In British Columbia the Indians ceremoniously go out to meet the
first salmon, and in flattering voices try to win their favour by
calling them all chiefs. Every spring in California the Karaks used
to dance for salmon. Meanwhile one of their number secluded himself
in the mountains and fasted for ten days. Upon his return he solemnly
approached the river, took the first salmon of the catch, ate some
of it, and with the remainder lighted a sacrificial fire. The same
Indians laboriously climbed to the mountain-top after the poles for
the spearing-booth, being convinced that if they were gathered where
the salmon were watching no fish would be caught. In Japan, among
the primitive race of the Ainos, even the women left at home are not
allowed to talk, lest the fish may hear and disapprove, while the first
fish is always brought in through a window instead of a door, so that
other fish may not see.--“TIT-BITS.”