that we are in constant danger of trespassing against some Indian custom, and of giving offence where it was least intended.  It is said that one cause of the preference which the Indians have ever manifested for the French, is the respect which they are accustomed to pay to all their religious or superstitious observances, whereas an Englishman or an American is apt, either to take no pains to conceal his disgust for their superstitions, or to speak out bluntly against them.

18th.  Sulphuret of Copper.—­I received a specimen of this mineral, which is represented to have been obtained on the Island of Saint Joseph’s, in these straits (Saint Mary’s).  It has the usual brass yellow color of the sulphurets of this metal, and furnishes a hint for seeking that hitherto undiscovered, but valuable species of the ore in this vicinity.  Hitherto, we have found the metal chiefly in the native form, or in the condition of a carbonate, the first being a form of it which has not in Europe been found in large quantities, and the second not containing a sufficient per centage to repay well the cost of smelting.

20th.  Superstitious regard for Woman.—­Some of the rites and notions of these northern barbarians are curious.  The following custom is stated to me to have been formerly prevalent among the Chippewas:  After their corn-planting, a labor which falls to the share of the women, and as soon as the young blades began to shoot up from the hills, it was customary for the female head of the family to perform a circuit around the field in a state of nudity.  For this purpose, she chose a dark evening, and after divesting herself of her machecota, held it in her hands dragging it behind her as she ran, and in this way compassed the field.  This singular rite was believed to protect the corn from blight and the ravages of worms and vermin, and to insure a good crop.  It was believed that neither worms nor vermin could cross the mystic or enchanted ring made by the nocturnal footsteps of the wife, nor any mildew or canker affect the growing stalks and ears.

21st.  Grand Island, in Lake Superior, lies transversely in the lake, just beyond the termination of the precipitous coast of the Pictured Rocks.  Its southern end is crescent-shaped, and forms a singularly fine harbor for vessels, which will one day be appreciated.  The Indian band occupying it was formerly numerous.  There are many stories still current of their former prowess and traits of hospitality and generosity, and of the skill of their old seers, and divining-men, i.e.  Jossakeeds.  Its present Indian population is reduced to forty-six souls, of whom ten are men, sixteen women, and twenty children.  Of the men, nine are married, one of whom has two wives, and there are two widows.