THE INTERIOR OF OREGON. 447 



grounds regularly in the season, and follow the same mode of changing 

 their residences, as has been heretofore noticed when speaking of the 

 Nisqually tribe. They use in general the simple rush mats on poles 

 for their tents in summer, which, with the few necessaries they have, 

 are readily moved from place to place, on their horses. In this way, 

 they pursue a regular round, and are to be found in the returning 

 season, very near the same spot, if not actually on it. They ought, I 

 think, to be deemed a wandering or nomadic race. 



As far as our observations have gone, — and they have been con- 

 firmed by some of the intelligent officers of the Hudson Bay Company, 

 — the Flatheads or Spokane tribe, hold an intermediate place, in their 

 physical attributes, between the Indians of the coast and those of the 

 Rocky Mountains. In stature and proportions, they are superior to 

 the Lower Chinooks and Chickeeles tribe ; but inferior to the Nez 

 Perces. In bodily strength, they have been found much inferior to the 

 whites. 



Their usual dress is a shirt, leggins of deer-skin, and moccasins ; 

 all of which are much ornamented with fringes and beads. They 

 wear a cap or handkerchief of some sort on their head: these, with a 

 blanket, form their summer clothing ; in winter, a buffalo-robe is 

 added. 



This tribe can scarcely be said to be under any general govern- 

 ment ; at least it is certain that none is regularly organized or acknow- 

 ledged. They appear now to roam in small bands, as may best suit 

 their temporary convenience ; but these join for mutual support against 

 their more powerful enemies, the Pikani or Blackfeet. In bygone 

 days, these small tribes contended against each other with great bitter- 

 ness; but by the beneficial influence exercised over them by the Hudson 

 Bay Company, they have been induced to live together in peace, and 

 intermarriages among the tribes now frequently take place ; in which 

 case, it is said, that the husband almost invariably joins the tribe to 

 which his wife belongs, under the idea that among her own family and 

 friends she will be better able to provide for her husband and children's 

 wants. This also may proceed from the fact of the influence the 

 women possess ; for they always assume much authority in their tribe, 

 and are held in high respect. They have charge of the lodge and the 

 stores, and their consent is necessary for the use of them ; for after 

 coming into their possession, these articles are considered the women's 

 own. Where such a state of things exists, it may readily be inferred 

 that the domestic ties are not very weak; and they are reputed to have 

 a strong affection for their children and nearest relatives. In this 

 inspect they are unlike the Nez Perces and some of the other tribes, 



