24 EXPLORATIONS IN THE FAR NORTH 



afternoon is spent in dog-racing and football, and in the even- 

 ing occurs the dance of the season. New-year's day is called 

 O-che-mi-ki-se-ga or Kissing Day, as it is the custom to kiss 

 everyone on that day, young and old. This would be more 

 agreeable if one were allowed a little more discretion in his 

 choice. 



In the morning we were visited by a party of boys with sacks 

 in which to carry away cakes (bread). No sooner were they 

 gone, than a dozen muskets discharged outside the door an- 

 nounced the arrival of the men, who were given cakes, or meat 

 and tea, at every house. They were followed by the women 

 who usually finished whatever remained. In the evening at 

 least a hundred people gathered in the cabin where the dance 

 was held and the room was so crowded that the dancers had 

 very little space left them. 



Every cent of "debt" that can be secured is spent upon 

 flour, bacon, tea, rice, raisins, and sugar, and for one day Peter 

 Mink is happy even though he starves for the next six. Each 

 woman must have a new dress and each man appears in a pair 

 of new silk-worked moccasins. 



Marriage. Early marriages are the rule. Policy and business 

 considerations, here as elsewhere, have their influence upon 

 the match. Peter Mink must have someone to dress moose- 

 skins and make moccasins for him. Mary Rabbitskin is a 

 burden the paternal Rabbitskin would gladly relinquish to the 

 care of Peter, if he is a good hunter. The affair is managed 

 by the "old wives," as the married women are called. 



Just before I arrived, Grand Rapids had been profoundly 

 stirred by its first breach of promise case. The defendant's 

 mother urged him to marry the plaintiff but it was only after 

 a long course of nagging that he consented. At the appointed 

 time his heart failed him, the sacrifice in complying with his 

 mother's wishes was too great. He took to the bush, flatly 

 refusing to fulfill his promise. Day after day the bride awaited 

 Donald's coming and day after day the truant bridegroom be- 

 took himself to the muskeg, until the plaintiff presented her 

 grievance before the Indian agent, praying for heavy damages. 

 The magistrate imposed a fine of twenty-five dollars and ordered 

 the defendant to leave the reserve. His only excuse was that 

 he loved another. Two months later he married a third girl. 



