Page:The Red Man and the White Man in North America.djvu/191

Rh at the toe, and running back with elliptical sides to a square in the rear. The frame was slight but strong, of some well-seasoned wood, like the handles of a large basket. A network of sinewy thongs was united with the frame, for bearing on the snow without heavy pressure, releasing the snow as the foot was lifted. It was confined to the foot behind by a cord tied over the instep, so that the heel could readily act freely in rising and resting. A small loop near the point of the shoe received the toes, and retained the shoe on the foot. Of course the whole pressure of the weight of the body came upon the front of the foot and over the line of junction of the toes. The more rapidly the wearer walked or ran, the easier was it for him to bear this light burden, and the less did he sink into the drift. When the snow-surface was glazed by ice, the simple moccason was preferable as a covering, and the snow-shoes were carried upon the back. Only practice could give facility and comfort in the use of this native invention for travel, without which a struggling wanderer would often sink to his neck at every attempt to step forward. The Indian would go like a deer when thus shod. But piteous are the entries in the journals of many white adventurers when in the company of savages on the route; the alternative was before them either of giving over in the tramp, or suffering sharply till they had “caught the hang” of the snow-shoe. Chilblains were but the slightest part of the infliction. The constant friction of the tie over the instep and of the loop over the toes galled the flesh, and the oozing and freezing blood were sorry concomitants for the traveller. Glad was he when the stint appointed for the day's journey was ended, and resting in the camp, though roofless and with a cordon of snow, he could soothe and dress his stinging extremities. Yet even then he had to contemplate a renewal of his journey before the morrow's daylight, with the increase of his sufferings. The Indian