246 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
happy hours they had formerly spent there, in the 
society of the affectionate relatives whom the 
sickness had recently carried off. The change of 
situation, however, had not the effect of relieving 
them from sorrowful impressions, and they occa- 
sionally indulged in very loud lamentations, as 
they sat in groups, within and without their tents. 
Unfortunately, the. spreading of a severe dysen- 
tery amongst them, at this time, gave occasion 
for the renewal of their grief. The medicinal 
charms of drumming and singing were plentifully 
applied, and once they had recourse to conjuring 
over a sick person. I was informed, however; 
that the Northern Indians do not try this ex- 
pedient for the cure of a patient. so often as the 
Crees ; but when they do, the conjuror is most 
assiduous, and suffers great personal. fatigue: 
Particular persons only, are trained in the mys 
teries of the art of conjuring; to procure the te- 
covery of the sick, or to disclose future events: 
On extraordinary occasions the man remains 
in his narrow conjuring tent, for, days: withou 
eating, before he can determine the matter to his 
satisfaction. When he is consulted about the 
sick, the patient is shut up with him; but om 
other occasions he is alone, and the poor creature 
often works his mind up toa pitch of illusion that — 
can scarcely be imagined by one who has not 
