boas] DESCRIPTION OF THE TSIMSHIAN 407 



Travel 



Canoe Travel. — We hear of journeys to distant countries by sea 

 and river. The inland tribes were visited on trading-trips made by 

 canoe (N 194); and legendary tales report of canoe trips to the 

 confines of the world (308). According to the purpose and length of 

 the journey, the canoe was loaded with traveling-provisions or with 

 articles of trade, or presents consisting of preserved provisions — as 

 oil, tallow, dried berries, dried meat, blubber of sea mammals, vari- 

 ous kinds of fish, coppers, eagle down, red ocher, and other valuables 

 (163, 1S2, 184, 223, 308, N 194). Blue paint, tobacco, and lime or 

 burnt clamshells, are also mentioned (163). The men took their 

 woodworking tools along; on long trading-trips women accompanied 

 them to look after the provisions (163). 



For long trips to unknown countries, steering-directions were given. 

 Thus a number of travelers who go to a certain village on Queen Char- 

 lotte Islands are told to keep ahead, starting from Skeena River, 

 between Dundas and Stephens Islands; when out at sea, to steer in 

 the direction in which the sun sets ; and after reaching the islands, 

 to turn to the southwest (268). The return journey from the village 

 at the confines of the world was also made by following definite 

 steering-directions (311). 



On arriving in a strange village, the travelers hid their cunoe 

 (309, 1.167). When they were sure of a welcome, the canoes anchored 

 in front of the village (210) until called ashore; and the villagers 

 unloaded the canoes and carried the freight up to the chief's house 

 (183, 211). 



Canoes are also used for short hunting-trips (1.161, 1.167) and by 

 women who go to pick berries (S2). The chief man, or noblest man, 

 is seated in the bow; the next in rank is the steersman (285). On a 

 hunting-trip, when the steersman desires to communicate with his 

 companions, he shakes the canoe (286). When a deer is killed in the 

 water, it is taken aboard (S2). 



When young men out hunting in their canoe meet a girl, they might 

 invite her to come along in their canoe (75). 



The canoe was provided with an anchor-line and anchor-stone 

 (270). When no landing could be made at night, the travelers would 

 anchor and sleep in their canoes (285, 1.173). When asleep, they 

 pulled their blankets over their .heads (285). Going up river, they 

 use punting-poles (194, 235). 



When traveling, chiefs and princes have their seats in the middle of 

 the canoe, and furs are spread over the seats for them to sit on (210). 

 A princess is placed on board in the middle of the canoe (N 184). 

 Sometimes two canoes are connected by planks, forming a platform. 



