ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS. 



307 



riers make their dwellings in the earth, in the 

 following manner. They dig a hole in the ground 

 to the depth of about two feet, from the oppo- 

 site sides of which, they erect two considera- 

 ble sticks, to support a ridge-pole. They then 

 lay poles from the margin of the hole to the 

 ridge-pole, until they have completely enclosed 

 the dwelling, excepting a hole which is left near 

 the top, which serves the double purpose of a 

 door by which they enter, and leave the hut, 

 upon an upright post, in which, notches are cut; 

 and an opening for the smoke to pass off. The 

 poles are made tight, by stopping the intersti- 

 ces with hay, or by covering them with bark ; 

 and dirt is then thrown over them, to a consid- 

 erable thickness. These huts are far from be- 

 ing healthy ; but they are commodious for peo- 

 ple who are clad as poorly, as are most of the 

 Carriers. 



The Indians on the west side of the Rocky 

 Mountain, erect buildings, in which they deposit 

 the ashes and bones of their dead. The side 

 posts of these structures, are about six feet high, 

 a roof, covered with bark, is erected upon these 

 posts, in the form of the roofs of houses in the civi- 

 lized part of the world ; and around theirsides, are 

 broad boards, made by splitting trees, which they 

 hew, and then smooth over with a crooked knife. 



