PLANTS AS FOOD 
The strength of the Chippewa in conquering the Sioux and estab- 
lishing themselves in new territory indicates that they were well 
nourished, that suitable food was available, and that it was prepared 
in a proper manner. This was the work of the women, who were 
very industrious and bestowed much care on the provisioning of 
their households. <A staple article of food was wild rice, which was 
seasoned with maple sugar or combined with broth made from ducks 
or venison. An important food value was obtained from maple 
sugar. Fish were extensively used, as the Chippewa, lacking horses, 
lived along the lakes and watercourses as much as possible. It is 
said that they had squash and pumpkins before the coming of the 
white man, and the country abounded in berries and wild fruit of 
many varieties. Thus it is seen that the Chippewa were a people 
subsisting chiefly on vegetable products and fish, though they secured 
deer and other animals by hunting. The making of gardens was an 
important phase of the industrial year, and a portion of the food 
thus obtained was stored in caches for winter use. 
While the present chapter concerns the use of vegetable foods it 
may be added that fish were stored by drying and by freezing; and 
that meat was dried, after which it usually was pounded and mixed 
with tallow for storage. The Chippewa cooked and ate all trapped 
animals except the marten. Rabbits were caught in snares and 
formed a valuable food during the winter months. Deer and moose 
were available, and bear meat was liked because it was so fat. The 
bear was an especially useful animal, as all parts of it were either 
eaten or utilized. : 
306 
