SOURCE OP ST. Peter's river. 175 



which distinguishes the Menomones from other Indians, 

 results from a general admixture of European blood. 

 But we have been assured, that even when of pure Indian 

 extraction, they are of a lighter colour than their neighbours, 

 and are therefore often called the White Indians. Whether 

 they be descendants of the Algonquins, or of a different 

 race of men, is a question of much importance, and which 

 perhaps may yet be resolved by those, whose opportunities 

 of obtaining information, on that subject, are greater than 

 ours were. If they be sprung from a different race of men, 

 it may still be questioned whether they settled here, previ- 

 ously or subsequently to the Algonquin tribes. Charle- 

 voix says that they were not populous in his time. " This is 

 to be regretted," he adds, " for they are very fine men, and 

 the best shaped of all Canada; they are even taller than the 

 Pouteouatamis. I am assured that they have the same origin 

 and nearly the same language as the Noquets and Saulteurs, 

 (Leapers ;)* but they add, that they have also a particular 

 language, which they keep to themselves^] The Meno- 

 mones at present reside principally on the west shore of 

 Lake Michigan north of the Milwacke, in the vicinity of 

 Greenbay, and on the head waters of Fox river, (of Green- 

 bay,) of Menomone river, &c. Their personal appearance 

 is very favourable, and indicative of more neatness, and of a 

 greater taste for ornament, than that of any other of our 

 north-western Indians. Their mode of preparing belts, 

 garters, sheaths for knives, moccasins, &c. and of ornament- 

 ing them with beads, and with the coloured quills of por- 

 cupines, evinces much taste, and this of the best kind. 

 It does not appear that with them the mere combination of 

 many gaudy colours constitutes beauty ; but this is made to 



• Chippewas. }■ Journal Historique, Letter 19th. 



