TURNER. ] 



WEAPONS. 



313 



by this cheaper method. The Indian is very expert in the use of the 

 bow and arrow, and is able to knock over a ptarmigan or crouching 

 hare every time at 25 yards. The force with which the arrow is pro- 

 jected is astonishing. I have seen a ptarmigan rolled for many yards 

 amid a perfect cloud of feathers when struck by the arrow. It often 

 tears the entire side out of the bird. 



In former years the arrow did great execution among the deer in 

 the water or deep snow banks among which they floundered when 

 driven into them by the Indian who, on snowshoes, was able to travel 

 where the deer sank nearly out of sight. 



Fig. 133.— Arrow, 

 Neneuot. 



FK3. 134.— Arrow, 

 Neuenot. 



FlQ. 135.— Arrow, 

 Nenenot, 



Fig. 136.— Arrow, 

 Nenenot. 



Among the Indian boys it is yet a favorite amusement to shoot 

 small birds with the bow and arrow Small crossbows also are used 

 by children. They have doubtless been made after those brought by 

 some white man. The children have great sport with these bows. 



The spear, already referred to, for killing the swimming reindeer, is 

 shown in Fig. 137. The wooden shaft is G feet long, and the steel 

 point, which is made of a flat file beaten down to a quarter of an inch 

 square, is 11 inches long. It is set into the end of the sliaft and 

 fastended by a whipping of sinew. 



The weapon is held by the hand in a manner p.eculiar as well as un- 

 comfortable. The closed hand over the butt end of the weapon is so 



