Rocky Mountains. 29 1 



head, made of sheet iron, of which the shoulders are round- 

 ed, instead of the ordinary barbed form ; it is firmly affixed 

 to the shank by deer sinew, and its flight is equalised by 

 three half webs of the feathers of a turkey, neatly secured 

 near its base, in the usual manner. The war arrow differs 

 from that used for hunting, in having a barbed spear-head, 

 very slightly attached to the wood, so that if it penetrate the 

 body of an enemy, it cannnot be withdrawn, without leaving 

 the point in the wound. 



The arrows are contained in a quiver, which is slung ob- 

 liquely across the back, and which is generally made of Cou- 

 gar skin, with the tail of the animal dangling down from the 

 upper extremity ; attached to this quiver is also a skin case 

 for the bow, when not in use. To bend the bow requires the 

 exertion of considerable force, dexterously applied ; for this 

 purpose three fingers are placed upon the string, whilst the 

 thumb and index finger grasp the base of the arrow, where 

 it rests on the string ; the wrist is defended from the per- 

 cussion of the string, by a guard of leather. The smooth 

 bored gun is preferred to the rifle, the latter being too heavy 

 for their use. Those called Mackinaw guns are greatly pre- 

 ferred to those which they more commonly procure from our 

 traders, being far more substantial and serviceable. 



They make use of no traps, excepting those for catching 

 beaver, which they obtain from the traders chiefly on loan. 

 The hooks which they use in fishing are bought of the tra- 

 ders. They have no fishing nets. 



We saw no other domestic animals in the Indian villages 

 than horses, mules, asses, and dogs. The first are by no 

 means elegantly formed, but they are hardy and serviceable. 

 The Indians are generally cruel horse-masters, perhaps iD a 

 great measure through necessity , the backs of their horses 

 are very often sore and ulcerated, from the friction of the 

 rude saddle, which is fashioned after the Spanish manner, 

 being elevated at the pummel and croup, and resting on skin 



