OF THE POLAR SEA. 



57 



manoeuvres, they often venture to question 

 him, as to the disposition of the Great Spirit. 



These artful fellows usually gain com- 

 plete ascendancy over the minds of their 

 companions. They are supported by volun- 

 tary contributions of provision, that their 

 minds may not be diverted, by the labour 

 of hunting, from the peculiar duties of their 

 profession. 



The Chiefs among the Chipewyans are 

 now totally without power. The presents 

 of a flag, and a gaudy dress, still bestowed 

 on them by the traders, do not procure for 

 them any respect or obedience, except from 

 the youths of their own families. This is 

 to be attributed mainly to their living at 

 peace with their neighbours, and to the 

 facility which the young men find in getting 

 their wants supplied independent of the 

 recommendation of the chiefs, which was 

 formerly required. In war excursions, 

 boldness and intrepidity would still com- 

 mand respect and procure authority; but 

 the influence thus acquired would, pro- 

 bably, cease with the occasion that called it 



