OF THE POLAR SEA. 



105 



possess. This bag is neatly ornamented with porcupine quills. 

 Thus equipped, the Stone Indian bears himself with an air of 



perfect independence. 



The only articles of European commerce they require in exchange 

 for the meat they furnish to the trading post, are tobacco, knives, 

 ammunition, and spirits, and occasionally some beads, but more 

 frequently buttons, which they string in their hair as ornaments. 

 A successful hunter will probably have two or three dozen of them 

 hanging at equal distances on locks of hair, from each side of the fore- 

 head. At the end of these small coral bells are sometimes attached, 

 which tingle at every motion of the head; a noise which seems 

 greatly to delight the wearer ; sometimes a string of them is bound 

 round the head like a tiara ; and a bunch of feathers gracefully 

 crowns the head. 



The Stone Indians steal whatever they can, particularly horses ; 

 these animals they maintain are common property, sent by the 

 Almighty for the general use of man, and therefore may be taken 

 wherever met with ; still they admit of the right of the owners to 

 watch them, and to prevent theft if possible. This avowed disposi- 

 tion on their part calls forth the strictest vigilance at * the different 

 posts ; notwithstanding which the most daring attacks are often suc- 

 cessfully made, sometimes on parties of three or four, but oftener 

 on individuals. About two years ago a band of them had the auda- 

 city to attempt to take away some horses which were grazing before 

 the gate of the N.W. Company's fort ; and, after braving the fire 

 from the few people then at the establishment through the whole 

 day, and returning their shots occasionally, they actually succeeded 

 in their enterprise. One man was killed on each side. They usually 

 strip defenceless persons whom they meet of all their garments, but 

 particularly of those which have buttons, and leave them to travel 

 home in that state, however severe the weather. If resistance is 



expected, they not unfrequently murder before they attempt to rob. 



p 



