Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II LIFE AT A TRADING POST ON HUDSON'S BAY Orders to set out for York Factory--Packet Indians--Leave Churchill--West shore of Hudson's Bay--Meet several Polar Bears--Indian superstitions regarding Polar Bears-- Cross Nelson River and arrive at York Factory--Great Marsh--Shooting wild Geese--Southward migration of Geese --Orders of the Manito--Cranes and Bitterns--Life at York Factory--Ship arrives and leaves--Winter sets in-- Hunting parties--Depart for Factory--Unwelcome visitor-- His death--Wrath of Indian Woman--Polar Bear in a trap--Speckled Trout--Hares--White grouse or ptarmigan --Feeding ground--Netting grouse--Feathers of grouse-- Pine Grouse--Pheasants--Snow Bunting--Tomtit--Cross beak -- Whiskeyjack -- Raven--White Fox -- Hawks and Foxes--Snow blindness. EARLY in September the annual Ship arrived, and orders were sent for me to proceed directly to York Factory, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles to the southward.1 The Hudson's Bay Company had established a very useful line of communication between their several Factories by means of what were called, Packet Indians, these were each of two Indian men, who left each Factor)' with letters to arrive at the next Factory about the expected time of the arrival of the Ship at such Factory, and thus the safe arrival of these annual Ships, and the state of the Factories 1 Thompson was at this time fifteen years of age. became known to each other, and assistance was given where required. The Boat from Churchill Factory crossed the River with the two Packet Indians and myself to Cape Churchill, and landed us without any Provisions, and only one blanket to cover me at night; for we had to carry everything: it was a very fine day; but unfortunately a gallon of very strong Grog...
