STONE INDIANS. 



39 



they drag over the snow when they travel in 

 the winter ; while the dogs carry burdens upon 

 their backs, like packs upon the pack-horse. It 

 does not appear that chastity is much regarded 

 among them. They take as many wives as they 

 please, and part with them for a season, or 

 permit others to cohabit with them in their 

 own lodges for a time, for a gun, a horse, or 

 some article they may wish to possess. They 

 are known, however, to kill the woman, or cut 

 off her ears or nose, if she be unfaithful without 

 their knowledge or permission. All the lowest 

 and most laborious drudgery is imposed upon 

 her, and she is not permitted to eat till after 

 her lord has finished his meal, who amidst the 

 burdensome toil of life, and a desultory and 

 precarious existence, will only condescend to 

 carry his gun, take care of his horse, and hunt 

 as want may compel him. During the time the 

 interpreter was with these Indians the measles 

 prevailed, and carried off great numbers of them, 

 in different tribes. They often expressed to 

 him a very low opinion of the white people who 

 introduced this disease amongst them, and 

 threatened to kill them all, at the same time 

 observing, that they would not hurt him, but 

 send him home down the Missouri. When their 

 relations, or children of whom they are passion- 



