88 A General History of the Fur Trade, 



standing, which is always directed to the advancement of their 

 own interest ; and this disposition, as may be readily imagin- 

 ed, sometimes occasions them to be charged with fraudu- 

 lent habits. They will submit with patience to the severest 

 treatment, when they are conscious that they deserve it, but 

 will never forget or forgive any wanton or unnecessary ri- 

 gour. A moderate conduct I never found to fail, nor do I 

 hesitate to represent them, altogether, as the most peaceable 

 tribe of Indians known in North America. 



There are conjurers and high-priests, butT was not pre- 

 sent at any of their ceremonies ; though they certainly 

 operate in an extraordinary manner on the imaginations of 

 the people in the cure of disorders. Their principal mala- 

 dies are, rheumatic pains, the flux and consumption. The 

 venereal complaint is very common ; but though its progress 

 is slow, it gradually undermines the constitution, and brings 

 on premature decay. They have recourse to superstition 

 for their cure, and charms are their only remedies, except 

 the bark of the willow, which being burned and reduced to 

 powder, is strewed upon green wounds and ulcers, and 

 places contrived for promoting perspiration. Of the use of 

 simples and plants they have no knowledge ; nor can it be 

 expected, as their country does not produce them. 



Though they have enjoyed so long an intercourse with 

 Europeans, their country is so barren, as not to be capable 

 of producing the ordinary necessaries naturally introduced 

 by such a communication; and they continue, in a great 

 measure, their own inconvenient and aukward modes of 

 taking their game and preparing it when taken. Sometimes 

 they drive the deer into the small lakes, where they spear 

 them, or force them into inclosures, where the bow and ar- 

 row are employed against them. These animals are also 

 taken in snares made of skin. In the former instance the 

 game is divided among those who have been engaged in the 

 pursuit of it. In the latter it is considered as private pro- 

 perty; nevertheless, any unsuccessful hunter passing by, 

 may take a deer so caught, leaving the head, skin, and sad- 

 dle for the owner. Thus, though they have no regular 

 government, as every man is lord in his own family, they 

 are influenced, more or less, by certain principles which 

 conduce to their general benefit. 



In their quarrels with each other, they very rarely pro- 

 ceed to a greater degree of violence than is occasioned by 

 blows, wrestling, and pulling of the hair, while their abusive 



