BRITISH AMERICA. 



385 



16. Indians. These are so similar to those in the Territories of the United States, tnat a 

 detailed account of them is unnecessary. The Hurons live north of the lake of that name, and 

 the Mohawks and a remnant of the Six Nations, dwell about the river Ouse. The Mississau- 

 gus inhabit the sources of the river Credit, and the once formidable Iroquois are generally set- 

 tled on the banks of the Ottawa. Not far from Montreal, is an Indian village of 1,200 inhabi- 

 tants, a tribe of the Iroquois. They profess the Catholic faith ; and there are some hamlets 

 of converted Hurons near Quebec. There are near the settlements other inconsiderable tribes. 



The following table shows the number of the Christian Indians, or those who reside within 

 the limits of the provinces, near and generally surrounded by the settlements of the whites. 

 But few of these have the aboriginal blood pure in their veins, and most of them have lost the 

 knowledge of their native tongue, using the French or English instead of it : — 



Bands. JVb. 



Hurons of Lorette .... .... 180 



Algonquins of Three Rivers . .... 82 



" of Becancour ....... 96 



" of the St. Francis ..... 363 



Iroquois of Caughnawaga ....... 967 



" of St. Regis ....... 348 



" of the Lake of the Two Mountains . . . .282 



Algonquins ........ 355 



Nipissings ......... 250 



Total ...... 2,923 



The most numerous tribes, hovi^ever, are those which dwell far from the whites ; and these are 

 principally the Chippiwyans (of the same stock with the Chippeways in the United States), and 

 the Knisteneaux or Crees. The Knisteneaux inhabit a wide extent of territory, and their lan- 

 guage is that of the tribes which border on the Atlantic. They are a well formed race, and 

 their women are the handsomest of all the Indian females. These tribes paint their faces, 

 and they are more cleanly than other Indians. They are hospitable, generous, and mild, when 

 not infuriated by spirits. They do not, however, consider chastity as a virtue, but they are 

 not unkind to their women. They are vain and boastful, not much regarding truth ; but strict 

 in regard to the rights of property. They are so honest, that at the trading-posts they are 

 allowed to enter every apartment without restraint. They are unbounded in hospitality, 

 and although they often suffer from famine, every one in an encampment is free to share the 

 food of a successful hunter. They do not follow gaming with the destructive ardor that char- 

 acterizes many tribes. The women possess considerable influence, and both sexes are exceed- 

 ingly fond of their children ; if the mother, more hasty in her temper, sometimes bestows a blow 

 on a disobedient child, her heart is immediately softened by the roar which follows, and she 

 mingles her tears with those that streak the smoky face of her darling. Tattooing is universal 

 among the Crees, and the operation is very painful. Their chief remedies for disease are con- 

 jurations, and the sweating-baths. They believe In a good spirit and an evil one, and have, like 

 many rude tribes, a tradition of the deluge. They sometimes vow to abstain from particular 

 kinds of food for a hmlted time, to walk on all-fours a certain number of days, or undergo other 

 ridiculous penances. 



The Assiniboin or Stone Indians, are a tribe of Sioux. They rear many horses, and 

 subsist chiefly on the buffalo. The Stone Indians are habitually treacherous, though their ap- 

 pearance Is prepossessing. Their eyes are large and expressive, nose aquiline, and forehead 

 bold. A profusion of black hair hangs over the ears, and shades the face. The dress is neat 

 and convenient, consisting of a vest and trowsers of leather, and a buffalo robe. These Indians 

 steal whatever they can, particularly horses. The Slave Indians live further west, and though 

 at war with the Stone Indians, resemble them. Both races are desperate and daring. The 

 Chippiwyans are a widely-spread race, divided into many tribes. They are repulsive in their 

 appearance, having wide nostrils, broad faces, and high cheek bones. They are sullen and 

 selfish, never giving or receiving with a good grace. A stranger may go hungry from their 

 lodges, unless he thrusts his knife uninvited into the food. They are not, however, dishonest, 

 and theft Is rare among them. In the most of these tribes the lot of females is grievous, and 

 some mothers have been known to destroy their female offspring, that it might escape the same 

 servitude Aged and sick people are abandoned to perish. Their disputes are generally set- 

 tled by wrestling ; and the victor of a match which he may himself provoke, may carry off the 

 wife of the vanquished. The Copper Indians, the Dog-ribs, the Hare Indians, the Quarrellers, 



49 



