When evening approached we all assembled in a huge shanty, which had been built under the shelter of the thick bush.  Round it were arranged rows of bunks, with the cooking-stove in the centre, which was kept burning at all hours, and served thoroughly to warm our abode.  On each side of the stove were tables, with benches round them.  Here we took our meals; which, although sufficient, were not too delicate,--salt pork being the chief dish.  Rough as were the men, too, they were tolerably well-behaved; but quarrels occasionally took place, as might have been expected among such a motley crowd.