It is highly probable that the Inkalit language, when better known, will present the same phenomenon of transition with the Ugalyakhmutsi.
DOUBTFUL KOLÚCHES.
1. THE DÍGOTHI(?)
Synonym.—Loucheux.
Locality.—The Peel River, a feeder of the M'Kenzie.
The ethnological position of the Dígothi, Loucheux, or Squinters, is uncertain. Mr. Isbister, who in 1847 laid before the British Association for the Advancement of Science a short notice of them, stated that their language was soon learned by the Eskimo, and vice versâ. It was also soon learned by the Chippewyans, and vice versâ. This was primâ facie evidence of its intermediate or transitional character. More important, however, is the following short vocabulary; which is Mr. Isbister's also. Here the closest affinities are with the Kenay, itself a language of so doubtful a position, that although the present writer considers it to be Kolúch, most others isolate it.
| ENGLISH. | LOUCHEUX. | KENAY. |
|---|---|---|
| White man | Manah-gool-ait | |
| Indian | Tenghie[104] | teena=man. |
| Eskimo | nak-high | " |
| Wind | etsee | " |
| Head wind | newatsee | " |
| Fair wind | jeatsee | " |
| Water | tchon[105] | thun-agalgus. |
| Sun | shethie | channoo. |
| Moon | shet-sill | tlakannoo. |
| Stars | kumshaet | ssin. |
| Meat | beh | kutskonna. |
| Deer | et-han | " |
| Head | umitly | aissagge. |
| Arm | tchiegen | skona. |
| Leg | tsethan | " |
| Coat | chiegee | " |
| Blanket | tsthee | " |
| Knife | tlay | kissaki. |
| Foot | jetly | " |
| Yes | eh | " |
| No | illuck-wha | " |
| Far | nee-jah | " |
| Near | neak-wha | " |
| Strong | nehaintah | " |
| Cold | kateitlee | ktckchuly. |
| Long | kawa | " |
| Enough | ekcho, ekatarainyo | " |
| Eat | beha | " |
| Drink | chidet-leh | " |
| Come | chatchoo | " |
| Go away | eenio | " |
| I | see | su |
| Thou | nin | nan. |
| (My) father | (se) tsay | stukta. |
| (My) son | (se) jay | ssi-ja. |
| (My) daughter | (se) zaa | ssx-za. |
| (My) wife | (te) chiliquah | " |
| (My) brother-in-law | sundayee | " |
In physical appearance the Dígothi are athletic fine-looking men, considerably above the average stature, most of them above six feet high, and well-proportioned. They have black hair, fine sparkling eyes, moderately high cheek-bones, regular teeth, and a fair complexion. Their countenances are handsome and expressive.
2. THE NEHANNI.(?)
Extract from Mr. Isbister.—These range the country between the Russian settlements on the Stikine River and the Rocky Mountains, where they are conterminous with the Carriers of New Caledonia on the south, and the Daho-dinnies of M'Kenzie's River on the west. They are a brave and warlike race; the scourge and terror of the country round. It is a curious circumstance, and not the less remarkable from the contrast to the general rule in such cases, that this turbulent and ungovernable horde were under the direction of a woman, who ruled them, too, with a rod of iron, and was obeyed with a readiness and unanimity truly marvellous. She was certainly a remarkable character, and possessed of no ordinary share of intelligence. From the fairness of her complexion and hair, and the general cast of her features, she was believed to have some European blood. Whether through her influence or not, the condition of the females among the Nehannies stands much higher than among the American Indians generally. The proper locality of the Nehanni tribe is the vicinity of the sea-coast, where they generally pass the summer. In the winter they range the country in the interior for the purpose of bartering, or plundering, furs from the inland tribes; acting as middlemen between them and the Russian traders. They agree in general character with the Koloochians, having light complexions, long and lank hair, fine eyes and teeth, and many of them strong beards and moustaches. They are not generally tall, but active and vigorous, bold and treacherous in disposition; fond of music and dancing, and ingenious and tasteful in their habits and decorations. They subsist principally on salmon, and evince a predilection for a fish diet, which indicates their maritime origin. Like all the north-west tribes, they possess numerous slaves; inhabitants, it is understood, of some of the numerous islands which stud the coast, and either taken in war or bought of the neighbouring tribes.[106]