TRADE AXD TRADERS. 3G1 



each starts off his waggons with all possible despatch ; 

 unnecessary, because the runners of each have interviewed 

 the Indians, who are by far too shrewd not to understand 

 the value of competition, and will not, therefore, begin the 

 trade until all the traders have arrived. 



Beaching the camp, their tents are pitched, their wares 

 unpacked, and displayed to the best advantage. The 

 bucks stalk gravely from tent to tent, talking business ; 

 while the squaws crowd every available space, and admire 

 and chatter with all the eagerness for shopping that the 

 gentle sex everywhere display. But many long talks are 

 to be held, many important questions settled, before the 

 trade actually begins. The traders cannot take advantage 

 of each other by underselling ; for the Indians imme- 

 diately inform all the other traders of a reduction proposed 

 by one. Consequently they are forced into at least an 

 appearance of combined action, although each is doing 

 all he can for himself by presents and personal influence 

 with the chiefs. 



Finally, prices are agreed upon. The pint cup is the 

 standard of measure for sugar, coffee, tea, &c. A partial 

 stretch of the extended arms (about one and a half 

 yard), very accurately measured by both trader and 

 Indian, is the standard of measure for cloths. 



From the moment that the trade commences it is con- 

 ducted with something like fury. Each buck rushes to 

 the trading tent, followed by Ins squaws loaded with 

 packs and bundles of buffalo robes, and each demands to 

 be helped first. The tent is jammed. The trader and 

 his assistants fly round with incessant activity. The robes 

 are not sold by the quantity ; but each is passed singly 

 over the counter, and the price taken before another is 

 passed. This, of course, greatly increases the work of the 

 trader. 



Each buck trades first for the winter's supply of 

 necessaries for himself and family, then for articles for 

 his own use, convenience, or adornment ; then he selects 



