Pioneer Journals 1820-4 91 



but as a deed of mercy. This shocking custom, 

 however, is seldom heard of among the Indians 

 of this neighbourhood; but is said to prevail with 

 the Chipewyan or Northern Indians, who are no 

 sooner burdened with their relations, broken with 

 years and infirmities, and incapable of following 

 the camp, than they leave them to their fate. 

 Instead of repining they are reconciled to this 

 dreadful termination of their existence, from the 

 known custom of their nation, and being con 

 scious that they can no longer endure the various 

 distresses and fatigue of savage life, or assist 

 in hunting for provisions. A little meat, with an 

 axe, and a small portion of tobacco, are generally 

 left with them by their nearest relations, who in 

 taking leave of them, say, that it is time for them 

 to go into the other world, which they suppose 

 lies just beyond the spot where the sun goes down, 

 where they w r ill be better taken care of than with 

 them, and then they walk away weeping. On the 

 banks of the Saskashawan, an aged woman pre 

 vailed on her son to shoot her through the head, 

 instead of adopting this sad extremity. She 

 addressed him in a most pathetic manner, remind 

 ing him of the care and toil with which she bore 

 him on her back from camp to camp in his in 

 fancy; with what incessant labour she brought 

 him up till he could use the bow and the gun; 

 and having seen him a great warrior, she requested 

 that he would show her kindness, and give a 

 proof of his courage, in shooting her, that she 

 might go home to her relations. I have seen 



