86 G. M. DAWSON ON THE KWAKIOOL 



aloug the path in single file killed all bnt one, with a single arrow. The solitary indi- 

 vidual who escaped related that the sorcerer, or medicine man, lived in a house built on 

 piles, in the middle of the lake, which piles or posts, Ow-ît averred, can still be seen. 



In the same little bay at Cape Scott, in which the foot-print of Kan-C-a-ke-luh is 

 shewn, there are a couple of granite boulders to which superstition attaches. One of 

 these is said to represent a man, and is named Kuk-ush-nook, the second represents a 

 woman. Its name I did not learn, and at the time of my visit it was buried up under 

 drift-wood carried in by some storm and could not be seen. The first has two cup-like 

 hollows, about a foot apart, and a strong imagination may indicate other parts of a face, 

 these being the eyes. I was unable to determine whether these hollows are artificial or 

 accidental. The Indians place a handful of gravel or sand in one or the other, according 

 to the direction from which they wish the wind to blow. It is further related of the 

 vicinity of Cape Scott that there was formerly a hole in the rock whence blood spurted 

 up at times, which was considered very terrifying and supernatural. This was long ago 

 closed by a plank of wood and buried up. 



The existence of bad or maliguant streams has already been mentioned. Those con- 

 sidered to be of this character are very numerous, but no explanation of the cause of their 

 evil reputation was obtained, except that some of them were said to be the resort of 

 the double-headed serpent, subsequently mentioned. 



Of a large lake, not shewn on the charts, which exists behind Actœon Sound (north 

 part of Queen Charlotte Sound), the Indians say that the water is inhabited by some 

 strange beings, who, while they are asleep, untie their canoes and set them adrift. Wash- 

 ing in the water of this lake is said not only to cure diseased eyes, but also to remove 

 wrinkles and signs of age. 



With regard to sneezing, it is held that, if the irritation causing this act arises on the 

 right side, it is lucky, the reverse being unlucky. 



Tsê-a-kïsh, a maliguant creature, fabled to live under water and destroy canoes, has 

 already been mentioned in connection with the story of Kan-ë-a-ke-luh. The double- 

 headed serpent, sl-sl-oofl, evidently plays an important part in the myths of these people. 

 It is represented as with a cylindrical body, terminating at each end in a serpent's head, 

 and with the appearance of a human face in the middle. It is said to be often quite 

 small, and at times to be found in the sea, but at will can increase to an immense size. 

 To see this creature is most unlucky, and may even cause death. Kan-C-a-ke-luh's brother 

 once saw it, and in consequence his head was twisted to one side. To possess a piece of 

 the serpent, on the contrary, brings good luck and good fortune in fishing and hunting. 



The belief in the " thunder-bird " being the most prevalent and unchanging myth of 

 the west coast tribes, is naturally not wanting among the Kwakiool. Lightning is caused 

 by the twinkling of its eye, and thunder by the flapping of its wings. Mr. Hall informs 

 me that, under the name of Kwunûsïla, it is regarded as the special protector of the Nîm'- 

 kish. "It is said to have made its appearance when the first house was being built at 

 the village on the river. A large stone in front of the village is named after it, ' the 

 place where KwunusTla alighted.' 'What are you doing,' he said. The chief of the 

 GrTgilkum was trying to raise the log which supports the roof of all their houses. He saw 

 they were unable to lift it, and said in answer to their appeal for help : ' This is why I 

 have come from above.' He then seized the immense log M'ith his claws and placed it 



