He did not chuse to tell the Indian that it was this that had occasioned it, lest he should be punished by him in his turn. But artfully conducting his discourse, [he] got more from him, administered it to the woman muttering in himself, "Let this blood cease, I have seen enough of it." And she was soon healed!
I done all I could to make him confess it, without coming to the point. But he never would. He satisfied himself by assuring me with the most solemn assertions that it was the case. "And if you doubt it," continued he, "you may make the experiment. You need be under no apprehensions whatever, for in giving her of the same root to eat, it will stop."
This root, when mastigated and applied when reduced to pulp, but better when pulverised, stops the blood immediately on application to any wound—how profusely soever it may flow. It is very astringent and somewhat hot.
[Wild Carroway]
Another herb, I believe it is the (wild) carroway, which we commonly denominate aniseeds—at least the smell and taste much resemble that. And its stalk bears a very great resemblance to the wild mint, as well as the leaves and flowers. I suppose this is the one meant, because they tell me the taste and smell are delicious. This root and all its appurtenances (stalk, leaves and flowers) is of wonderful effects in various things. I shall give you some of the stories relating to it as I received them.
[Used in Hunting]
I was living out with such an Indian, and we became reduced to short commons. One day he (the Indian) took a piece of bark and drew upon it three moose, and put some of this medicine upon the heart and head of each. Then he fastened a piece of sinew to it, and told me to fasten it to a small stick that had been stuck slant-way in the Ground.
"Now," said he, "let me see if this will do. Oh no! I am afraid it won't. But I'll try. If it answers, the bark will dance!"
I laughed at his idea (a half breed told me this) and so did one of his sons. However, the son told me that he had seen his father do so before, and that he killed every time.
"Stop! Let us see how he will go on." said the son. The father began to sing (and if I remember right, beat the drum also). Shortly after the bark began to move, and as the old fellow raised his voice, so did its motion increase, 'till at last it began whirling round with great violence, sometimes one way and then another, 'till it was wound up close to the stick, when it began changing sides—sometimes upon & sometimes below the stick.