PREFACE. IN the "Boy Hunters" the Author endeavored to illustrate the fauna of the temperate zone of the American Continent. In doing this, however, many animals, and particularly that interesting class known as the "fur-bearing animals," could not be introduced without "bringing the mountain to Mahomet." To avoid this, the "Boy Hunters"-under the name of the "Young Voyageurs"-have made a grand journey through the "fur-countries," where, as will be seen, they have met with nearly all the wild creatures that inhabit that cold and desolate region. The Author begs leave here to repeat that he is "not conscious of having taken any liberty, for the sake of effect, with the laws of nature-with its fauna or its flora. Neither plant nor tree, bird nor mammal, has been pressed into service beyond the limits of its geographical range; although, in illustrating the habits or history of God's wild creatures, he has often selected only their more peculiar characteristics." If the "Young Voyageurs" receive only as much applause in their new character, as they did in that of the "Boy Hunters," the Author will have no reason to complain of his "boy public." LONDON, November, 1853. THE YOUNG VOYAGEURS. CHAPTER I. THE FUR COUNTRIES. BOY READER, you have heard of the Hudson's Bay Company? Ten to one, you have worn a piece of fur, which it has provided for you; if not, your pretty little sister has - in her muff, or her boa, or as a trimming for her winter dress. Would you like to know something of the country whence come these furs? of the animals whose backs have been stripped to obtain them? As I feel certain that you and I are old friends, I make bold to answer for you, Yes. Come, then! let us journey together to the "Fur Countries;" let us cross them from south to north. A vast journey it will be. It will cost us many thousand miles of travel. We shall find neither railway train, nor steamboat, nor stage coach, to carry us on our way. We shall not even have the help of a horse. For us no hotel shall spread its luxurious board; no road-side inn shall hang out its inviting sign and "clean beds;" no roof of any kind shall (9) |