LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 85 



cover the cheat, and, once under the influence of the hquor, can 

 not distinguish between the first cup of comparatively strong spirit, 

 and the following ones diluted five hundred per cent., and poison- 

 ously drugged to boot. 



Scenes of drunkenness, riot, and bloodshed last until the trade is 

 over. In the winter it occupies several weeks, during which period 

 the Indians present the appearance, under the demoralizing influ- 

 ence of the liquor, of demons rather than of men. 



