They rear a great number of horses, make use of fire-arms, and are fond of European articles; in order to purchase which they hunt the beaver and other furred animals, but they depend principally on the buffalo for subsistence.
"They are divided into five nations:--First, the Pawaeustic-eythin-yoowuc, or Fall Indians, so named from their former residence on the falls of the Saskatchawan.

They are the Minetarres, with whom Captain Lewis's party had a conflict on their return from the Missouri.

They have about four hundred and fifty or five hundred tents; their language is very guttural and difficult.
"Second, the Peganoo-eythinyoowuc Pegans, or Muddy River Indians, named in their own language Peganoe`-koon, have four hundred tents.
"Third, the Meethco-thinyoowuc, or Blood Indians, named by themselves Kainoe`-koon, have three hundred tents.
"Fourth, the Cuskoeteh-waw-thesseetuck, or Blackfoot Indians, in their own language Saxoekoe-koon, have three hundred and fifty tents.
"The last three nations, or tribes, the Pegans, Blood Indians, and Black-feet speak the same language.

It is pronounced in a slow and distinct tone, has much softness, and is easily acquired by their neighbours.

I am assured by the best interpreters in the country, that it bears no affinity to the Cree, Sioux, or Chipewyan languages.
"Lastly, the Sassees, or Circees, have one hundred and fifty tents; they speak the same language with their neighbours, the Snare Indians, who are a tribe of the extensive family of the Chipewyans[14]." [14] "As the subjects may be interesting to philologists, I subjoin a few words of the Blackfoot language:-- Peestah kan, tobacco.
Moohksee, an awl.
Nappoe-oohkee, rum.
Cook keet, give me.
Eeninee, buffalo.
Poox[=a]poot, come here.
Kat oetsits, none, I have none.
Keet st[=a] kee, a beaver.
Naum`, a bow.
Stoo-an, a knife.
Sassoopats, ammunition.
Meenee, beads.
Poommees, fat.
Miss ta poot, keep off.
Saw, no.
Stwee, cold; it is cold.
Penn[=a]k[=o]mit, a horse.
Ahseeu, good." On the 6th of February, we accompanied Mr.Prudens on a visit to a Cree encampment and a buffalo pound, about six miles from the house; we found seven tents pitched within a small cluster of pines, which adjoined the pound.