108 CAPTAIN CART WRIGHT'S 



caplin/ and several large slioals came close in 

 shore, when the Indians and I killed many with 

 darts. 



Monday, July 6, 1772. I had but little trade 

 to-day. The Indians were diverting themselves 

 with shooting at a mark with their arrows; but I 

 cannot say, that I think them good archers, al- 

 though their bows are constructed on an excellent 

 principle; for by the assistance of a back-string 

 the bow preserves its elastic power, and by slack- 

 ening or tightening this string, it is rendered weak 

 enough for a child of five years old, or strong 

 enough for the most powerful man amongst them. 

 As there is something particular in their sport of 

 to-day, I shall endeavour to describe it. They 

 provide two targets of four feet square, made of 

 sticks, and covered with deer-skins. These they 

 fix on poles about eight feet high, and at sixty 

 yards distance from each other. The men divi- 

 ding themselves into two parties, each party shoots 

 twenty-one arrows at one of the targets, standing 

 by the other. That party which puts the most 

 arrows into the target, gains the honour, for they 

 have not the least idea of gaming. The victors 

 immediately set up shouts of mockery and deri- 

 sion at the conquered party; these they continue 

 for some time; when the wives and daughters of 

 the conquerors join in the triumph, and walking 

 in procession round the targets, sing a song upon 

 the occasion, priding themselves not a little with 



1 Mallotus villosus, a fish resembling the smelt, a good food-fish, but 

 used chiefly as bait for cod. 



