164 EXPEDITION TO THE 



with all, who would use the same precautions which were 

 applied in that case. 



Bruce states that a magician once chewed certain roots 

 in his presence, and that his breath appeared to be on fire : 

 it seemed as if he exhaled flames. Another one smoked 

 through a pipe, the stem of which was made luminous every 

 time he drew his breath, and instead of smoke, it was 

 flame which issued from his mouth. Others take up red 

 hot stones with their hands, apparently withoyt any in- 

 jury ; they introduce ignited coals into their mouth like- 

 wise without any pain ; in such cases they protect their 

 mouth and hands with certain compositions, which they 

 keep secret. As we witnessed no exhibition of this kind, 

 we shall attempt no explanation of their tricks, but merely 

 add, that the number of persons whom we met with, some 

 of whom were well informed, and who all attest having 

 seen these tricks, prove that the Chippewas have, among 

 them, some men well skilled in jugglery. 



Poisons are frequently administered by Chippewas to 

 those whom they consider as enemies ; these are all of a 

 vegetable nature, and are introduced into their meat or 

 drink. 



Insanity is not common among them ; it is sometimes 

 affected with a view to succeed in obtaining objects which 

 are at first refused. We heard of two instances, which may 

 serve to show how far an Indian will maintain a deception, 

 if he thinks he may carry his point by it. A Chippewa, 

 named Og^miiis, who resided near Dog Lake, was mar- 

 ried to a woman called D^moya, but had conceived an af- 

 fection for her sister named O'koj, who lived in the same 

 cabin ; the latter having refused his ofier to take her as a 

 second wife, he affected insanity. His ravings were ter- 

 rible ; nothing could appease him but her presence : the 



