down
in it, and a kettle. When he lies down he divests himself of his upper
garment, which he spreads under him; then, thrusting his limbs into
the down bag, and rolling himself up in his robe, he draws his knees
up close to his chin; and thus defended, the severest cold does not
affect him.

Considering the manner in which their women are treated, it can
scarcely be supposed that their courtships are much influenced by
sentiments of love; in fact, the tender passion seems unknown to the
savage breast. When a young man attains a certain age, and considers
himself able to provide for a wife--if the term may be so debased--he
acquaints his parents with his wish, and gives himself no further
concern about the matter, until they have concluded the matrimonial
negotiations with the parents of _their_, not _his_ intended, whose
sentiments are never consulted on the occasion. The youth then
proceeds to his father-in-law's tent, and remains there for a
twelvemonth; at the end of this period he may remain longer or depart,
and he is considered ever after as an independent member of the
community, subject to no control. Marriages are allowed between near
relatives; cousins are considered as brothers and sisters, and are
addressed by the same terms. It is not considered improper to marry
two sisters, either in succession or both at the same time.

The Nascopies have certain customs in hunting peculiar to themselves.
If a wounded animal escape, even a short distance, ere he drops, he
becomes the property of the person who first reaches him, and not of
the person who shot him; or if the animal be mortally wounded and do
not fall immediately, and another Indian fire and bring him down, the
last shot gains the prize.

In their intercourse with us the Nascopies evince a very different
disposition from the other branches of the Cree family, being selfish
and inhospitable in the extreme; exacting rigid payment for the
smallest portion of food. Yet I do not know that we have any right to
blame a practice in them, which they have undoubtedly learned from
us. What do they obtain from us without payment? Nothing:--not a shot
of powder,--not a ball,--not a flint. But whatever may be said of
their conduct towards the whites, no people can exercise the laws
of hospitality with greater generosity, or show less selfishness,
towards each other, than the Nascopies. The only part of an animal the
huntsman retains for himself is the head; every o