﻿408 KUTCIIIN. 



to by his fellow-countrymen, and his advice sought. 

 This is the origin of Toyonliood^ or chieftainship. 

 Though tlie power of the petty chief does not 

 depend on descent, it frequently passes to his heir ; 

 but submission to him is conditional, and any one 

 may attach himself to another leader. 



If a man be murdered or injured by one of his 

 own clan, the nearest relative revenges it without 

 seeking aid ; but if the injury be perpetrated by 

 one of another clan, the allied families are called 

 tosrether to consult on the defence of their honour. 

 The feud that ensues is sometimes bloody, but 

 seldom of long duration, and any prisoners that 

 are taken are set free for a ransom, or retained as 

 slaves. Before the Russians came, all the tribes 

 were at war with the Kadyakers and others of the 

 Eskimo nation, who on that account received from 

 the Kenaiyer the denomination of Ultsehna, or 

 Ultsehagaj " slaves." 



One who dies is mourned by his whole clan. 

 The mourners assemble in the dwelling of the 

 nearest kinsman, sit round the fire, and howl. 

 The master of the house, dressed in his best gar- 

 ments, leads the lamentation, having his face black- 

 ened, an eagle's feather in his nose, and a cap of 

 eagle feathers on his head. Ringing a bell which 

 he holds in each hand, he raises the voice of 

 mourning, making at the same time violent con- 



