Stanza 17. 1. 5.

As when the evil Manitou.

It is certain the Indians acknowledge one supreme

being, or giver of life, who presides over all things; that is the great Spirit: and they look up to him as the source of good, from whence no evil can proceed. They also believe in a bad Spirit, to whom they. ascribe great power; and suppose that through his power all the evils which befall mankind are inflicted. To him therefore they pray in their distresses, begging that he would either avert their troubles, or moderate them when they are no longer avoidable.

They hold also that there are good Spirits of a lower degree, who have their particular departments, in which they are constantly contributing to the

happiness of mortals. These they suppose to preside over all the extraordinary productions of Nature, such as those lakes, rivers, and mountains that are of an uncommon magnitude; and likewise the beasts, birds, fishes, and even vegetables or stones that exceed the rest of their species in size or singularity. -CLARKE's Travels among the Indians.

The supreme Spirit of good is called by the Indians Kitchi Manitou; and the Spirit of evil Matchi Manitou.

Stanza 19. 1. 2.

Fever balm and sweet sagamite.

The fever balm is a medicine used by these tribes;

it is a decoction of a bush called the Fever Tree.

Sagamite is a kind of soup administered to their sick.

Stanza 20. 1. 1.

And I, the eagle of my tribe, have rush'd with this lorn

dove.

The testimony of all travellers among the Ameri

can Indians who mention their hieroglyphics, authorises me in putting this figurative language in the mouth of Outalissi. The dove is among them, as elsewhere, an emblem of meekness; and the eagle, that of a bold, noble, and liberal mind. When the Indians speak of a warrior who soars above the multitude in person and endowments, they say, "he is like the eagle who destroys his enemies, and gives protection and abundance to the weak of his own. tribe."

Stanza 23. 1. 2.

Far differently the mute Onedya took, &c.

They are extremely circumspect and deliberate in

every word and action; nothing hurries them into any intemperate wrath, but that inveteracy to their enemies which is rooted in every Indian's breast. In all other instances they are cool and deliberate, taking care to suppress the emotions of the heart. If an Indian has discovered that a friend of his is in danger of being cut off by a lurking enemy, he does not tell him of his danger in direct terms as though he were in fear, but he first coolly asks him which way he is going that day, and having his answer with the same indifference, tells him that he has been informed that a noxious beast lies on the route he is

going. This hint proves sufficient, and his friend'

avoids the danger with as much caution as though

every design and motion of his enemy had been pointed out to him.

If an Indian has been engaged for several days in the chase, and by accident continued long without food, when he arrives at the hut of a friend, where he knows that his wants will be immediately supplied, he takes care not to shew the least symptoms of impatience, or betray the extreme hunger that he is tortured with; but on being invited in, sits contentedly down and smokes his pipe with as much composure as if his appetite was cloyed and he was perfectly at ease. He does the same if among

strangers. This custom is strictly adhered to by