LOSS OF THE PEACOCK. 487 



is unable to quit the surface, and is finally captured. All those whose 

 seal-skins are attached, now divide the booty : those who are entitled 

 to a share are easily known, for each float has a different pattern 

 painted upon it. The number of whales taken is reported at about 

 twenty during the season, and a quantity of oil is obtained from them 

 by the Cadborough, a schooner belonging to the Hudson Bay Company, 

 in exchange for articles of little value. 



The Classet tribe of Indians is one of the most numerous on the coast 

 that I had an opportunity of seeing, and seems the most intelligent. 

 These Indians wore small pieces of an iridescent mussel-shell, attached 

 to the cartilage of their nose, which was, in some, of the size of a ten 

 cents piece, and triangular in shape. It is generally kept in motion by 

 their breathing. They had seldom any clothing excepting a blanket; 

 but a few who have contrived to make friends with the visiters, have 

 obtained some old clothes : while others seem to be in the pay of the 

 Hudson Bay Company. The principal articles of trade are tobacco, 

 powder (" paulalee"), and leaden balls. These are preferred to most 

 other merchandise, although more can be obtained for spirits than for 

 any other article. This shows very conclusively, to my mind, the sort 

 of trade that was carried on when the Boston ships entered into rivalry 

 with the Northwest Company for the purchase of furs. 



At the period of our visit, the Classet were at peace with the other 

 tribe. 



I deem this a good position for a missionary, for these Indians appear 

 to be quite ignorant of any religious notions. I was informed, while at 

 Vancouver, by one of the Catholic priests, that it was their intention 

 to make a visit to them the next year, for the purpose of establishing 

 their religion among them. 



On the 3d, we were engaged in the survey of the harbour, besides 

 obtaining fifteen hundred gallons of water. Its position (the north point 

 of Neah Island) was found to be in latitude 48° 24' 40" N., longitude 

 124° 36' 46" W. ; variation 21° 08' 14" easterly. 



We had as many as forty canoes alongside on the 3d, with various 

 articles for sale, including fish, venison, &c. Some of the canoes had 

 as many as twenty persons in them. They were generally a stout, 

 athletic race ; and it was observed that the women were much better 

 looking than those of the other tribes. Some of them, indeed, had quite 

 fair complexions and rosy cheeks. They are not as much exposed to 

 the weather as those we had previously seen, being provided with a 

 conical hut, made of grass, and plaited so tight as to be impervious to 

 water, which both protects them from the rain and sun. 



It is said that this tribe can muster one thousand warriors, and they 



