OF T'HE INDIANS. 233 
bark of the birch tree is deemed preferable to 
\ f ■ ? 
every other sort, and where it is to be had it is 
always made use of; but in this part of the 
country not being often met with; the bark of 
the elm tree is used in its stead. The Indians 
are very'expert in stripping it from a treeami 
frequently take the entire bark from off'tile 
trunk in one piece. * The skeletons of their 
huts consist of slender poles, and on them the 
bark is Fastened with strips of the tough rind 
of some young tree: this, if sound, proves a 
very effectual defence against the' weather.’ 
The huts are built in various forms': some of 
them have walls on every side, doors, and also 
a chimney in the middle of the 'roof; others 
are open on one side, and are nothing better 
than sheds.. When built'in this last style, four 
of them are commonly placed, together, so as 
to form a quadrangle, with 'the ©pen parts 
towards the inside, and a fire common to them 
all is kindled in the middle. In fine weather 
these huts are agreeable dwellings; but in the 
depth of winter they must be dreadfully un¬ 
comfortable. Others of their huts are built 
in a conical shape. The Nandowessies, Mr. 
Carver tells us, live entirely in tents formed of 
skins. A great m$ny of the families that were 
encamped on the island of Bois Blanc, I ob¬ 
served, lived in the canvas tents which they 
had taken from St. Clair's arjpY. Many of 
