RELIGION 113

pose should remain continent for several nights to increase his
generative powers. He then selects a time for beginning the
rite and on the second and fourth nights from that date sleeps
with his wife, holding intercourse repeatedly and vigorously
until he is utterly exhausted. Before dawn on the third and
fifth days he must wash in the river or in some quiet stream.
Then follow four nights of restraint, a further intercourse, and
washing before dawn. The period is next increased to eight
nights, then twelve, and finally sixteen, each with a similar
contact and bathing. The nights of abstinence are thus forty
in all, a lucky number. An unmarried man can obtain power
in the same manner with the assistance of a female friend; it
is the act itself that is vital, not the union of husband and wife.

At the present time, only two Bella Coola are said to know
this particular type of ceremonial chastity, which they conceal
carefully, even refusing offers to buy their knowledge. It is
potent at any time, but especially if the periods of continence
have been so arranged that they terminate at one of the sol-
stices. Then, indeed, can a hunter set off with every prospect
of success, knowing that the human taint disliked by animals
has been removed, and been replaced by a ceremonial clean-
liness pleasing to them. If the time terminates at the winter
solstice, the hunter should set out immediately; if it ends in
June, he must remain away from women after his final inter-
course. In September or October, when ready to leave for
the hunt, he must sleep beside his wife for the last four nights;
each night he must place his leg between hers, and each morn-
ing the two must wash together. The best fortune of all is
obtained by a man who observes this forty-night period for
four successive years.

Another, and more common, count* is to observe contin-
ence for four nights, followed by intercourse. Immediately
afterwards, the man should eat as much devil’s club® as pos-

*The record of nights is kept by notches cut in a stick or by knots on a cord.

%Or false hellebore. This latter plant is thought to be so poisonous that the
eating of even a twig an inch in length is fatal; a very small amount, however, all
that is ever taken, acts as a powerful emetic.