This any one of my young readers may
see, if they examine the Indian baskets or toys, made of birch-bark. "I
have seen the squaws in their wigwams at work on these things, sitting
cross-legged on their mats,--some had the quilla in a little bark dish on
their laps, while others held them in their mouths--not a very safe nor
delicate way; but Indians are not very nice in some of their habits," said
Mrs. Frazer. "The prettiest sort of Indian work is done in coloured
moose-hair, with which, formed into a sort of rich embroidery, they
ornament the moccasins, hunting-knife, sheaths, and birch-bark baskets and
toys."
"Nurse, if you please, will you tell me what this little animal is
designed to represent?" said Lady Mary, pointing to the figure of the
racoon worked in quills on the sheath of the hunting-knife.
"It is intended for a racoon, my lady," replied her nurse.
"Is the racoon a pretty-creature like my squirrel?"
"It is much larger than your squirrel; its fur is not nearly so soft or so
fine; the colour being black and gray, or dun; the tail barred across, and
bushy,--you have seen many sleigh-robes made of racoon-skins, with the
tails looking like tassels at the back of the sleighs."
"Oh yes, and a funny, cunning-looking face peeping out too!"
"The face of this little animal is sharp, and the eyes black and keen,
like a fox; the feet bare, like the soles of our feet, only black and
leathery; their claws are very sharp; they can climb trees very fast.
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