

dknig] THE ASSINIBOIN 465 



or that would protect his body from freezing in winter. Blankets 

 can not supply the place of buffalo robes, cloth the place of skin, 

 boots that of moccasins, in these high latitudes and terrible snow- 

 storms. 



These things are bought for summer and fall wear in their homes 

 or when traveling, are preferred because they are not damaged by 

 wet, are gay, soft, and handsome, will make tolerably good undercoats 

 in winter, will serve for traveling horseback in summer and fall. But 

 the real hunter of the plains must have his buffalo robe coats, mocca- 

 sins, mittens, and cap, skin leggings, his extra buffalo robe on his back 

 and his snowshoes on his feet, or the cold and wind would prove 

 more destructive to his person than he to the game. The articles in- 

 troduced by commerce that have increased their means of subsistence 

 are firearms, liorses, knives, kettles, awls, fire, steel, and metallic in- 

 struments for dressing hides. Besides, the conversation and instruc- 

 tion received from the traders has increased their knowledge, elevated 

 their desires, and stimulated their industry. These are some of the 

 effects of commerce, and this subject will meet with further dis- 

 cussion through these pages. 



We are not aware of any great moral evils consequent on the 

 trade with Indians in this section. The variations from truth and 

 deceptions practiced by rival companies are, however, the greatest. 

 The introduction of ardent spirits has been demoralizing and de- 

 basing, but has in no great degree tended to the depopulation of the 

 tribes of whom we write. From a long period of actual observation 

 and experience can safely say that the whole numl>er of deaths aris- 

 ing from the consequences of intoxicating drink does not amount to 

 100 during the past 20 years, from and including the Sioux to the 

 Blackfeet. That it is morally wrong no one will doubt, but this 

 has been much exaggerated, and can not be reckoned among the 

 causes of their depopulation. If that cause is sought for it is very 

 plain in the history of the smallpox, which even while we write is 

 sweeping off the Crow and Snake Indians, upward of 1,200 of whom 

 have died from that disease contracted on the Platte emigrant trail 

 last summer. The destruction of Indians from cholera, measles, and 

 smallpox since that road has been opened has been incredible and 

 there is no probability of its decreasing. These are the causes of 

 their depopulation and will be of their entire extinction. The in- 

 troduction of firearms has been beneficial to the trade, and in some 

 respects to the Indians. Deer, elk, and smaller game can be killed 

 when buffalo are not found, and in default of horses to run them the 

 Indians can support themselves with the gun. 



