OF THE POLAR SEA. 



153 



shown to the dead, by putting some other 

 article, although of inferior value, in the 

 place of that which has been taken away. 



The Crees are wont to celebrate the re- 

 turns of the seasons by religious festivals, 

 but we are unable to describe the ceremo- 

 nial in use on these joyous occasions from 

 personal observation. The following brief 

 notice of a feast, which was given by an old 

 Cree chief, according to his annual custom, 

 on the first croaking of the frogs, is drawn 

 up from the information of one of the 

 guests. A large oblong tent, or lodge, was 

 prepared for the important occasion, by the 

 men of the party, none of the women being 

 suffered to interfere. It faced the setting 

 sun, and great care was taken that every 

 thing about it should be as neat and clean 

 as possible. Three fire-places were raised 

 within it, at equal distances, and little holes 

 were dug in the corners to contain the ashes 

 of their pipes. In a recess, at its upper 

 end, one large image of Kepoochikawn, and 

 many smaller ones, were ranged with their 

 faces towards the door. The food was 



