Pacific Coast and Islands 175 



Archdeacon Collison describes his first view Haida Fleet 

 of a Haida fleet. &quot;In the month of June, for the 1874 

 first time, I witnessed a Haida fleet approaching 

 the shores of the mainland from the ocean, and it 

 left an impression on my mind not yet effaced. 

 It consisted of some forty large canoes, each with 

 two snow white sails spread like immense birds 

 or butterflies, with white wings outspread, 

 flying shore wards. Before a fresh westerly 

 breeze they glided swiftly onward over the rolling 

 waves, which appeared to chase each other in 

 sport as they reflected the gleams of the sum 

 mer s sun. These were the northern Haidas, who 

 were famed for their fine war canoes. They have 

 always been the canoe builders of the northern 

 coast. As they neared the shore the sails were 

 furled, and as soon as the canoes touched the 

 beach the young men sprang out, and amid a 

 babel of voices hastened to carry up their freight 

 and effects above the high-water mark. These 

 then were the fierce Haidas whose name had been 

 the terror of all the surrounding tribes. And 

 truly their appearance tended to justify the 

 report. Many of the men were of fine physique, 

 being six feet in stature ; whilst those whose faces 

 were not painted were much fairer in complexion 

 than the Indians of the mainland. Some of their 

 women wore nose-rings, and not a few of them 

 were adorned also with anklets, whilst all the 

 women wore silver bracelets, those of rank having 

 several pairs, all carved with the peculiar devices 

 of their respective crests.&quot; 



