104 TRANSACTIONS OF TUE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [VoL. IV. 



set by our Carriers. The method is identical with the preceding, save 

 that a switch forming a semi-circle is substituted for the stake to 

 which the movable cross-piece is temporarily fastened. Of course this 

 necessitates a change in the position of the latter which in this case is 

 laid horizontally over the apex of the hoop. 



The strings of the cariboo and bear snares are made of moose or 

 cariboo skin strands, generally four in number. As a protection against 

 moisture or any other deteriorating agent, they are in most cases wrapped 

 with thin strips of willow bark. Hempen twine such as is for sale at 

 any H. B. Co. fort nowadays serv^es against any species of minor game. 



Before leaving this subject, it may not be amiss to mention that even 

 waterfowl were formerly sought after by means of snaring devices. 

 Ducks and grebes were then the coveted game. The snares consisted in 

 a noose cord of vegetable fibre attached to a stick firmly driven in the 

 bottom of the piece of water, more generally in such shallow places as 

 the fowl ordinarily frequent when feeding. 



Waterfowl of any larger species such as geese and swans, especially 

 the latter, are said to have been secured in olden times, by an ingenious 

 stratagem which cannot be better described than by relating the follow- 

 ing fragment of the Carriers' national legend wherein the famous hero 

 3stas plays such a wonderful role. 



" In the course of his travellings, jjstas came upon a family consisting 

 of the father, two sons and a daughter. One day, the old man sent his 

 sons to try their chances at catching swans in his hereditary fishing- 

 place. The young men, who had already heard of gstas' wonderful 

 deeds, said to him : ' Cousin, we always lose our time in our attempts at 

 catching swans. Our father wants some to make for himself a head- 

 dress and a breast blanket * for the winter. People say that you 

 generally succeed in any enterprise you undertake. Come then, and 

 help us.' 3stas readily consented, and went out with them. 



" When they had reached the family fishing grounds, they perceived 

 eight swans lazily gliding on the water. ' Have not you taken a rope 

 along with you?' asked gstas. Upon which they pointed to a long rope 

 which had been left there for future use in a similar emergency. 



" Presently gstas donned a head-dress made of the head and neck of 

 a swan, and, taking the rope with him, swam slowly towards the swans 

 imitating in every point their movements. Then he deftly tied the feet 



* See the cliapter on Dress and Personal adornment. 



