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CHIPEWYANS. 



a hospital for the reception of a certain number 

 at least of the aged and infirm ; towards the 

 maintenance of which, the Indians themselves, 

 in bringing their relations, might be induced 

 to contribute, were it only the tenth skin from 

 the produce of their hunting ? If this esta- 

 blishment could not be formed near the coast, 

 might not one be made as an experiment on 

 the borders of their country in the Athabasca ? 

 where grain and Indian corn might be raised 

 towards its support. The subject at least 

 challenges inquiry, and is fraught with deep 

 interest, as calling forth the best feelings of 

 benevolence ; for a more deplorable situation 

 in existence cannot be conceived, than for 

 persons to be deserted in afflictive old age, 

 suffering infirmity, and left at the last stage of 

 life to expire in want, when, of all other periods 

 in our mortal career, we most need attention, 

 and sympathy, and kindness. 



These Indians have a singular custom of 

 wrestling for any woman to whom they are 

 attached ; and she has to witness the contest, 

 which consists in hauling each other about by 

 the hair of the head, without kicking or striking, 

 till the strongest party carries her off as his 

 prize. And instead of stabbing one another in 

 their quarrels, as is frequently the case with 



