OF THE POLAR SEA. 



289 



of nautics to the ingenuity of the squirrel. The Copper Indians 

 consider the bear, otter, and other animals of prey, or rather some 

 kind of spirits which assume the forms of these creatures, as their 

 constant enemies, and the cause of every misfortune which attends 

 them ; and in seasons of difficulty or sickness they alternately de- 

 precate and abuse them. 



Few of this nation have more than one wife at a time, and none 

 but the leaders have more than two. Akaitcho has three, and the 

 mother of his only son is the favourite. They frequently marry two 

 sisters, and there is no prohibition to the intermarriage of cou- 

 sins, but a man is restricted from marrying his niece. 



The last war excursion they made against the Esquimaux was 

 about ten years ago, when they destroyed about thirty persons, at 

 the mouth of what they term Stoney-Point Kiver, not far from the 

 mouth of the Copper-Mine Eiver. They now seem desirous of 

 being on friendly terms with that persecuted nation, and hope, 

 through our means, to establish a lucrative commerce with them . 

 Indeed, the Copper Indians are sensible of the advantages that 

 would accrue to them, were they made the carriers of goods between 

 the traders and Esquimaux. 



At the time of Hearne's visit, the Copper Indians being un- 

 supplied with fire-arms, were oppressed by the Chipewyans; but 

 even that traveller had occasion to praise their kindness of heart. 

 Since they have received arms from the traders, the Chipewyans are 

 fearful of venturing upon their lands ; and all of that nation, who 

 frequent the shores of Great Slave Lake, hold the name of 

 Akaitcho in great respect. The Chipewyans have no leader of equal 

 authority amongst themselves. 



The number of the Copper Indians may be one hundred and 



ninety souls, viz., eighty men and boys, and one hundred and ten 



women and young children. There are forty-five hunters in the 



2 p 



