2 THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS

tains. From each pocket between these mountains an ice-
cold affluent comes swirling down to the main river. The
predominant tree in the river valleys is the cedar® which in
many cases attains great girth and height. Cottonwoods
flourish in places, and everywhere there is an almost impene-
trable undergrowth of devil’s club, berry bushes, and other
shrubbery of almost tropical density. On the lower slopes of
the mountains, moss-festooned pines and spruces are the most
common trees, gradually becoming smaller and fewer until the
barren peaks are reached. The mountains rise so precipitously
that their snowcaps and glaciers seem to overhang the valley,
a narrow ribbon of green winding far below. The range of
vision from the bank of the river is limited by the all-encircling
mountains. Here and there a distant vista opens up to expose
peak after peak, but on the whole there is a feeling of confine-
ment, in contrast with the open wastes of the upper country
where the Bella Coola rises. Mountains, forests, flowing water,
these are the three dominant impressions of the country (see
Plate 6). ;

The mammals of central British Columbia, although com-
paratively common, have never been of primary importance.
The marten, the wolverine, the lynx, and bears, both black
and grizzly, were formerly hunted for their skins to serve as
cloaks. Deer were killed whenever possible, but formed a
negligible item of diet. The beaver also was prized for its
flesh. The skins of moose and caribou were traded from the
Carrier Indians, but neither of these animals was found in the
Bella Coola area. The mammal of greatest economic impor-
tance was the mountain goat, the wool of which was woven into
blankets. Smoked goat meat was formerly found in every
house and was almost the only flesh available during the
winter. Small game was abundant, but seals were a luxury.
Neither were birds of great importance to the Bella Coola.
Members of the tribe resident near the sea-coast used to kill

‘Appendix C contains a glossary of the scientific names of the flora and fauna
mentioned in this monograph.