Adventure and adventurers > Hudson Bay, or, Everyday life in the wilds of North America

BACHELORS’ HALL.
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Bitterns are also found in the marshes; and some¬
times, though rarely, a solitary crane finds its way to
the coast. In the woods, and among the dry places
around, there are a few gray grouse and wood partridges,
a great many hawks, and owls of all sizes—from the
gigantic white owl, which measures five feet across the
back and wings, to the small gray owl, not much bigger
than a man’s hand.
In winter the woods and frozen swamps are filled
with ptarmigan,—or, as they are called by the trappers,
white partridges. They are not very palatable; but,
nevertheless, they form a pretty constant dish at the
winter mess-table of York Factory, and afford excellent
sport to the inhabitants. There are also great varieties
of small birds, among which the most interesting are
the snow-birds, or snow-flakes, which pay the country
a flying visit at the commencement and termination of
winter.
Such is York Fort, the great depot and gate to the
wild regions surrounding Hudson Bay. Having de¬
scribed its appearance and general characteristics, I
shall proceed to introduce the reader to my future com¬
panions, and describe our amusements and sports among
the marshes.
bachelors’ hall.
On the of June 1843, I landed the second time
on the wharf of York Fort, and betook myself to
Bachelors’ Hall, where Mr. Grave, whom I met by the
way, told me to take up my quarters. As I approached
the door of the well-remembered house, the most tre¬
mendous uproar that ever was heard proceeded from