THE INTERIOR OF OREGON. 453 



comes closely packed by their rushing into it, when it is taken up and 

 replaced without disturbing the larger one. 



They have some kind of roots or vegetable food, which with the 

 berries, are formed into cakes. They are exceedingly fond of oils, 

 and drink large quantities of them, which they procure from fish, 

 bears, &c. These they also use outwardly, mixed with coloured 

 pigments. 



The most remarkable custom of these Indians that was related to 

 me, is the manner in which they conduct their funeral rites. If a man 

 dies leaving a widow, she is subject to undergo an ordeal, perhaps as 

 severe as any of the savage practices that prevail elsewhere on a 

 similar occasion. The corpse is always burned ; the funeral pile is 

 built and the body placed upon it, and while the fire is lighting, the 

 widow is compelled by the relations of the deceased to lie on it until 

 the heat becomes intolerable ; and if she attempts to break out, they 

 not unfrequently thrust her back, when she is often severely burned. 

 At other times she is obliged to pat the breast of her husband until it 

 is consumed, by which she suffers, and not unfrequently falls into the 

 flames without receiving any assistance from the bystanders. After 

 the body is consumed, she is obliged to collect the ashes and deposit 

 them in a small basket, which she must always carry about with her 

 She afterwards becomes the servant or slave of his relations, who 

 exact of her the severest labour, and treat her with every indignity. 

 This lasts for two or three years, at the end of which time a grand 

 feast is given by the relatives, when the ashes are put into a box, which 

 is placed on a post ten feet high, daubed with representations of 

 animals, men, &c. ; there they are allowed to remain until the post 

 decays. The widow is now released from servitude, and is at liberty 

 to marry again. 



This tribe, like the others, has priests or medicine-men, who practise 

 incantations. When a body is burned, the priest pretends to receive 

 the spirit of the deceased into his hands, which he closes with many 

 gesticulations. This spirit he is thought to be able to communicate to 

 others living, and when he has selected the person, he throws his hands 

 towards him, and at the same time blows upon him, after which the 

 person takes the name of the deceased, in addition to his own. In case 

 of the death of a chief, or man of higher rank, this belief affords the 

 priest an opportunity of acquiring much influence, and perpetuating his 

 power and consequence. 



Fraser's river takes its rise in this region, and flows through it. 

 The country is also well watered by the numerous streams flowing 

 from the mountains. The Company's party never navigate the Fra- 



