168 
which is found in great abundance is denominated by 
the savages attikumaig or whitefish. The Mackinaw 
trout and pickerel are likewise caught here. These afford 
a principal means of subsistence to a number of the 
native tribes.” , 
He also speaks of the method of taking the whitefish 
at this place in the rapids at the foot of the falls, 
which, singularly enough, is followed by the Indians to 
this day, and from its peculiarity deserves special men- 
tion. I give his own words: 
‘“No small degree of address as well as strength is em- 
ployed by these savages in catching these fish. They 
stand in an erect attitude in a birch canoe, and even amid 
the billows they push with force to the bottom of the 
waters a long pole, at the end of which is fixed a hoop 
with a net in the form of a bag, into which the fish is 
constrained to enter. They watch it with the eye when 
it glides among the rocks, quickly ensnaring it and drag- 
ging it into the canoe. In conducting this fishing much 
practice is required, as an inexperienced person may, by 
the efforts which he is obliged to make, overset the canoe 
and inevitably perish. The convenience of having fish 
in such abundance attracts to this situation during the 
summer several neighboring tribes, who are all of an 
erratic disposition and-too indolent ‘for the toils of hus- 
bandry. They therefore support themselves by the chase 
in winter and by fishing in the summer. 
“The Otter Nation inhabit the rocky caverns on Lake 
Huron, where they are sheltered by a labyrinth of islands 
and capes. They subsist on Indian corn and fish and the 
proceeds of the chase. While the women and children 
collect berries the men are occupied in darting stur- 
geon.” 
Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft from the time of the estab- 
lishment of the military post at Sault Ste. Marie, was the 
United States Indian Agent at this point. He was aman 
of culture and literary ability, and one of the most pro- 
