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(pp. 97) At the place of our encampment we could scarcely find sufficient
pine branches to floor "the hut", as the Orkney men term the place
where travellers rest. Its preparation, however, consists only in clearing
away the snow to the ground, and covering that space with pine branches,
over which the party spread their blankets and cots, and sleep in warmth
and comfort, by keeping a good fire at their feet, without any other canopy
than the heaven, even though the thermometer should be far below zero.
The arrival at the place of encampment gives immediate occupation to every one of the party; and it is not until the sleeping place has been arranged, and a sufficiency of wood collected as fuel for the night, that the fire is allowed to be kindled. The dogs alone remain inactive during this busy scene, being kept harnessed to their burdens until the men have leisure to unstow the sledges, and hang upon the trees every species of provision out of the reach of these rapacious animals. We had ample experience, before morning, of the necessity of this precaution, as they contrived to steal a considerable part of our stores, almost from underneath Hepburn's head, notwithstanding their having been well fed at supper.. |
