Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/39



THE INDIAN OF THE NORTHWEST 31

a mistake for a while ; but next day "the Indian came back and now considered that he was my wife! He thanked me for what I had done, for it had given him sense!" A blow, especially in public, is considered a most serious disgrace. Indians, though great rovers, were greatly attached to their place of birth, and would not leave that region willingly for any part of the world. They were contented and cheerful, he 159 says, in the midst of severe privations.

Indian tribes on the coast usually held slaves ; among inland tribes slavery was not so frequent. Slaves were either pur- chased or taken in war. Most of them were well treated, and were about as well off as their masters. Ross says that mas- ters were kind and indulgent to their slaves. In paddling the canoe, and in hauling the net, masters always took a hand with their slaves. In most tribes women did much of the drudgery and routine, although some tribes, as the Carriers 160 and the Yakimas, men took a large share in the work of women. Captain Chenal 161 observed that the men reserved for themselves the more laborious work. Indians, even the men, if you please, were industrious except when food was in great abundance and the climate mild. Ross says that the Okanogans were always employed and industrious. Thomp- son says that the Indians west of the Rockies prided them- selves on their industry and skill in doing anything. Cook 162 says that everything they have is as well and ingeniously made as if they were furnished with the most complete tool-chest; and worthy to be put in competition with the most delicate manufactures of the known world. Even the degenerate Carriers, according to Harmon, 163, were glad to be given work to do. They were indolent from habit, he thought, not from nature. Hunting, fishing, traffic, and sometimes war, occupied the men; root-gathering, berry-picking, garment making, and household cares occupied the women. Shell money or hiagua,

159 Journal: p. i&afi.

1 60 Harmon: p. aga.

161 Marchand: I., p. 361.

162 Voyage: II., 373. 374-

163 Journal: p. S.