OF THE POLAR SEA. 



201 



on the peninsula formed by the confluence 

 of the Net-setting river with the Saskat- 

 chawan, there stands a representation of 

 Kepoochikawn, which was formerly held in 

 high veneration by the Indians and is still 

 looked upon with some respect. It is 

 merely a large willow bush, having its tops 

 bound into a bunch. Many offerings of 

 value, such as handsome dresses, hatchets, 

 and kettles, used to be made to it, but of 

 late its votaries have been less liberal. It 

 was mentioned to us as a signal instance of 

 its power, that a sacrilegious moose-deer 

 having ventured to crop a few of its tender 

 twigs was found dead at the distance of a 

 few yards. The bush having now grown 

 old and stunted is exempted from similar 

 violations. 



On the 30th we directed our course round 

 the Neck of Land, which is well clothed 

 with pines and firs, though the opposite or 

 western bank is nearly destitute of wood. 

 This contrast between the two banks con- 

 tinued until we reached the commencement 

 of what our companions called the Barren 



