MEMOIR OP PENNANT. 
55 
cut tlie body in pieces, and regale on it, which con- 
clude.s the ceremony. 
“ The chase of these animals is a matter of the 
first importance, and never imdertaken without 
abundance of ceremony. A principal warrior first 
gives a general invitation to all the hunters. This 
is followed by a most serious fast of eight days, a 
total abstinence from all kinds of food ; notwith- 
standing which, they pass the day in continual 
song. This they do to invite the spirits of the 
woods to direct them to the places where there is 
abundance of bears. They even cut the flesh in 
divers parts of their bodies, to render the spirits 
more propitious. They also address themselves to 
the manes of the beasts slain in preceding chases, as 
if it were to direct them in their dreams to plenty 
of game. One dreamer alone cannot determine 
the place of the chase ; numbers must concur, but as 
they tell each other their dreams, they never fail to 
agree ; — whether that may arise from complaisance, 
or by a real agreement in the dreamers, from their 
thoughts being perpetually fru'ned on the same 
thing. 
“ The chief of the huntsmen gives a great feast, 
at which none dares to appear ivithout first bath- 
ing. At this entertainment they eat with great 
moderation, contrary to their usual custom. The 
master of the feast alone touches nothing ; but is 
employed in relating to the guests ancient tales of 
wonderful feats in former chases ; fresh invocations 
