value in rum is expected and always punctually paid. Every Montagner who marries is entitled from an ancient usage to a loaf of Bread & a bottle of rum immediately after the ceremony has taken place[.] A bottle of rum of always given also gratis for every Hhd: of oil they trade at the Posts. On Sunday Bread & rum are distributed among them as a reward for going to Church. It is likewise customary to entertain them with Bread Pork rum and Tobacco on every great Fete which happens in the course of the year which causes them to loiter about the Posts or travel many leagues in the Depth of winter for the sake of a Belly full. But the grandest feast of all is given to them once a year after they return with their spring hunt[.] Nothing is spared on this occasion to complete those poor people's happiness for a couple of Days & rum is so liberally bestowed and they swallow such copious Draughts of it that it may be seen gushing through all the apertures of their Bodies as through the joints of an unseasoned rum cask. To this Banquet the chief pays the Clerk & men of the Post

the

[36]