211 



no meaning, I believe to be a derivative from the Selisbword "Jceine", head, 



which pervades many proper names throughout the eastern district; as, Oki- 



nakeine, Tscinakeine, the latter signifying a spring-head or water source. As 



the names of the father's and mother's families are alike perpetuated in this 



way; and as different tribes intermarry, similarity in the na,mes of persons 



cannot be assumed as a proof of similar origin. They are all exceedingly 



fond of receiving "Boston names", and particularly court such as are 



understood to belong to distinguished chiefs. In consequence, brevet titles 



of all the generals of the Army, living and dead, are worn by tyees of the 



different tribes. A few of English origin, bestowed in former times, are 



also highly valued. The Sound Indians certainly, and I believe the others, 



give names to their dogs, but not to their horses, except the descriptive ones 



arising from color. The name of one dog was explained to me to mean 



dirt. 



PECULIAR CUSTOMS. 



Flattening the head, Sc. — The process of flattening the head has been 

 too often described to need repetition. It is continued for about a year 

 when most excessive, and is confined to children of free parents; slaves not 

 enjoying the privileged distortion. For a different reason, it is not performed 

 on the offspring of whites by Indian mothers, it being a matter of pride to 

 assimilate them to their fathers. The only reason for this practice that I 

 could ever obtain was from a Klallam Indian, to the effect that Dokivebudl 

 ordered them to do it in the first place to make them handsome. The oper- 

 ation does not appear to affect the intellect, judging from a comparison 

 with adjacent tribes who do not use it. It is supposed to be the cause of 

 squinting in some cases ; but its effect upon the general health is not observ- 

 able. The custom is most universal, and carried to the greatest extent 

 among tlie tribes upon the Lower Columbia and Puget Sound. Those 

 immediately east of the Cascades, and near the river, practice it to a limited 

 degree only. It extends, according to Dr. Tolmie, through the Ilaeltzuk 

 connection as far north as Milbank Sound, in latitude 52° N., where the 

 custom of distending the lips commences in its stead. Southward it reaches 

 to the Coquille River, latitude 43° 10' N., upon the coast, and about thirty 

 miles back. In departing from the center, it gradually diminishes in degree, 



