He was said to have scooped out the basins of the lakes and to have built the cataracts in the rivers, so that there should be fish preserves and beaver dams.[1] [Footnote 1: "Michabou, le Dieu des Eaux," etc.

Charlevoix, _Journal Historique_, p.

281 (Paris, 1721).] In his capacity as teacher and instructor, it was he who had pointed out to the ancestors of the Indians the roots and plants which are fit for food, and which are of value as medicine; he gave them fire, and recommended them never to allow it to become wholly extinguished in their villages; the sacred rites of what is called the _meday_ or ordinary religious ceremonial were defined and taught by him; the maize was his gift, and the pleasant art of smoking was his invention.[1] [Footnote 1: John Tanner, _Narrative of Captivity and Adventure_, p.

351.
Schoolcraft, _Indian Tribes_, Vol.

v, p.