ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS. 



285 



are disproportionately large. Both sexes are re- 

 markably negligent and slovenly, in regard to 

 their persons ; and they are filthy in their cooke- 

 ry. Their dispositions are lively and quiet ; and 

 they appear to be happy, or at least contented, in 

 their wretched situation. They are indolent ; but 

 apparently more from habit than by nature ; and 

 probably this trait in their character, originates 

 from the circumstance, that they procure a liveli- 

 hood, with but little labour. Whenever we em- 

 ploy any of them, either to work about the fort 

 or in voyaging, they are sufficiently laborious and 

 active ; and they appear to be pleased, when we 

 thus furnish them with employment. They are 

 not in the habit of stealing articles of great val- 

 ue ; but they are the sliest pilferers, perhaps, 

 upon the face of the earth. They will not only 

 pilfer from us, but, when favourable opportunities 

 offer, they are guilty of the same low vice among 

 their friends and relations. They are remarka- 

 bly fond of the white people. They seldom be- 

 gin a quarrel with any of us, though they are nat- 

 urally brave. When any of our people, however, 

 treat them ill, they defend themselves with cour- 

 age, and with considerable dexterity ; and some of 

 them will fight a tolerable Canadian battle. 



Their language is very similar to that of the 

 Chipewyans, and has a great affinity to the tongues, 



