OF THE POLAR SEA. 



213 



return from the Missouri. They have 

 about four hundred and fifty or five hun- 

 dred tents ; their language is very guttural 

 and difficult. 



" Second, the Peganoo-eythinyoowuc 

 Pegans, or Muddy River Indians, named in 

 their own language Pegance'-koon, have four 

 hundred tents. 



" Third, the Meethco-thinyoowuc, or 

 Blood Indians, named by themselves Kaince'- 

 koon, have three hundred tents. 



" Fourth, the Cuskceteh-waw-thessee- 

 tuck, or Blackfoot Indians, in their own 

 language Saxce-koe-koon, have three hun- 

 dred and fifty tents. 



" The last three nations, or tribes, the 

 Pegans, Blood Indians, and Black-feet, 

 speak the same language. It is pronounced 

 in a slow and distinct tone, has much soft- 

 ness, and is easily acquired by their neigh- 

 bours. I am assured by the best inter- 

 preters in the country, that it bears no 

 affinity to the Cree, Sioux, or Chipewyan 

 languages. 



" Lastly, the Sassees, or Circees, have 



