258 ROOT BASKETS WATERTIGHT. 



of standard similar to our regimental colours. It 

 belongs to the tribe, not to the chief, and is kept 

 by the ' medicine-men ' or doctors, rain-makers, 

 and scoundrels in general. 



Not the least curious of the Coast Indian cus- 

 toms is that of masking. Imitations of the most 

 hideous monsters conceivable are carved for 

 masks from cedar- wood, and by a clumsy arrange- 

 ment of strings these masks are made to roll the 

 eyes, and open and shut the mouth. They use 

 them when dancing, the only music a kind of 

 drum or tambourine, hung round with the beaks 

 of the sea-parrot, which rattle as the instrument 

 is shaken and beat. Some cover their heads 

 with swans-down, and as they bow to their 

 partner, small portions fly off and settle on him ; 

 and this sending the down upon the opposite 

 dancer is considered the great skill of the per- 

 formance. 



The Bella-hoo-la Indians, a tribe that resides 

 on the banks of the Salmon river, make very 

 beautiful baskets from the fine roots of the cedar; 

 they also make hats and watertight vessels from 

 the same material. The baskets are called Zei- 

 lus-qua. 



The Indian cradle (Spat-zun) is made from cedar. 

 Immediately after birth, the infant is subjected 



