116 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



the whole Indian population in the district 

 at five hundred. 



This is but a small population for such 

 an extent of country, yet their mode of life 

 occasionally subjects them to great priva- 

 tions. The winter of our residence at Cum- 

 berland House proved extremely severe to 

 the Indians. The hooping-cough made its 

 appearance amongst them in the autumn, 

 and was followed by the measles, which in 

 the course of the winter spread through the 

 tribe. Many died, and most of the sur- 

 vivors were so enfeebled as to be unable to 

 pursue the necessary avocations of hunting 

 and fishing. Even those who experienced 

 only a slight attack, or escaped the sickness 

 altogether, dispirited by the scenes of misery 

 which environed them, were rendered inca- 

 pable of affording relief to their distressed 

 relations, and spent their time in conjuring 

 and drumming to avert the pestilence. 

 Those who were able came to the fort and 

 received relief, but many who had retired 

 with their families to distant corners, to 

 pursue their winter hunts, experienced all 



