In this respect, indeed, the Indian character seems to differ from the European, that an Indian, instead of letting his anger increase with that of his antagonist, assumes the utmost coolness, lest he should push him to extremities.
Although adultery is sometimes punished amongst the Crees in the manner above described, yet it is no crime, provided the husband receives a valuable consideration for his wife's prostitution.

Neither is chastity considered as a virtue in a female before marriage, that is, before she becomes the exclusive property of one hunter.
The Cree women are not in general treated harshly by their husbands, and possess considerable influence over them.

They often eat, and even get drunk, in consort with the men; a considerable portion of the labour, however, falls to the lot of the wife.

She makes the hut, cooks, dresses the skins, and for the most part, carries the heaviest load: but, when she is unable to perform her task, the husband does not consider it beneath his dignity to assist her.

In illustration of this remark, I may quote the case of an Indian who visited the fort in winter.