366 ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS. 



many different kinds of dancing ; but they have 

 a great variety of songs, the airs of which are 

 pleasant to the ear when heard at some distance 

 from the singers, who generally have strong voic- 

 es. All Indians have accurate ears ; and, there- 

 fore, they keep exact time when they dance or 

 sing. 



The Carriers are almost entirely ignorant of 

 medicine, not having any knowledge of the virtue 

 which is found in roots and herbs, when adminis- 

 tered to the sick. When one of them is sick, they 

 call in the priest or doctor, for the same person 

 discharges the functions of both ; and he is joined 

 by several other persons in singing a very mel- 

 ancholy air, over the sick person, which they 

 think serves greatly to mitigate his pain, and often 

 restores him to perfect health. Before the doc- 

 tor will afford his assistance, in doing which he 

 makes many jestures, and goes through much cer- 

 emony, he must receive a present. But should 

 his patient die under his care, he must restore to 

 the relations of the deceased, the present which 

 he had received. The Carriers are the only Indi- 

 ans with whom I have been acquainted, who 

 make no use of roots and herbs, and the bark of 

 certain trees, with the sick. They, however, 

 place great confidence in our medicines. 



During the winter months many of the Car- 



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