The Kevin review., 1927-10-06

lions, and are the explanation given b.
chld's mind of what in nature it doe
not understand, and very sensible expla
nations they held them to be. Myths w
call these stories. which they regarded a
divine revelations.
Their belief was always affected by tht
surroundings to which they were accus
toned, and to understand how the be-
l1efs came to be the original home of
tribe must be known.
The Algonquins as a whole were moi
mountain, but plains Indians. Living or
the Atlantic coast they gradually took
their way westward until the Rocky
mountains forbid their farther progress
Chippewas, Arapahoes, Gros Ventres OF
the Prairie, Crees and Blackfeet came
west, either driven there by stronger
tribes or what is more probable, them
selves driving out weaker tribes, and
making their own the conquered terri
tory.
When they reached the Rockies, the
Blackfeet went no farther, except to
make occasional forays on neighbors
over the range or to steal horses. Why
they stayed on the eastern side Of the
mountains is capable of explanation.
There was more game on the east side,
as is testified by Lewis and Clark, and
proved by the fact that the western tribes
went here to hunt; Flatheads Nez
Perces, Bannacks and others Some Of
the Algonquins were agricultural in a
small way; but they, like the Crows,
country where game was plentiful enough
to furnish them living In this re-
spect they do not differ greatly from the
white race, which is not given to ex-
cessive labor when living in the tropics.
An abundance Of game kept the Black
feet from continuing their westward
march, this and the fear they had Of
the mountains, SO different in all re-
spects from the country to which they
were accustomed. We are Indians Of
the plains" said Mountain Chief, I'VE
do not like the mountains; we are afraid
OF them"
Fear Of the unknown, OF the strange
sights and sounds of the mountains.
more than anything else kept the Algon-
quins east Of the Rockies.
Indians" says Abbe DOmfneck, "have
a. peculiar veneratfon for the Rocky
mountains. which are for them the linn
it's Of the known world, where the most
powerful rivers have their sources. They
call them the bridge OF the world and
believe that the Great Spirit resides on
one of the arial eninences OF the range.
Many Of the eastern tribes designate |
them by the name Of Mountains Of the
Setting Sun, and place thereon their
IDEAL paradise, their ioyful hunting
ground which is invisible to mortal eyes.
It is also there that Is situated the land
II souls or Of shades, wherein are the
villages inhabited by the generous and
good free spirits, who during their life
lime sought to please the Great Spirit
Ind who now enjoy everlasting happiness.
rhe more distant tribes relate great
1rodigies of these mountains.
The Indian Heaven
They fancy when they shall have
,reathed their last, they shall be obliged
o run over them, to climb one of their
teepest peaks passing amidst shaking
ocks, snow, and furious torrents. In
his manner after months Of fatigue and
LANCER, they shall reach the summit
whence they Will discover the land OF
hades They will then see the souls Of
he brave warriors, and Of the good In
lians dwelling under beautiful tents
itched in field covered with Iuxuriant
erdure; Watered by shining rfv1lets,
nd filled with buffa1oes. elSs and roe
ucks"
This description Of the Indian dwelling
lace after death Is not IN accordance
nth what have been told Is the Pie I
an Land Of Shades. This is quite likely I
q the mountains and is called the Sand
1Ils No fields covered with "luxuriant I