Keith, George. An Account of Mackenzie River (Letters to Roderick Mackenzie), 1807-1817. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0033

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nature, or which is generally the case over the country, I mean Mackenzie's River, submit the Patients to those of their relations, who impose upon their credulity by singing over the Patients, and pulling, and sucking &c. with their teeth and Mouth the parts of the body affected, pretending to do Miracles, such as extracting small fish, frogs and hair &c. &c. and in some instances, I am apt to think, that confidence is worth half a cure. When in the neighbourhood of the Establishment they generally apply to the Trader for Medicine. This Tribe is represented as formidable with respect to number. It is true they consider themselves composed of several distinct Tribes; from this circumstance, I imagine, because they resort to different parts of the Country in order to procure a living. Very few of them resort to this Establishment, not exceeding at most 20 men, and from

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