188 LABRADOR 



Beaver, bear, and lynx, with the caribou, may be reckoned 

 under the latter description. 



The latter days of June Nipish Piishum, the "Leaf 

 Moon" find the country pretty well vacated by the out- 

 goers. July Shetan, or " Ste. Anne Moon/' for Saint 

 Anne is their special saint is dedicated to church observ- 

 ances and quiet life at the shore. The Oblate Fathers give 

 religious instruction from the missions on the reserves, and 

 the younger Indians are taught to write their own language. 

 Canoes are built ; a little near-by fishing is carried on ; the 

 season on the whole is one of festivity. 



The physical condition of the people is apt to deterio- 

 rate in summer, for the elements of the reserve life are 

 largely foreign to the native habit. There is crowding 

 into small houses and cabins; doubtful drainage, water, 

 and food ; more whiskey than ought to be, and the ordinary 

 diseases of civilization. At Pointe Bleue, on Lake St. John, 

 rheumatism is prevalent, and the constitutional instability 

 of the mixed race makes for consumption and the minor dis- 

 eases always present in the large town of Roberval near by. 



The month of August is known as 0-p6-o Piishum, 

 "Moon of Flight," for then the young ducks begin to fly. 

 They are welcome for the kettle during the canoe journeys 

 to the hunting-grounds. As the month goes on, a busier air 

 comes over the reserves; trading is completed, and the 

 refitting brought to a close. One by one the families 

 slip away, until at last only those who hunt comparatively 

 near are left. By the last of September, Ushakau Piishum, 

 when the "caribou horns harden/' most of the cabins 

 are empty, the tents have vanished, and few but the very 

 helpless are left upon the reserve. 



