A WOMAN SHOT BY HER SON. 125 



with an axe, and a small portion of tobacco, 

 are generally left with them by their nearest 

 relations, who in taking leave of them, say, 

 that it is time for them to go into the other 

 world, which they suppose lies just beyond the 

 spot where the sun goes down, where they will 

 be better taken care of than with them, and 

 then they walk away weeping. On the banks 

 of the Saskashawan, an aged woman prevailed 

 on her son to shoot her through the head, 

 instead of adopting this sad extremity. She 

 addressed him in a most pathetic manner, re- 

 minding him of the care and toil with which 

 she bore him on her back from camp to camp 

 in his infancy ; with what incessant labour she 

 brought him up till he could use the bow and 

 the gun ; and having seen him a great warrior, 

 she requested that he would shew her kindness, 

 and give a proof of his courage, in shooting 

 her, that she might go home to her relations. 

 " I have seen many winters, she added, and am 

 now become a burden, in not being able to 

 assist in getting provisions ; and dragging me 

 through the country, as I am unable to walk, 

 is a toil, and brings much distress : — take your 

 gun." She then drew her blanket over her 

 head, and her son immediately deprived her of 



