238 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



Their habits of life are quite regular, and, when undisturbed by war, 

 they carry on a definite routine throughout the different seasons, col- 

 lecting food, furs and raw materials at one season to serve them for 

 the next. 



EMOTIONAL OHARAOTERISTICS. 



They are self-possessed, dignified and reserved, although much less tac- 

 iturn than the hunting Indians of the western plains and the interior. 

 They have the usual Indian stoicism under suffering, and bear extremes 

 of cold, heat, hunger, and exposure with fortitude. They are quite 

 venturesome, going well out to sea in their canoes. The Kaigani go 

 out to Forrester's Island for birds' eggs every spring, 20 miles off the 

 coast. Dixon (1787) states that he sighted a Haida canoe 8 miles out 

 at sea, and, though caught in a fog, it reached land in safety, as he 

 afterwards met the same party close in shore.* They often make trips 

 of hundreds of miles in their canoes along the coast and interior waters, 

 although in early days this was not so feasible, owing to the warlike 

 relations of the different tribes. They are fond of parade and display, 

 and are scrupulous observers of ceremony and etiquette. Many of 

 their deadly feuds originate from trifling causes based on breaches of 

 etiquette or custom. Dancing and singing are a part of their cere- 

 monies of welcome, trade, and war, and to the early voyagers to this 

 region the Indians seemed entirely given over to these exercises. Their 

 narratives express generally the impression that these natives were 

 aggravatingly and immoderately fond of dancing, because they could 

 not trade with them until they had finished singing and feasting. They 

 are equally fond of long speeches and addresses — it all being intended 

 to impress the observer with the rank, importance, and influence of the 

 individual who provides the entertainment. They are also great stick- 

 lers for justice and for custom. When smarting under the sense of 

 a real injury or imaginary wrong they are cruelly and unreasonably 

 revengeful, although ordinarily friendly. They impressed the early 

 voyagers as being somewhat hospitable and generous, although this was 

 largely, as now, founded upon the expectation of an equivalent return. 



Their bravery is relative. If stronger than an opponent, their war- 

 like demonstrations are quite pronounced, but in the presence of a supe- 

 rior force they are inclined to be submissive and peaceful, although 

 ready to take an underhand advantage. Ambush, surprise, and supe- 

 rior numbers are the favorable conditions of coast Indian warfare, 

 and no mercy is shown to women and children, except perhaps to make 

 slaves of them or to hold them for a ransom. While slavery was prac- 

 ticed, before its abolition by our Government in 1867, slaves were 

 treated with cruelty. 



It is the universal testimony, as voiced by Portlock (1787), that " they 

 treat their wives and children with much affection and tenderness."t 



* Dixon, Voyage, p. 211. t Portlock, Voyages, p. 290. 



