sewels

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1968
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/50152

sewell n [the fences are] only discontinued here and there for short distances, where the ill growth of the wood does not favour such works. The Indians are here at no loss; for their knowedge of the use of sewels supplies the deficien cy, and completes their toils. Their sewels are made by tying a tassel of birch rind, formed like the wing of a paper kite, to the small end of a slight stick, about six feet in length. These sticks are pricked into the ground about ten or a dozen yards apart, and so much sloping, that the pendant rind may hang clear of its support in order to play with every breath of wind. Thus it / 311 is sure to catch the eye of the deer, and make them shun the place where it stands. [Howley's reprint of C. suggests that this is _see-well_. p. 320 their habitations are soon put in order, their deer- fences repaired, the necessary sewelling completed, and every preparation [reverse] made for the ensuing slaughter. PRINTED ITEM DNE-cit W.J.KIRWIN 5 AUG 68 Used I Used I 1 Used I sewel, shewell, DEER FENCE, scarecrow, ~ stick/twine. The source is listed as [1768] 1828 CARTWRIGHT ii, 310 in DNE. Reverse of card at S_15537.