88 BEAR STORIES 



the spit was then raised and a piece bitten out 

 or torn with the fingers, as no knife must touch 

 this sacred piece de resistance. Like the bowl of 

 fat it went around, and each one had to take a 

 small piece or a bite as he fancied, but no one 

 was allowed to take more. What was left was 

 then put into the fire and burned for the absent 

 ones, the deceased hunters. After this second 

 course each guest was free to help himself and 

 eat whatever quantity he chose of roast, boiled, 

 stewed or pudding. Very little conversation was 

 carried on during the feast. The diners were not 

 there to " palaver," but for business, and any 

 special gastronomic feat performed was sure to 

 meet with general approval. After every one had 

 eaten till he could stand no more, the bowl of fat 

 was placed in front of the chief a second time. 

 With his two hands open he dipped his palms in 

 the fat, and then smeared his long hair with it, 

 every guest following suit. Was this the origin 

 of the use of bear's grease for the hair ? 



Thus ended the feast. Pipes and strong black 

 plug tobacco were then brought forth and every- 

 one who smoked enjoyed himself. What was left 

 was quickly taken away by the women for their 

 meal, and the small bones were thrown into the 

 fire. As soon as the cloth was removed there was 

 a general stretching out of the diners on the 

 ground all round. Had I not been familiar with 



