58 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



forth. The traders, however, endeavour 

 to support their authority by continuing 

 towards them the accustomed marks of re- 

 spect, hoisting the flag and firing a salute of 

 musketry on their entering the fort. 



The chief halts at a distance from the 

 house, and despatches one of his young 

 men to announce his approach, and to bring 

 his flag, which is carried before him when 

 he arrives. The messenger carries back to 

 him some vermilion to ornament the faces 

 of his party, together with a looking-glass 

 and comb, some tobacco, and a few rounds 

 of ammunition, that they may return the 

 salute. These men paint round the eyes, 

 the forehead, and the cheek-bones. 



The Northern Indians evince no little 

 vanity, by assuming to themselves the com- 

 prehensive title of " The People," whilst 

 they designate all other nations by the name 

 of their particular country. If men were 

 seen at a distance, and a Chipewyan was 

 asked who those persons were, he would 

 answer, The People, if he recognised them 

 to belong to his tribe, and never Chipew- 



