of young
ones, was burrowing in her wauzh, or hole in the ground, one long
winter, in the north, when the young ones became impatient for spring.
Every day the mother would go out and get roots and other things, which
she brought in to them to eat; and she always told them to lie close
and keep warm, and never to venture towards the mouth of the wauzh. But
they became very impatient at last to see the light and the green
woods. "Mother," said they, "is it not almost spring?" "No! no!" said
she, in a cross humor, "keep still and wait patiently; it hails, it
snows, it is cold--it is windy. Why should you wish to go out?" This
she told them so often, and said it in such a bad temper, that they at
last suspected some deception. One day she came in, after having been a
long while absent, and fell asleep, with her mouth open. The little
ones peeped in slily, and saw on her teeth the remains of the nice
white bulbous roots of the mo-na-wing, or adder's tongue violet. They
at once knew it was spring, and without disturbing the old one, who
only wanted to keep them in till they were full grown, away they
scampered, out of the hole, and dispersed themselves about the forest,
and so the family were all scattered.

OPEECHEE,

OR

THE ORIGIN OF THE ROBIN.

FROM THE ODJIBWA.

An old man had an only son named Opeechee, who had come to that age
which is thought to be most proper to make the long and final fast,
that is to secure through life a guardian genius or spirit. In the
influence of this choice, it is well known, our people have relied for
their prosperity in after life; it was, therefore, an event of deep
importance.

The old man was ambitious that his son should surpass all others in
whatever was deemed most wise and great among his tribe; and, to fulfil
his wishes, he thought it necessary that he should fast a much longer
time than any of those persons, renowned for their prowess or wisdom,
whose fame he coveted. He therefore directed his son to prepare, with
great ceremony, for the important event. After he had been in the
sweating lodge and bath several times, he ordered him to lie down upon
a clean mat, in a little lodge expressly prepared for him; telling him,
at the same time, to endure his fast like a man, and that, at the
expiration of _twelve_ days, he should receive food and the blessing of
his father.

The lad carefully observed this injunction, lying with perfect
composure, with his face covered,