OF THE POLAR SEA. 171 
see a buffalo pound, both of them situated about 
six miles from the house; we found seven tents 
pitched within a small cluster of pines, which 
adjoined the pound. The largest, which we 
entered, belonged to the Chief, who was absent, 
but came in directly on being informed of our 
arrival. The old man (about sixty) welcomed 
us with a hearty shake of the hand, and 
the customary salutation of “ What cheer?” an ’ 
expression which they have gained from the 
traders. As we had been expected, they had 
caused the tent to be neatly arranged, fresh grass 
was spread on the ground, buffalo robes were 
placed on the side opposite the door for us to sit 
on, and a kettle was on the fire to boil meat 
for us. 
After a few minutes’ conversation, an invitation 
was given to the Chief and his hunters to smoke 
the calumet with us, as a token of our friendship: 
this was loudly announced through the camp, 
and ten men from the other tents immediately 
joined our party. On their entrance the women 
and children, whose presence on such occasions 
is contrary to etiquette, withdrew. The calumet 
having been prepared and lighted by Mr. Pru- 
dens’s clerk, was Pp ented to the Chief, who, on 
receiving it, performed the following ceremony 
before he commenced smoking :—He first pointed 
