INDIAN WIGWAMS. 



27 



The walls consist of large sheets of birch bark, layer above 

 layer, fastened to the stakes. On the lee-side is left a small 

 opening for ingress and egress, which can be closed by a sheet 

 of bark, or the skin of a wild animal. At the apex, also, an 

 aperture is allowed to remain for the escape of the smoke 

 from the fire which burns within. Lines are secured to the 



X WIGWAMS. 



.stakes within, on which various articles are suspended ; while 

 round the interior mats or skins are spread to serve as 

 couches, the centre being left free for the fire. In front, 

 forked stakes support horizontal poles, on which fish or skins 

 are hung to dry ; and against others, sheets of bark are 



