as we could
scrape a sufficient quantity of ashes from the fire we made a ley, with
which we kept them moist, the effect being to render them soft and
pliable.

Before morning the fire had got to a considerable distance, but we could
still see a thin line of flame extending from north to south. After
all, I believe that it was not so destructive as we had supposed. At
the same time, such fires constantly occurring on the prairies render
them arid and sterile and prevent the growth of forest trees. Were any
means taken to put a stop to their occurrence, willows and other trees
would soon sprout up, and the prairies would be converted into humid
tracts in which vegetable matter would accumulate, and a soil be formed
adapted to promote the growth of fine trees.

We were tempted to remain an hour or two after sunrise, for the sake of
making progress with the dressing of our deerskins, and also to dry some
more venison, as it was very evident that it would not keep fresh wetted
as it had been, with the sun beating down upon it, though covered up by
the skins.

"We have plenty to eat and plenty to drink," observed Martin, as we were
paddling along; "but I should very much like a variety, and unless we
can get it I am afraid that we shall be attacked by scurvy, or fall ill
in some other way."

"To be sure, it will take us some time to drink up the water of the
river, but I don't know that the venison will hold out quite as long,"
said Robin. "We might find some berries and roots if we were to search
for them in any of the woods we may come to, or perhaps we might shoot
some birds or catch some fish. I should like some fish amazingly. We
have materials for lines, but I have not had time yet to manufacture
some hooks, as I intended. If some of you like to search for berries
and roots, or to shoot any birds you may meet, I'll undertake to stay by
the canoe and work away at the hooks."

"But if we delay, we shall not get to Fort Ross before the winter sets
in," remarked Alick.

"But it will be better to be delayed than to fall sick from want of
wholesome food," observed Martin. "I have an extraordinary longing for
vegetable diet, and would give anything just now for a dish of greens,
or mashed potatoes, or strawberries and cream."

While this conversation was going on, we came to the mouth of a pretty
large stream, the banks of which were covered with wood of considerable
growth, while here and there grassy spots