A Cruise in the Cassiar 



pride seemed to have been the prevailing motive. All 

 the figures were more or less rude, and some were 

 broadly grotesque, but there was never any feebleness 

 or obscurity in the expression. On the contrary, every 

 feature showed grave force and decision; while the 

 childish audacity displayed in the designs, combined 

 with manly strength in their execution, was truly 

 wonderful. 



The colored lichens and mosses gave them a vener- 

 able air, while the larger vegetation often found on 

 such as were most decayed produced a picturesque 

 effect. Here, for example, is a bear five or six feet 

 long, reposing on top of his lichen-clad pillar, with 

 paws comfortably folded, a tuft of grass growing in 

 each ear and rubus bushes along his back. And yon- 

 der is an old chief poised on a taller pillar, apparently 

 gazing out over the landscape in contemplative mood, 

 a tuft of bushes leaning back with a jaunty air from 

 the top of his weatherbeaten hat, and downy mosses 

 about his massive lips. But no rudeness or grotesque- 

 ness that may appear, however combined with the 

 decorations that nature has added, may possibly pro- 

 voke mirth. The whole work is serious in aspect and 

 brave and true in execution. 



Similar monuments are made by other Thlinkit 

 tribes. The erection of a totem pole is made a grand 

 affair, and is often talked of for a year or two before- 

 hand. A feast, to which many are invited, is held, 

 and the joyous occasion is spent in eating, dancing, 

 and the distribution of gifts. Some of the larger 

 specimens cost a thousand dollars or more. From one 



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