OF THE POLAR SEA. 



123 



great boasters ; but, on the other hand, 

 they strictly regard the rights of property,* 

 are susceptible of the kinder affections, 

 capable of friendship, very hospitable, tole- 

 rably kind to their women, and withal 

 inclined to peace. 



Much of the faulty part of their charac- 

 ter, no doubt, originates in their mode of 

 life; accustomed as a hunter to depend 

 greatly on chance for his subsistence, the 

 Cree takes little thought of to-morrow ; and 

 the most offensive part of his behaviour — 

 the habit of boasting — has been probably 

 assumed as a necessary part of his armour, 

 which operates upon the fears of his ene- 

 mies. They are countenanced, however, in 

 this failing by the practice of the ancient 

 Greeks, and perhaps by that of every other 

 nation in its ruder state. Every Cree fears 

 the medical or conjuring powers of his 

 neighbour ; but, at the same time, exalts his 

 own attainments to the skies. " I am God- 



* This is, perhaps, true of the Cumberland House 

 Crees alone : many of the other tribes of Crees are 

 stated by the traders to be thieves. 



