THE AMERICAN BEAR. 103 



Ceremonies preparatory to a bear hunt. 



This is followed by a strict fast of eight days, a 

 total abstinence from all kinds of food ; notwith- 

 standing which, the day is passed in continual 

 song. This is done to invoke the spirits of the 

 woods to direct the hunters to the places where 

 there are abundance of bears. They even cut 

 the flesh in different parts of their bodies, to ren- 

 der the spirits more propitious. They also address 

 themselves to the manes of the beasts slain in the 

 preceding chases, as if these were to direct them 

 in their dreams to plenty of game. One dreamer 

 alone cannot determine the place of the chase; 

 numbers must concur: but as they tell each other 

 their dreams, they never fail to agree. This may 

 arise either from contrivance, or from a real 

 agreement in their dreams, on account of their 

 thoughts being perpetually turned on the same 

 thing. The chief of the hunt now gives a great 

 feast, at which no one presumes to appear with- 

 out previously bathing. At this entertainment 

 they eat with great moderation, contrary to their 

 usual custom. The master of the feast alone 

 touches nothing; but is employed in relating to 

 the guests ancient tales of the wonderful feats in 

 former chases; and fresh invocations to the manes 

 of the deceased bears conclude the whole. 



" They then sally forth amidst the acclamati- 

 ons of the village ; equipped as if for war, and 

 painted black. Every able hunter is on a level 

 with a great warrior: but he must have killed .; 

 dozen great beasts before his character is CM;.- 



