The Chipweans like other nations descry objects at great distances, and short sightedness is unknown amongst them; except from accidental causes they may be troubled with weak eyes[.] The Women bring forth their children with little trouble or pain to themselves; and decrepid* Children or Idiots are never to be seen with them: which is somewhat Singular considering the cruel manner with which they are treated by their unmerciful Lords, who beat them without showing any Mercy on account of the young in the womb; but but will lay on them with the helve of an axe, a Paddle or any thing that the barbarous Savage can put his hands upon. In other respects they are much slighted, as they are not even allowed to smoke with the same Calumet as the men, nor are they permitted to touch the Guns, or walk in the same tracks where animals have passed; as that would entirely spoil the conjurations and would stop them from taking a true aim – but should the poor woman unfortunately step over the gun pendant qu'elle a son mal – now this is perdition to them should the hunters be unlucky and starve; they conclude that the woman's unfortunate stride is the cause of all their misfortunes; as they believe that the Manitou looks upon the Females as

*A decrepid child believed to be a Manitou

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