OV THE POLAR SEA. 



155 



The Cree chief having by this very ge- 

 neral invitation displayed his unbounded 

 hospitality, next ordered one of the young 

 men to distribute a mess to each of the 

 guests. This was done in new dishes of 

 birch bark, and the utmost diligence was 

 displayed in emptying them, it being con- 

 sidered extremely improper in a man to 

 leave any part of that which is placed before 

 him on such occasions. It is not inconsis- 

 tent with good manners, however, but rather 

 considered as a piece of politeness, that a 

 guest who has been too liberally supplied, 

 should hand the surplus to his neighbour. 

 When the viands had disappeared, each 

 filled his calumet and began to smoke with 

 great assiduity, and in the course of the 

 evening several songs were sung to the re- 

 sponsive sounds of the drum, and seesee- 

 quay, their usual accompaniments. 



The Cree drum is double-headed, but 

 possessing very little depth, it strongly re- 

 sembles a tambourine in shape. Its want 

 of depth is compensated, however, by its 

 diameter, which frequently exceeds three 



