THE BLACKFEET. 283 



At the time of our visit, there were some sixty men connected with this 

 establishment. These consisted principally of half-breeds and Canadian 

 French, among whom were several who had seen service in the unre- 

 lenting war between the whites and Blackfeet that had been so long pros- 

 ecuted. Many a thrilling story was narrated in connection with the his- 

 tory of this war, none of which more interested me than the following 

 explanation of its origin : 



The Blackfeet at first were friendly to the whites, and a very consider- 

 able trade in guns and ammunition was carried on with them by the latter. 

 Like most savages, they became great admirers of the potency and use of 

 gunpowder, and were quite curious to ascertain the process by which it 

 could be had independent of the whites. In answer to inquiries, they 

 were informed it was the seed of a species of grain, and might be multi- 

 plied in like manner to any extent by cultivation. 



Accrediting the story and captivated with the idea of raising their own 

 powder, a large quantity was purchased for that purpose, which was care- 

 fully planted, in full expectation of an abundant harvest. 



Their disappointment at the result will be readily supposed. Denoun- 

 cing the whites as liars and cheats, they were not slow to avow their med- 

 itated revenge. 



It needed, however, yet another act of perfidy to work the more perfect 

 transformation of friends into foes. This soon after was consummated as 

 follows : 



The Blackfeet and Flatheads met, at an appointed place, for the purpose 

 of trade and the maintenance of friendly relations, as was their annual 

 custom. 



During this conference, the head chiefs of the two nations commenced 

 descanting upon the merits and fleetness of their respective horses, which 

 resulted in a banter, a bet, and a race. 



The Flatheads, producing two of their fastest chargers, were backed by 

 the Blackfeet in a like number ; and, upon the success of the particular 

 favorites, not only tiie honor of the two nations was staked, but a large 

 amount of other valuables. The race was run, and, the result proving 

 close, both parties claimed the wager. 



Upon this a dispute ensued, and finally the whole matter was referred 

 to three white men, by whose decision they agreed to abide. The arbitra- 

 tors, through mere personal predilection, instead of pronouncing it a tie, as 

 they should have done, awarded the palm to the Flatheads. 



The Blackfeei gave in to the decision and relinquished the stakes, but 

 from that day forth avowed themselves the eternal enemies of both whites 

 and Flatheads. This occurrence dated the commencement of an unre- 

 lenting war of extermination on their part, nor have they permitted any 

 suitable opportunity of wreaking their vengence upon the offenders to^ 

 pass unimproved. 



Notwithstanding the bad character generally ascribed to the Blackfeet, 

 they possess traits worthy of admiration. As enemies, they make no dis- 

 guise of their hostile designs ; and though they have been known to meet 

 with parties of whites without coming in colission, and even to smoke 



