1892-93.] NOTES ON THE WESTERN Dl^NES. 161 



wild hemp called Jnvon3j a in Carrier. The plants were carefully dried 

 in the house, crushed with the hands, and their fibres extracted b>r 

 pulling up with the right from the left hand, pressing the stalks down 

 on the ground. The shreds were then spun by twisting on the thigh. 

 Naturally this was the work of the women. Nowadays fine Holland 

 twine is used instead. 



Though the skin of the beaver is occasionally used to make beaver-nets 

 — as is the case when the animal is found so decomposed that its fur has 

 lost its value — yet such nets are generally of cariboo skin cut in fine 

 strips called " babiche " in the parlance of such Indians as parade an 

 acquaintance with the dialect of the H. B. Go's, employees. 



Such is also the material of the fpij-3iikez* or packing bag of fig. 1 54.. 

 This is to the men what the moose skin wallet (fig. 135) is to the women. 

 It serves to carry to short distances light burdens such as a lunch, peltries 

 to the trading post, provisions for an unimportant journey, etc. It is also 

 very commonly used as a game-bag. The above figure represents the 

 t'lui-an'kez' such as is still made among the Tse'kehne, and as it was 

 originally among the Carriers. But of late years the latter, having 

 learned from their missionaries to have a greater regard for the physical 

 weakness of the gentler sex and to do themselves at least a part of the 

 packing, use it for heavier burdens than those for which it was originally 

 intended. This has rendered the rounded cord through which it is 

 carried uncomfortable. It is now replaced by a regular leather thong, 

 which also runs round the rim of the bag. 



* Tjuj means " rope,". and the desinence of the compound word 'kez, which implies " direction,, 

 tendency " towards a place, is common to all packing devices. 



