72 



A General History of the Fur Trade. 



the necessary purification. The having cohabited with his 

 wife, or any other woman, within twenty-four hours pre- 

 ceding the ceremony, renders him unclean, and, consequent- 

 ly, disqualifies him from performing any part of it. If a 

 contract is entered into and solemnized by the ceremony of 

 smoking, it never fails of being faithfully fulfilled. If a 

 person, previous to his going a journey, leaves the sacred 

 stem as a pledge of his return, no consideration whatever 

 will prevent him from executing his engagement."^ 



The chief, when he proposes to make a feast, sends 

 quills, or small pieces of wood, as tokens of invitation to 

 such as he wishes to partake of it. At the appointed time 

 the guests arrive, each bringing a dish or platter, and a 

 knife, and take their seats on each side of the chief, who re- 

 ceives them sitting, according to their respective ages. The 

 pipe is then lighted, and he makes an equal division of every 

 thing that is provided. While the company are enjoying 

 their meal, the chief sings, and accompanies his song with 

 the tamborin, or shishiquoi, or rattle. The guest who has 

 first eaten his portion is considered as the most distinguish- 

 ed person. If there should be any who cannot finish the 

 whole of their mess, they endeavour to prevail on some of 

 their friends to eat it for them, who are rewarded for their 

 assistance with ammunition and tobacco. It is proper 

 also to remark, that at these feasts a small quantity of meat 

 or drink is sacrificed, before they begin to eat, by throwing 

 it into the fire, or on the earth. 



These feasts differ according to circumstances ; sometimes 

 each man's allowance is no more than he can dispatch in a 

 couple of hours. At other times the quantity is sufficient 

 to supply each of them with food for a week, though it must 

 be devoured in a day. On these occasions it is very diffi- 

 cult to procure substitutes, and the whole must be eaten 

 whatever time it may require. At some of these entertain- 

 ments there is a more rational arrangement, when the guests 

 are allowed to carry home with them the superfluous part of 

 their portions. Great care is always taken that the bones 

 may be burned, as it would be considered a profanation 

 were the dogs permitted to touch them. 



The public feasts are conducted in the same manner, but 

 with some additional ceremony. Several chiefs officiate at 

 them, and procure the necessary provisions, as well as pre- 



* It is however to be lamented, that of late there is a relaxation of the 

 duties originally attached to these festivals. 



