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JOHN BOIT

have yet seen on this Coast. His tribe consists of upwards of 3000 souls. They allow Polygamy, but the women are not prolific, as barrenness is very common among them. The Indians girls kept us well supplied with Berries of different kinds, which was very gratefull.

14. We was inform'd this day that Capt. Crowell, in the Brig Hancock, was at Juan de Fuca straits. 91 *

27. The Natives brought us some excellent Salmon. Experi- ence much rain, which hinders the work. When the weather is too bad for to work on the Sloop, keep the Carpenters under shelter making a boat for her. Heard of three Spanish ships 92 being at Nootka. Keep always upon our guard against surprize as we are among a powerful sett. The boat after game, met with some Indians that was a little troublesome, but by firing a musket over their heads they soon went off. These Indians was very enquisitive, for to know the cause of thunder and lightning, but we cou'd not make them understand the real cause, but much surprized them by saying there was a man in our Country, that made both. They suppose thunder to be occasioned by an Eagle carrying a Whale into the air, and Lightning, the hissing of a Snake, which are exceeding large in this country. One of our Seamen, being down sound a gunning, saw one of these animals, which by his discription was as big round as his thigh. 93 Being alone, and somewhat frightened, retir'd without firing. These Indians are very superstitious in regard to this Animal, for when they go on a whaling cruize they always rub their face with a piece of it. We have never been able to gain much information as respects their Religion, but they certainly pay adoration to the Sun, and Moon, and believe in Good and evil Spirits. They lash

91 }4 This is a strange error. The Hancock was then at the Sandwich Islands on her way to China. On 6th October Ingraham records that on his anchoring at Owhyhee he met the Hancock, then lately arrived from the Northwest Coast, and spent some days in her company. She sailed at about that time for China and was there during that winter.

92 The identity of these ships is uncertain. Malaspina in the Descubierta and the Atrevida had been there, but sailed about the end of August. The San Carlos and the Santa Saturnina were probably still at Nootka, though they returned that fall to San Bias, but at what time is not known.

93 This frightful monster the seaman described as being like an alligator Hoskir.s started at once to find it, but all he could discover was a piece of burnt log. When he spoke to the Indians about it they recognized it as the magic animal, Haieclick, and offered twenty skins for a specimen. "If they have the least piece of it in their canoe they are sure to kill a whale, which among them is deemed the greatest honour. Indeed a piece of it ensures success at all times and on all occasions."