Chapter 45

45.

The Skynses Their traffic Hunting Food Horses A horse-

race Devotional feeling of the Skynses, Nez Perces and

Flatheads Prayers Exhortations A preacher on horseback

Effect of religion on the manners of the tribes A new light.

DURING the absence of this detachment, a sociable intercourse had

been kept up between the main party and the Skynses, who had

removed into the neighborhood of the camp. These people dwell

about the waters of the Way-lee-way and the adjacent country, and

trade regularly with the Hudson's Bay Company; generally giving

horses in exchange for the articles of which they stand in need.

They bring beaver skins, also, to the trading posts; not procured

by trapping, but by a course of internal traffic with the shy and

ignorant Shoshokoes and Too-el-icans, who keep in distant and

unfrequented parts of the country, and will not venture near the

trading houses. The Skynses hunt the deer and elk occasionally;

and depend, for a part of the year, on fishing. Their main

subsistence, however, is upon roots, especially the kamash. This

bulbous root is said to be of a delicious flavor, and highly

nutritious. The women dig it up in great quantities, steam it,

and deposit it in caches for winter provisions. It grows

spontaneously, and absolutely covers the plains.

This tribe was comfortably clad and equipped. They had a few

rifles among them, and were extremely desirous of bartering for

those of Captain Bonneville's men; offering a couple of good

running horses for a light rifle. Their first-rate horses,

however, were not to be procured from them on any terms. They

almost invariably use ponies; but of a breed infinitely superior

to any in the United States. They are fond of trying their speed

and bottom, and of betting upon them.

As Captain Bonneville was desirous of judging of the comparative

merit of their horses, he purchased one of their racers, and had

a trial of speed between that, an American, and a Shoshonie,

which were supposed to be well matched. The race-course was for

the distance of one mile and a half out and back. For the first

half mile the American took the lead by a few hands; but, losing

his wind, soon fell far behind; leaving the Shoshonie and Skynse

to contend together. For a mile and a half they went head and

head: but at the turn the Skynse took the lead and won the race

with great ease, scarce drawing a quick breath when all was over.

The Skynses, like the Nez Perces and the Flatheads, have a strong

devotional feeling, which has been successfully cultivated by