convenience. Having fully satisfied our craving appetites, and emptied the afore-mentioned flask among us, meanwhile relating to each other all the adventures which we had had since we last met, we rolled ourselves in buffalo robes, and, lying with our feet towards the fire, soon fell fast asleep.

On awaking next morning, I found that my companions were up and out, having evidently partaken of the remains of last night's supper, some stray fragments being all I could discover as left for my breakfast. While making the most of these, Mr C entered, and congratulated me on having had such sound sleep, as my cousin and he had been very soon awakened by the noise made by the Indians and hunters, as they got jovial over their cups. Having gone out to put an end to this disturbance, they returned, and again lay down, but were soon roused by a more serious commotion, which was supposed to have had the following origin:—One of the horses had broken loose, and wandered into the woods. There he had attracted the attention of some hungry wolves, (probably lured by the widely-diffused scent of our roasting operations;) these united into one pack, and gave chase. The poor animal, seeing his danger, attempted to return to our protection, and had nearly reached the other horses, when his pursuers made up to him, and, before an Indian, who was roused by the scuffle, could give the alarm, had overcome his desperate attempt at defence, and were gorging themselves with his vitals. “We loosed the hounds immediately; and I," said Mr C-, “sent out a few Indians on foot after the brutes, with directions not to return until they had discovered your trail, and followed it to where you left your , horse-trappings. These men have just returned, with all the articles you left, but without being able to make an example of any of our pillaging neighbours."

It was now about nine o’clock, and Mr C- proposed we should rest ourselves for an hour or two, and then set about making the necessary preparations for our return to the Factory; as, however much he enjoyed an excursion like the present, he could not conscientiously be longer absent from his post. As no one openly dissented, the matter wa6 settled; and, while the hunters were feeding their horses, cleaning their guns, or sitting smoking, I went in search of Jaques, and with him strolled over the neighbouring prairie, listening to his account of the previous day’s hunt.—They had, after killing seven wolves, got on the trail of a bear, which, after a long chase, climbed into a tree, and was brought down by a round of balls. Nothing else worthy of note occurred until they reached the camp.

On returning to Mr C— we found him engaged in superintending the packing of beef, turkeys, skins, Ac., &c., and loading several of the horses with these bundles as fast as made up. The hounds were coupled, and each pair put under the charge of an Indian. These preliminary arrangements being made, the fires were put carefully out, and, having our guns and rifles in the best order, Mr C , Charles, and I, accompanied by Jaques and ten hunters, mounted our horses, and rode after those who had the pack-horses and hounds in charge, along the edge of the prairie, in search of a convenient passage through the forest. As the wood appeared very dense, we did not attempt to force our way through it, but skirted the edge till we reached the Fish River. Here we h ad good shooting at wild swans and geese, which were paddling over the surface, or nestling among the reeds at the margin of this beautiful, winding stream. The wild fowl, seemed quite unconscious of our approach, until we fired on them; and then, instead of our seeing but a few here and there, the air seemed to be filled with myriads of these birds, which had risen out of the reeds around, while the rocks and woods echoed and re-echoed their discordant screams. For some time 1 was utterly bewildered by the tumultuous confusion of tongues, accompanied by the loud whizz of so many wings in action above us. After wheeling round us at a great height for some minutes, they gradually descended; and, when they were within shot, we poured a destructive fire upon them. They again rose high in the clear air, screaming as loudly as before; but, so soon as their wounded and dead companions were perceived in the hands of the Indians, they uttered a loud, mournful cry, very different from the harsh and angry scream before uttered, and probably indicating that they understood that, where man asserts his dominion, the inferior animals must give way, and that, even in this lonely and lovely spot, they must not expect to remain undiscovered—as, with outstretched necks, and broad pinions, they soared through the Kgher regions of the atmosphere, in search of some distant and unfrequented stream or lake.

Leaving the Indians to dispose of our new booty among themselves, our party rode on before, and soon entered an open glade of the forest, when, not observing any game, we pushed on till we reached the Factory.

Everything seemed to have gone on well since veleft it The builders had made great progress, and the clearing was considerably enlarged.

In short, Mr C was so well satisfied with the amount and execution of the work, that, when the Indians made their appearance, he requested us to assist him in distributing a part of the game and beef brought home among the Sioux, together with an allowance of spirits, (plentifully diluted with water,) and ordered them to stop their labours for that day, and, while their supper was preparing, enjoy themselves with their companions. Each of the Sioux who had accompanied us was a hero in his own estimation, and told, according to Jaques interpretation, most astounding stories of the cunning and prowess with which he attacked and destroyed numerous wild animals. According to their own account, each had destroyed more game than had been obtained by the whole party collectively. None of their anxious auditor appearing to doubt, in the slightest degree, the veracity of these statements, we did not conceive it prudent or necessary to contradict them.

The sum-total of the slain being at length determined, Mr C— proposed that the red men should take their bows and arrows, and compete for a prise. All who possessed these arms were eager to take advantage of this opportunity of distinguishing themselves as marksmen; but, as a great majority appeared dissatisfied—haring left these and all their other weapons to the care of their squaws, knowing that, while employed in the formation of a fur. trading establishment on their own territory, they could have no real occasion for their use—

Hr C offered the same premium to each of lour Indians, who should, by a council of twelve of the oldest Sioux present, be considered the best dancers. As, after this last proposition was folly interpreted to all present, they seemed perfectly satisfied with it, the ground was cleared, smoothed, and tramped bard. A few logs were railed together at one end of the allotted space, an which the prize council, and a number of the binters and servants, took their station; and, why, the prizes—each a yard of scarlet blanketing—were brought out and exhibited to the admiration of all the candidates. When every.

Iking bad been arranged, Mr C gave the signal; and immediately several young men stopped out from their companions, and, placing themselves at certain distances from each other, begin the dance by leaping and clapping their beads; after which, they commenced a series of the most ludicrous capers imaginable, keeping by flourishing sticks—representing every now and then blending their deep voices with the beat of their mocoasins, on the hard, dry soil. The first set being at length tired, or, more probably, having exhausted their list of bodily contortions, rejoined their com-panions; and two other sets, of about the same number, appeared successively, and performed their antics in much the same style.

Feeling somewhat wearied with the sameness of these performances, I was making my way across the clearing towards the house, when I was overtaken by Mr C , who requested me to return for a few minutes, when 1 should have an opportunity of witnessing the celebrated Sioux war-dance. 1 immediately retraced my steps; and, on reaching my former position, found all the Indians who were to join in the next dance, (supposed to be in commemoration of a victory,) standing in small circular groups, apart from each other. In the centre of each group stood one of the half-caste hunters, representing the devoted prisoner of war. At a aignal from the prize-council, each group began its gyrations round the victim in the centre, chanting, with-out much harmony, the deeds of their warriors, and jeering the puny attempts of their opponents* warfare, alternately with making the woods re-echo the shrill war-whoop of their powerful tribe, while brandishing their imitation tomahawks within a hair-breadth of the scalp of their prisoner. In the confusion attendant on the movements of so great an assemblage of dark, skinned beings, aided by the increasing darkness —for it was now getting late—1 could not discern all the evolutions of the dancers; but saw enough to make me feel thankful that there was no probability of my falling into the hands of blood-thirsty Indians as a prisoner of war. I remained a spectator of this and another war-dance, and then left the Indians to enjoy themselves in these or any other noisy ways they pleased, while I hastened to place the log-walls of the factory between me and the deafening sound of their caterwauling chant and savage war-whoop. On entering the house, I met Mrs C , who informed me that Charles had just come in to announce to her his intention of departing next day for the coast. She had requested him to remain for a few days longer, when she would be glad to avail herself of the opportunity of returning, with her daughters, to Fort Madeline. My cousin, however, was fearful lest he had already exceeded his instructions ; and was intent on sailing across the lake towards his own post, having been absent from it nearly six weeks. Mrs C urged me to prevail on Charles to remain, at least, over another day, which would give her time to make the necessary arrangements for their return home. This, with the timely assistance of the Misses and Mr C , I managed; and it was finally agreed that we should start by day-break on the morning after next.

After disposing of this matter, I accompanied my friends and cousin to see the Indians at their supper: this was laid out, or rather cooked— for each laid out his own portion, preparatory to bolting it, in the most expeditious end deg-like manner possible—in the cleared space be-bind the factory, mentioned before, which served as a kitchen. We assisted in measuring out an allowance of grog to each individual; after which, seeing that all were as comfortable and enjoying themselves as much as present circumstances would permit, we returned to the house, and sat down to a substantial meal of elk venison, turkey, bison-hump, bear ham and tongue, &c., with a plentiful dessert of wild strawberries. The liquors as usual.

Next morning I was roused by the noise of the choppers, as they began their several tasks with renewed energies. It was barely day-light; but, feeling very wakeful, 1 got up, and, finding that none of the family had as yet left their sleeping apartments, 1 went out to superintend the logging. I think 1 mentioned before that the Sioux were under the immediate direction of twelve experienced lumberers, who had been engaged by the Hudson’s Bay Company, to fix on the situation for, and assist in the erection of several new forts and factories, including the present.

On the present occasion, I felt much surprised, as I walked leisurely among the Sioux builders, at the readiness which they* manifested in obeying the orders of their directors, and the skill and perseverance with which, notwithstanding many difficulties, they applied each tool lent them to its appropriate use, while universal good humour prevailed around. 1 could not have believed it, if I had net had this opportunity of ascertaining the fact, that the haughty Indian would be induced, by the prospect of remuneration, to lower himself, for the time being, to the station of a servant, and submit to the control of the usurping pale faces. On mentioning the subject to my kind host at breakfast, he informed me that it required the utmost caution on his part, as well as on that of the subordinate members of the establishment, to prevent the red men supposing that they were considered as servants to the whites. "If," said Mr C “we did not frequently mix with them, and endeavour, in various ways —as yon have seen since you arrived here—-to entertain them more like friends than subjects, they would, long ere this, have decamped, taking with them everything they could lay their hands on: but you see that, by a judicious mode of treatment, they can be made, for the present, very useful members of our society; and I am sure they are more willing to oblige us than a set of helps hired at enormous wages in the States or Canadas, would be.”

After breakfast, I went out in search of Jaques, intending to ask him to accompany me in a walk along the hanks of the river, when I could listen to the account he promised me of his life and adventures among Indians. I found him, with a follow-hunter, engaged in felling a magnificent oak, and remained to witness the last efforts of the doomed tree to maintain its erect position. The separation of the main trunk from the root was nearly complete; but still—with the exception of slight quiverings in the ends of the smaller boughs—it gave no indication of yielding to the ringing blows applied by the nemos arms of the half-breeds. Observing this, they shifted their point of attack, and plied the axe, with new vigour, on the opposite side. Pori few seconds, only pellets of bark were detached; but, when the axes bad reached the tougher fibres of the inner wood, every blow seemed to aeoelerate the work of destruction. Presently the groaning of the branches—as they swung heavily to and fro, followed by the loud rending of the trunk—announced to us that the last fie was dissolving t we retired a few paces, while the gigantic tree gradually inclined, and at length came to the ground with a thundering crash, causing the soil around to tremble, and the neighbouring trees to reel, and bow their lofty heads as if anticipating their own doom, and bidding farewell to their prostrate companion.

After giving place to several red-tkina—who had been directed to chop the branches off this and many equally large trees, which had been felled since daybreak, and now lay, shorn of their leafy honours, across the space so lately cleared for the dancers—Jaques accompanied me back to the house, from which, after procuring our guns and ammunition, we set out on foot, followed by the hound Vi rant. Having reached the Fish River, we proceeded along its banks, towards the spot whence the flock of wild-fowl had been soared during our previous d sport. On the way, I informed Jaques of my principal object in asking his company on the present occasion. We had passed the part of the stream alluded to without seeing a single living creature, when suddenly Jaques caught my arm and pointed to a large bird staring majestically far above our heads, like a patting mote on the dear blue dry. I could net, at the time, account for the coesasy expressed by my companion, as, with strained and unwinking eyes, he eagerly followed the flight of the bird, which, after getting considerably ahead of us, turned, and wheeling gradually downwards, hovered a few hundred feet above the stream, and then, as suddenly as if shot, darted headlong below the bank. We made all possible haste to reach the spot where it had disappeared; but, ere we had gone many yards, it rose, with a succession of harsh but exalting screams, from among the reeds, bearing wild duck in Its talons; and, skimming lightly through the air, apparently unincumbered by the site or weight of its prey, alighted on the top of a high rock, about a quarter of a mile further off. We again pushed on, keeping a strict watch on the object of our pursuit, which Jaques, in his eagerness, hardly found breath to tell me, was the black, bald-headed eagle—a aperies very rarely seen east of the Rocky Mountains, end in general so difficult to kill or capture that, among the Indians, he who has the good fortune to obtain. The head and talons, with the pinion feathers, are considered the most valuable ornaments that can be warn in the head-dress of a chief, and are frequently handed down as heir-looms from father to son. Jaques had several times met with these birds in the course of his peregrinations; bat had never, as yet, had the good fortune to shoot one.

As we approached the hitherto untrodden situation, chosen by our magnificent quarry to discus his prey, we had to pass over a small hillock; sod, while on the top of it, notwithstanding tapes' fears lest I should scare the eagle, I could not resist the temptation to remain, for a few moments, a spectator of its movements. We were now not more than a hundred and fifty yards from it; but it did not appear to have observed oar approach. The whole surrounding scene, as I hastily glanced over it, was exquisitely lovely: but the rock, on the summit of which the noble bird stood—shrieking, and flapping his immense wings, while his powerful beak and talons were buried in the flesh of his victim—attracted my especial attention. In the distance, it appeared like a colossal figure of a Syren, lothed in sea-green drapery, and presiding over the beautifully clear and sparkling water that, with an unceasing and sweetly harmonious fugle, laved its fish-like extremity. But, hark! what's that? The report of a rifle. The sound reverberated from rock to rock, until caught up by and returned, in deeper notes, from the mighty forest. The eagle rose heavily from his prey, by powerful efforts, flew a few yards, while large drops of blood pattered thickly on the surface of the water; then, tumbling over in the air, the feathered monarch M dead on the opposite bank, while the dying echoes of the report still sounded In my ears like deep moans from the inmost recesses of the cods. While I had been gasing en the beauties of unassisted Nature displayed around, Jaques had crept softly along the hank, until within ainsty yards of the game, when, finding a suitable resting-place for his rifle, he had taken his marring aim, and fired with deadly effset. Immediately after observing the fall of the bird, he leaped into the water, swam across, and, ere I kilt my poet of observation, returned, and hag Us weighty prise at my feet. We sat dawn together on a large stone—almost buried by the long prairie grace which grew luxuriantly on both sides of the river—and, while Jaques expatiated on an Indian superstition with regard to the origin of the race of black bald eagles, (which I have unfortunately allowed to escape my memory,) I took out my note-book and pencil, and prepared to write in short-hand the autobiography of my companion, when, to my amasement, he suddenly stopped his narration, and, uttering a scream of horror, leaped off the stone, and seized his rifle. Although perfectly bewildered by the suddenness of this extraordinary movement, and without the smallest conjecture as to the occasion, yet, perceiving that danger was to be apprehended close at hand, I instantaneously grasped my gun, and followed the hasty steps of the hunter. When we had gone about five and twenty yards, Jaques stopped, and pointed to the seat we had just left. A large rattlesnake was coiling itself on the top of the stone, while two others were proceeding to examine the dead eagle, and the head of a fourth protruded from a hole under the stone—we had, in faot, been seated over a nest of these reptiles. Our danger was not, however, very great. The quick-eared half-breed had detected the rattling sound which, by a wise provision of the Creator, they are compelled to make when advancing to the attack; and, on looking downwards, he perceived two large snakes winding through the long grass behind him. I cannot, however, account for his excessive fear at the sight of these creatures, (as they are as frequently met with as almost any other species in North America,) bat by supposing that he inherited from his mother, or derived during his long residence among the Indians, the superstitious dread—almost amounting to horror regarding this species of serpent as the embodied appearance ef the bad spirit—with which many tribes of red men are impregnated. Bat, whether this was the case, or whether Jaques really was (what be afterwards professed himself to hare been) afraid lest the serpents should try the much disputed power of fascination upon him or not, 1 cannot say ; but he quickly recovered from his alarm, and joined me in firing at them, which obliged them to retire to their hole, while we picked up the dead eagle, which, to my companion's delight, was uninjured. We then proceeded in search of a safer spot to rest on. Of our success, and Jaques' promised narration, I shall give an account on a future occasion.