THE MONGOLIAN RACE. 



23 



THE NORTHWESTERN OR ALEUTIAN WATERMEN. 



In 1841, as the Vincennes approached the entrance of the Straits of 

 De Fuca, a good deal of interest was excited by the appearance of a 

 canoe. As it drew near, a report spread "that there were White men 

 on board ;" and indeed, after having been for two years accustomed to 

 the personal appearance of the Polynesians, we all noticed the su- 

 perior lightness of complexion, together with the greater length of 

 hair. The novelty of hats, next engaged attention ; and perhaps it 

 was their conical shape, combined with the short stout person, and 

 the general style of dress, that brought to mind representations of 

 Siberian tribes. The fashion, however, of the conical hat, extends 

 further than the opposite coast of Asia; and we subsequently had 

 occasion to notice it in various parts of the East Indies. 



After the soft languages and rapid enunciation of the islanders, the 

 Chinooks presented a singular contrast in the slow, deliberate manner 

 in which they seemed to choke out their words; giving utterance to 

 sounds, some of which could scarcely be represented by combinations 

 of known letters. Their deportment was hardly less unlike ; espe- 

 cially in the absence of a salutation, and of all signs of approbation at 

 anything they saw. As we proceeded up the Straits, canoes fre- 

 quently came around, bringing, as subsequently, an abundant supply 

 offish. Sometimes the occupants seemed to be attracted by curiosity; 

 but they were always eager to traffic away the various articles in their 

 possession, although to our eyes the result seemed increased impover- 

 ishment. 



The Vincennes anchored in Discovery Harbour; and shortly after- 

 wards I went on shore. Unlike the state of things in Terra del 

 Fuego, paths were seen leading in various directions; and I shall not 

 soon forget the rush of sensations, on ray first interview in the forest, 

 with the aboriginal proprietor. On returning to the strand, I observed 

 that a party bringing rails and mats in their canoes, had established 

 a temporary encampment. Indeed the whole details of aboriginal 

 life, contributed to render this day memorable. Scarcely two cen- 

 turies ago, our New England shores presented only scenes like that 

 before me ; and what was to be the result of the lapse of the third ? 



