PLANTS AS FOOD 



The strength of the Chippewa in conquering the Sioux and estab- 

 lishing themselves in new territory indicates that they were well 

 nourished, that suitable food was available, and that it was prepared 

 in a proper manner. This was the work of the women, who were 

 very industrious and bestowed much care on the provisioning of 

 their households. A staple article of food was wild rice, which was 

 seasoned with maple sugar or combined with broth made from ducks 

 or venison. An important food value was obtained from maple 

 sugar. Fish were extensively used, as the Chippewa, lacking horses, 

 lived along the lakes and watercourses as much as possible. It is 

 said that they had squash and pumpkins before the coming of the 

 white man, and the country abounded in berries and wild fruit of 

 many varieties. Thus it is seen that the Chippewa were a people 

 subsisting chiefly on vegetable products and fish, though they secured 

 deer and other animals by hunting. The making of gardens was an 

 important phase of the industrial year, and a portion of the food 

 thus obtained was stored in caches for winter use. 



While the present chapter concerns the use of vegetable foods it 

 may be added that fish were stored by drying and by freezing; and 

 that meat was dried, after which it usually was pounded and mixed 

 with tallow for storage. The Chippewa cooked and ate all trapped 

 animals except the marten. Rabbits were caught in snares and 

 formed a valuable food during the winter months. Deer and moose 

 were available, and bear meat was liked because it was so fat. The 

 bear was an especially useful animal, as all parts of it were either 

 eaten or utilized. 

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