20 SiMITirSOXrAN MISCI-:i,LANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL.56 



enemy. In experiments of this nature a medicine-man uses for a 

 fetich two pebbles, a few inches in diameter, with natural holes in 

 them, tied to the ends of a string about a foot long, made of caribou- 

 skin wound with porcupine quills. In demonstrating the use of the 

 pebbles, the magician pointed to an imaginary enemy in the dis- 

 tance and, assuming an attitude of forward charge, his countenance 

 showing fierceness and his eyes the glassy, vacant stare of the mys- 

 tic, he suspended the pebbles by the middle of the string, swung them 

 forward three times, blew on them a pufif of breath, and with full 

 strength threw them toward the enemy. Immediately relaxing, with 

 a smile of satisfaction, he said, "They run." 



INFLUKNCli OF CIVILIZATION 



There is an Episcopal mission at the village which most of the 

 natives attend faithfully. It is their principal form of diversion 

 from lying about in their squalid cabins. Strange as it may seem, 

 the most stupid ones and those who cannot speak English make the 

 better church-goers, while those who are more intelligent and can 

 talk English associate with and come under the influence of the 

 saloon loafers. Accordingly, the few crimes I have known to be 

 committed by the natives were by the most intelligent members of 

 tlie community. Even the bad Indians go to church, though they 

 are hypocritical. I have seen a native take communion, get medicine 

 from the hospital as a destitute, and a few days later ofifer a white 

 man five dollars to get him some whiskey. 



These people have learned to be charity-seekers and the church, 

 it seems to me, maintains a weak influence over them by doling 

 out charity. This is undesirable, for charity is not necessary, since 

 there is opportunity for them to be self-supporting provided they 

 are properly taught occupations and to despise instead of to seek 

 assistance. 



In view of these conditions, a Government official should be ap- 

 pointed or detailed to teach the natives agriculture, to act as a health 

 officer and to compel them to live in a sanitary manner, to supervise 

 the care of the sick, to establish a commissary where they may buy 

 at moderate prices, to act as police, and to make further recommen- 

 dations for their benefit. 



