Boiling. Natural pebbles were plentiful in the river bottoms near the village sites. Such were no doubt used in boiling food in baskets or boxes, as fragments of burned and cracked pebbles were also found while pottery was entirely absent. These facts suggest that it was the custom to boil the food in baskets or even in boxes as on the coast to the west. This idea is strengthened by the fact that in the Nez Perce region to the east, watertight coiled baskets were regularly used in cooking.[122] We may naturally suppose that roasting before open fires was also customary in this region. No fireplaces such as were probably used in this area and are found in the Nez Perce region,[123] were recognized by us, although beds of clam shells previously mentioned, may indicate the sites of ancient hearths.
FOOTNOTES:
[80] Smith, (d), p. 139.
[81] Cf. Spinden, p. 194.
[82] Museum negative no. 44455. 2-4.
[83] Smith, (c) Fig. 342.
[84] Spinden, Figs. 20 and 22, Plate VI.
[85] Museum negative no. 44455. 4-2.
[86] Smith, (c), Fig. 343.