482 DE FUCA'S STRAITS AND 



who have some lines upon the arms and face. They disfigure their 

 bodies by the manner in which they daub themselves with red ochre, 

 mixed with salmon-oil, which, besides being disgusting in appearance, 

 is extremely so in smell. 



Dr. Holmes, of the Porpoise, had an opportunity of examining some 

 of their maladies. Pulmonary complaints are very common, and occa- 

 sion great suffering. The diseases most often met with are bronchitis, 

 and tubercular consumption. Rheumatic affections are also of frequent 

 occurrence. Their treatment does not differ materially from that of 

 the tribes in the interior, already described in speaking of their medi- 

 cine-men. Cures are sometimes attempted by making use of hot and 

 cold bathing in every case, and without discrimination. Dr. Holmes 

 saw an old man in the last stage of consumption, shivering from the 

 effects of a cold bath at the temperature of 40° Fahrenheit. A favourite 

 remedy in pulmonary consumption is to tie a rope tightly around the 

 thorax, so as to force the diaphragm to perform respiration without the 

 aid of the thoracic muscles. 



Intermittents are also common, from which they suffer much. Hot 

 baths are invariably used for this disease, after which the patient 

 plunges immediately into cold water, where he remains until chilled. 

 A thorough shampooing then succeeds, and a few howls and incanta- 

 tions complete the treatment. 



Notwithstanding they hold their medicine-men in great repute, both 

 the patients and their friends were very grateful for any aid rendered 

 by Dr. Holmes, and readily took every thing offered them. 



The brig moved, on the 18th June, to the northern outlet of Posses- 

 sion Sound, through Deception Passage. This was not believed by 

 Vancouver to afford a passage for vessels; but, although narrow, it is 

 feasible for those of small size. The tides rush with velocity through 

 it, and there are some rocks in the passage. The Indians had moved 

 from their village to temporary huts on the beach, where they seemed 

 to enjoy themselves. 



Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, being informed by the Indians 

 that a passage existed to the north into Bellingham Bay, boats were 

 sent to explore it. The information proved to be correct ; but the 

 water was so shoal, that it is, at lowest point, almost a mud-flat; and 

 the channel, besides, is tortuous. This duty being completed, the Por- 

 poise, on the 26th, was moved through the passage, and anchored 

 under one of the small isles at the entrance. 



The Indians from various parts of Admiralty Inlet, were constantly 

 around the brig, endeavouring to derive some advantage in the way 

 of trade. They were found to occupy various points, each tribe 



