T H E P A C I F I C O C E A N. 381 



their fea-otter flxins ; which would certainly have been feen, 1778. 

 fome time or other, about Hudfon's Bay. But, as far as I 

 know, that is not the cafe ; and the only method of account- 

 ing for this, muft be by taking into confideration the very 

 great diftance ; which, though it might not prevent Euro- 

 pean goods coming fo far, as being fo uncommon, might 

 prevent the fkins, which are a common article, from pall^ 

 ing through more than two or three different tribes, who 

 might ufe them for their own clothing ; and fend others, 

 which they efteemed lefs valuable, as being of their own 

 animals, Eaflward, till they reach the traders from Europe. 



CHAP. 



