harmon's journal. 



215 



cency, and even propriety, while eating, and while 

 drinking a flagon or two of spirits. 



After they had finished their repast, they 

 smoked their pipes, and conversed rationally, on 

 the great difference which there is, between the 

 manners and customs of civilized people, and those 

 of the savages. They readily conceded, that ours 

 are superior to theirs. * 



Tuesday, 7. On the 4th inst accompanied by 

 several af our people, I set off for Tachy, a vil- 

 lage, toward the other end of this lake. We 

 there saw a number of Indians, who appear to be 

 very indolent, and who are, of course, wretchedly 

 clad, and not better fed. From that place, we 

 proceeded up a considerable river, about half a 

 days' march, to another village, inhabited chiefly 

 by Sicaunies, who appear to be more industrious 

 than the inhabitants of the former village ; and, 

 therefore, they are better clothed, and live more 

 comfortably. Their principal food consists of sal- 

 mon, white fish, and trout ; and they, at times, 

 kill a beaver, or a cariboo. The country around 

 the lake is hilly ; but, on both sides of this river, 

 it is level ; and from the appearance of the tim- 

 ber which grows on it, I should think that the 

 soil is not bad. 



Monday, 13. On the 9th inst. a Sicauny died 

 at this place ; and the following circumstances at- 



