24 PROCEEDINGS OP THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



not, they are not ours, they are his, and we cannot steal from him." 

 They are very superstitious and are afraid of the dead. In cross- 

 ing dangerous streams in a boat or vehicle of which they know little, 

 they will sing or pray. Passing the graves of their friends they will 

 do the same. Several times have the Indians entreated me not to 

 go home in the darkness, lest the spirits should follow me. Generally 

 the people are restrained by fear and reverence from molesting the 

 treasures of the dead. The pious heathen touches not these things, 

 being sacred to the spirits, and those who are sceptical and immoral 

 are afraid of the consequences of such a daring deed. Seldom do we 

 hear of graves being robbed by the Indians themselves. Many 

 adhere rigidly to their native customs, and follow the traditions of 

 their native religion, yet gradually, and almost imperceptibly, we can 

 notice the change that is taking place. Already when studying 

 American antiquities have we to refer to the past few years to obtain 

 facts to illustrate any Indian subject we may wish to discuss. It is 

 well that this is so, if we hope for the development of the i-ed race. 

 Yet it is our duty to study these things with enthusiasm, for the 

 yeai'S are not far distant when the transformation of life will be such 

 as to hinder the lovers of science from obtaining facts illusti-ative of 

 native customs amono- the Indians. 



THIRD MEETING. 



Third Meeting, 20th November, 1886, the President in the 

 Chair. 



The Committee on Ways and Means reported, recommend- 

 ing that a canvass be made of the leading merchants and 

 other citizens in this city for subscriptions at an early day, 

 with the view of raising a sum of not less than $io,oco, to 

 defray the cost of the necessary additions to the present 

 building, and for increasing the general efficiency and useful- 

 ness of the Institute, which report was, on motion by Mr. 

 Pearce, seconded by Mr. Macdougall, received and adopted. 



On motion by Mr. Pearce, seconded by Mr. Bain, it was 

 resolved : That the Committee appointed on the 6th Novem- 

 ber be further empowered to devise ways and means for 

 increasing the efficiency of the Institute, and have power to 

 add to their number. 



