,digital ,library47 ,,indian ,,scout ,,talks ,illustration3 ,,portrait ,,of ,,the ,,author1 ,,dr4 ,,charles ,a4 ,,eastman 7,,ohiyesa74 ,,indian ,,scout ,,talks ,a ,,guide ,,for ,,boy ,,scouts ,,and ,,camp ,,fire ,,girls ,,by ,,charles ,a4 ,,eastman 7,,ohiyes7 ,author of ,wigwam ,evenings1 etc4 ,,boston ,,little1 ,,brown1 ,,and ,,company #aiad ,copyright1 #aiad1 ,by ,little1 ,brown1 and ,company4 ,all rights reserved ,published1 ,september1 #aiad ,,the ,,colonial ,,press ,c4 ,h4 ,,simonds ,,co41 ,,boston1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a4 ,these chapters represent the actual experiences and first-hand knowledge of the author4 ,his training was along these lines1 until he was nearly sixteen years of age4 ,it is with the earnest hope that they may prove useful to all who venture into the wilderness in pursuit of wisdom1 health1 and pleasure1 that they are dedicated to ,the ,boy ,scouts of ,america and ,the ,camp ,fire ,girls of ,america ,,acknowledgment ,the author acknowledges the courtesy of ,boys' ,life1 ,the ,boy's ,world1 ,the ,churchman1 ,the ,youth's ,companion1 and ,st4 ,nicholas1 in permitting the use of chapters of this book which first appeared in their pages4 ,,contents ,,chapter ,,page ,i4 ,at ,home ,with ,nature #a ,,ii4 ,indian ,methods of ,physical ,training #g ,,iii4 ,how to ,make ,friends ,with ,wild ,animals #ae ,,iv4 ,the ,language of ,footprints #be ,v4 ,hunting ,with ,sling-shot and ,bow and ,arrow #cd ,,vi4 ,primitive ,modes of ,trapping and ,fishing #db ,,vii4 ,how to ,make and ,handle ,indian ,canoes #dh ,,viii4 ,the ,camp ,site and the ,carry #ee ,,ix4 ,how to ,build ,wigwams and ,shelters #fa ,x4 ,fire ,without ,matches and ,cooking ,without ,pots #fi ,,xi4 ,how to ,make and ,follow a ,blazed ,trail #gg ,,xii4 ,indian ,signals in ,camp and ,field #he ,,xiii4 ,an ,indian ,boy's ,sports #ia ,,xiv4 ,a ,winter ,masque #ii ,,xv4 ,an ,indian ,girl's ,sports #ajf ,,xvi4 ,indian ,names and ,their ,significance #aab ,,xvii4 ,indian ,girls' ,names and ,symbolic ,decorations #abj ,,xviii4 ,the ,language of ,feathers and ,ceremonial ,dress #abf ,,xix4 ,indian ,ceremonies for ,boy ,scouts #acg ,,xx4 ,the ,maidens' ,feast3 ,a ,ceremony for ,girls #adf ,,xxi4 ,the ,gesture-language of the ,indian #aea ,,xxii4 ,indian ,picture-writing #aei ,,xxiii4 ,wood-craft and ,weather ,wisdom #afh ,,xxiv4 ,the ,art of ,story-telling #age ,,xxv4 ,etiquette of the ,wigwam #ahb ,,xxvi4 ,training for ,service #ahh ,,list ,,of ,,illustrations ,portrait of the ,author1 ,dr4 ,charles ,a4 ,eastman ,frontispiece #a4 ,method of ,tracking a ,moose #cb #b4 ,framework of the ,wigwam #fb #c4 ,the ,wigwam #fc #d4 ,framework of the ,teepee #fe #e4 ,the ,teepee #fe #f4 ,implements for ,making a ,fire ,without ,matches #gj #g4 ,making the ,fire #ga #h-aj4 ,ground ,arrows #id #aa4 ,indian ,symbol for the ,home #abj #ab4 ,indian ,symbol for the ,four ,points of the ,compass #aba #ac4 ,indian ,symbol for ,life ,here and ,here-after #aba #ad4 ,indian ,symbol for ,happiness in the ,home #aba #ae4 ,indian ,symbol for ,eternal ,union #aba #af4 ,indian ,symbol for ,footprints #aba #ag4 ,indian ,symbol for ,lightning or ,destruction #abb #ah4 ,indian ,symbol for ,mountains or ,prayer #abb #ai4 ,figure of the ,thunder-,bird #adc #bj4 ,the ,peace ,pipe #ade #ba-bf4 ,indian ,picture ,writings #afj ,i--,,at ,,home ,,with ,,nature ,to be in harmony with nature1 one must be true in thought1 free in action1 and clean in body1 mind1 and spirit4 ,this is the solid granite foundation of character4 ,have you ever wondered why most great men were born in humble homes and passed their early youth in the open country8 ,there a boy is accustomed to see the sun rise and set every day2 there rocks and trees are personal friends1 and his geography is born with him1 for he carries a map of the region in his head4 ,in civilization there are many deaf ears and blind eyes4 ,because the average boy in the town has been deprived of close contact and intimacy with nature1 what he has learned from books he soon forgets1 or is unable to apply4 ,all learning is a dead language to him who gets it at second hand4 ,it is necessary that you should live with nature1 my boy friend1 if only that you may verify to your own satisfaction your schoolroom lessons4 ,further than this1 you may be able to correct some error1 or even to learn something that will be a real contribution to the sum of human knowledge4 ,that is by no means impossible to a sincere observer4 ,in the great laboratory of nature there are endless secrets yet to be discovered4 ,we will follow the ,indian method1 for the ,american ,indian is the only man ,i know who accepts natural things as lessons in themselves1 direct from the ,great ,giver of life4 ,yet there exists in us1 as in you1 a dread of strange things and strange places2 light and darkness1 storm and calm1 affect our minds as they do yours1 until we have learned to familiarize ourselves with earth and sky in their harsher aspects4 ,suppose that you are absolutely alone in the great woods at night6 ,the ,indian boy is taught from babyhood not to fear such a situation1 for the laws of the wilderness must necessarily be right and just1 and man is almost universally respected by the animals1 unless he himself is the aggressor4 ,this is the normal attitude of trust in our surroundings1 both animate and inanimate2 and if our own attitude is normal1 the environment at once becomes so4 ,it is true that an innate sense of precaution makes us fear what is strange2 it is equally true that simplicity and faith in the natural wins in the end4 ,i will tell you how ,i was trained1 as a boy1 to overcome the terror of darkness and loneliness4 ,my uncle1 who was my first teacher1 was accustomed to send me out from our night camp in search of water4 ,as we lived a roving life in pursuit of game1 my errand led me often into pathless and unfamiliar woods4 ,while yet very young1 all the manhood and self-reliance in me was called forth by this test4 ,you can imagine how ,i felt as ,i pushed forward alone into the blackness1 conscious of real danger from possible wild beasts and lurking foes4 ,how thrilling1 how tantalizing the cry of the screech-owl6 ,even the rustling of a leaf or the snapping of a dry twig under foot sent a chill through my body4 ,novice that ,i was1 ,i did not at once realize that it is as easy as swimming2 all ,i needed was confidence in myself and in the elements4 ,as ,i hurried through the forest in the direction my uncle had indicated1 there seemed gradually to develop sufficient light for me to distinguish the trees along my way4 ,the return trip was easier4 ,when1 as often happened1 he sent me for a second pailful1 no protest or appeal escaped my lips1 thanks to my previous training in silent obedience4 ,instinct helped me1 as he had foreseen1 to follow the trail ,i had made1 and the trees were already old acquaintances4 ,i could hear my own breathing in the silence2 my footfall and heart-beat sounded as though they were those of another person coming behind me1 and while this disturbed me at first1 ,i quickly became accustomed to it4 ,very soon ,i learned to distinguish different kinds of trees by the rustling of their leaves in the breeze which is caused by the stir of man or animal4 ,if you can accustom yourself to travel at night1 how much more you will be able to see and appreciate in the daytime6 ,you will become more sensible of the unseen presences all about you and understand better the communications of the wild creatures4 ,once you have thrown off the handicap of physical fear1 there will develop a feeling of sympathetic warmth1 unknown before4 ,in the event of sudden danger1 ,i was taught to remain perfectly motionless--a dead pause for the body1 while the mind acts quickly yet steadily1 planning a means of escape4 ,if ,i discover the enemy first1 ,i may be passed undiscovered4 ,this rule is followed by the animals as well4 ,you will find it strictly observed by the young ones who are hidden by their mother before they are able to run with her2 and they are made to close their eyes also4 ,the shining pupil of the eye is a great give-away4 ,it is wonderful how quickly and easily one can adjust himself to his surroundings in wild life4 ,how gentle is the wild man when at peace6 ,how quick and masterful in action6 ,like him1 we must keep nature's laws1 develop a sound1 wholesome body1 and maintain an alert and critical mind4 ,upon this basis1 let us follow the trail of the ,indian in his search for an earthly paradise6 ,,ii--,,indian ,,methods ,,of ,,physical ,,training ,the desire to be a man--the native spirit of the explorer and the hero--this is the strong inner motive which leads a boy out on the wilderness trail to discover the world anew4 ,first of all1 he discovers what he himself must be in order to overcome difficulties1 to resist pain and hardship1 and to win the object of his quest4 ,with these impulses at their purest and strongest1 the ,indian boy begins his career with the building of a sound and efficient body4 ,the rivers and lakes present themselves as obstacles in his path1 and as a very young child he starts in to swim1 as naturally1 almost1 as he begins to walk4 ,the writer barely remembers standing on the white1 pebbly beach with his grandfather at his side2 standing silent1 full of sincere reverence for the spirit of the deep1 as he stood before the towering cliff1 or the majestic1 solitary tree4 ,in advance of every undertaking1 the ,indian loves to meet thus the all-pervading ,spirit in the attitude of wordless prayer4 ,now the grandfather makes the plunge with a boyish shout4 ,see1 see6 he calls to the boy as he comes up1 breathless and exultant1 from his dive4 ,i am happy as ,i lie here cradled by the yielding water4 ,you can be as happy1 if you will but make up your mind to try6 ,do you see the idea8 ,the simple effort1 the plunge1 that is the important thing4 ,the boy is neither frightened nor forced2 he follows soon of his own accord1 and the lesson is begun aright under the eye of an experienced master4 ,as the child grows1 he becomes more and more expert and daring2 from this time on he eagerly seeks perfection in his new art4 ,his idea of perfection is1 first1 endurance1 then swiftness2 grace and form come naturally while aiming at these two4 ,therefore he swims at all times1 in rough water and against strong currents4 ,when some day he is cast suddenly into the water at a disadvantage1 wounded1 it may be1 or obliged to swim long under water in order to escape the enemy1 he knows how to utilize his strength to the utmost1 and often overcomes tremendous odds with the remarkable tact and skill of the ,indian athlete4 ,clear your mind of all dread and suspicion2 this is the first step in the wilderness life4 ,think not the water will drown you1 or that anything in the water or on land will bite or poison you4 ,have confidence in nature and yourself4 ,perhaps three-fourths of your physical failures are due to lack of nerve and will-power4 ,it is not my purpose to teach you to swim1 but to tell you how to use the art of swimming toward perfecting an out-of-door body and a logical mind4 ,the ,indian swims freely at all seasons of the year when the water is open4 ,the usual method of bathing in winter is to go into a sweat lodge 7the original ,turkish bath7 for five or more minutes2 then he jumps into a hole in the ice1 which he has cut large enough to enter safely1 and comes out in a few minutes4 ,after a short run1 he wraps himself in a buffalo robe with the hair inside and sleeps for a while4 ,this makes him a new man4 ,the ,indian boy often rolls in the snow naked when fresh snow is on the ground4 ,a perfectly trained outdoor man has much natural heat in his body1 and can generate much more by exercise4 ,little clothing is actually needed1 and ,i have seen ,indians sleep all night without covering1 in fairly cool weather at that4 ,much depends upon habit and early training2 yet it is quite possible to learn new habits after one is well grown4 ,one of the first things to do is to accustom yourself to lie on the ground until your muscles make the necessary adjustment to its hardness and unevenness1 and you can rest in comfort4 ,do not worry about snakes or insects2 they will rarely do you harm2 nor is there any danger from dampness1 once you are in training4 ,a few evergreen boughs over frozen or wet ground are protection enough4 ,the best way to sleep in camp is feet toward the fire4 ,there are several reasons for this4 ,if1 by any mischance1 the fire escapes1 your feet are very sensitive and will awaken you in time4 ,also1 it is easy to get up without disturbing any one4 ,the ,indian must always arouse every fiber of his body before he begins the day4 ,the first thing he does when he awakes is to stretch every limb to the utmost1 and finally the entire body4 ,he takes pleasure in the most tremendous yawns4 ,he rises and starts up the fire2 then he runs to the nearest stream or lake shore and either plunges in or splashes the fresh cold water upon his face1 chest1 and arms4 ,often he holds his face and eyes under water for several seconds4 ,after that1 he rinses his mouth and throat1 rubs himself vigorously with the palms of his hands1 and combs his hair1 with the placid pool or spring for his only mirror4 ,in awakening his sleeping body1 the ,indian patterns after his animal friends4 ,you will observe that no dog gets up and walks off without thoroughly stretching himself1 from the nose to the tip of his tail4 ,this is an excellent cure for early morning laziness4 ,before winter sets in1 he begins to take ice-cold foot-baths1 and as soon as the first snow comes1 he walks barefoot in it until he gets up a fine glow2 then puts on warm1 fur-lined moccasins4 ,he is perfectly able to enjoy life out-of-doors at any season of the year1 and has no use for the artificial house-heat of civilization4 ,if he wets his feet at any time1 he puts dry hair or even grass inside his moccasins1 and runs until his feet are dry and warm4 ,the ,indian's stomach is very strong1 and this is something you should look well to1 for much depends upon a perfect digestion4 ,the teeth are valuable assistants1 and these he exercises vigorously on tough muscle and fiber and keeps them clean without a toothbrush2 in return they give him excellent service4 ,he washes out his stomach twice a year1 after fasting for twenty-four hours1 by taking a mild decoction of herbs in a quart or two of lukewarm water and then tickling his throat with a feather4 ,sometimes he repeats the process4 ,his best meal is in the evening1 when he eats heartily1 sometimes taking another meal later in the night4 ,his breakfast is a light one1 and if he expects to run much1 he eats nothing at all4 ,at noon1 he cooks some game for himself1 if convenient4 ,an occasional short fast is enjoined upon the ,indian boy1 as a means of developing his endurance and self-restraint4 ,although trained from babyhood to awaken easily1 his sleep is sound and sweet2 such sleep as comes after a day of healthful bodily exercise in the open air1 when a good evening meal and the warmth of a cheerful camp-fire bring on that delicious drowsiness to which it is a luxury to yield4 ,,iii--,,how ,,to ,,make ,,friends ,,with ,,wild ,,animals ,there is in the human mind a deep-seated and not wholly reasonable suspicion of the silent people1 as the ,indian calls the wild animals1 more especially of the hunting or carnivorous animals4 ,they1 on their part1 are equally cautious1 and take note of the scent as well as the looks and actions of the people they meet4 ,instinct is to them a sure guide1 and when they do venture to disobey her voice1 they almost always come to grief4 ,like children1 the animals are very curious1 and1 even though terrified1 they will sometimes stop to investigate the cause of their fright4 ,i have seen1 in the old buffalo days upon the upper ,missouri1 a coyote or gray wolf go unnoticed by a herd of buffalo1 elk1 or even the timid antelope4 ,the reason for this is that it was not the wolf's hunting season1 which is when there are calves or fawns with the herd4 ,should a wolf come in sight at this time1 every mother runs with her young for safety1 and the whole herd becomes excited4 ,the wolf on the open prairie and the silver-tip bear1 a near cousin to the grizzly1 will sometimes take a fancy to keep company with you for several miles1 if he thinks you did not see him4 ,in such a case1 he will not follow you1 but keeps abreast1 just far enough away to avoid discovery4 ,he will occasionally stop and watch you from behind cover2 but do not be alarmed6 ,he has no intention of attacking you4 ,probably he has a home and little ones not far off1 and wishes to assure himself that the stranger has no designs upon his peace4 ,it is well known to ,indian hunters that no animal offers battle to man except under very strong provocation4 ,the grizzly bear is the notable exception to this rule4 ,others1 even the so-called ferocious beasts1 need not be feared except when pushed to the wall4 ,no doubt you have been more or less influenced by what you have read in books of adventure1 which are mainly highly spiced fiction4 ,if ,i were to relate to you all the fireside stories of the wild ,indian1 whose hunters were constantly in the field1 you would find that hand-to-hand combats with beasts were few indeed4 ,if the buffalo and other large animals were aggressive in temper1 what chance had the poor ,indian--on foot1 and1 before the coming of the ,european1 armed only with bow and arrows or a bone spear8 ,there are several things1 therefore1 which you may put down as general truths4 ,first1 the animals are accustomed to mind strictly their own business and are not likely to interfere with you unless you molest them first4 ,second1 there is a way to learn the peculiarity of each and make his acquaintance4 ,third1 it is possible to influence them greatly1 even in critical circumstances1 by firmness and self-control4 ,if ever a grizzly bear happens to charge upon you1 with wide-open lips showing his powerful teeth and eyes flashing with anger1 have the nerve to stand your ground6 ,without moving a muscle1 your eyes fixed on his1 you may threaten him with a mere sharp stick1 and he will change his mind4 ,he growls1 but you do not answer his challenge2 he concludes to pass on4 ,here is a clear demonstration of our ,indian axiom3 ,silence is greater than speech4 ,a few years ago1 an instance of this kind came to my ears among the ,assiniboine ,sioux4 ,four ,stars1 a brave1 followed one side of a deep gulch while his two companions were on the other side1 hunting deer4 ,as he approached the ravine1 which was full of wild cherry and plum bushes1 his friends saw from the opposite bank a female silver-tip with her two nearly full-grown cubs lurking within the thicket4 ,they made every effort to attract his attention1 but in vain4 ,he walked right down the slope1 apparently to his death4 ,when the three bears charged1 ,four ,stars was taken completely by surprise1 but he showed no fear4 ,he stopped short in his tracks and assumed a rigid pose1 his old single-loading musket extended from his shoulder4 ,the bears came on until they could plainly see his eyes2 then they paused and crouched1 displaying their teeth and claws4 ,a puff of smoke from ,four ,stars' gun2 the mother fell and rolled on the ground4 ,the young bears leaped savagely forward1 but the young man ripped off his shirt and threw it in their path1 causing them to hesitate4 ,meanwhile1 as his ejector was broken1 he used a ramrod to push out the shell of his cartridge1 calmly re-loaded and fired1 killing the two4 ,here was a hero4 ,the odds were against him4 ,he knew the peculiar weakness of the foe1 but to take advantage of this knowledge required something equally important--the nerve of a master man6 ,i need scarcely tell you that the animals are suspicious of man4 ,they have every reason to be4 ,you must have real love and sympathy for them and be consistent and straightforward in your dealings1 in order to gain their friendship4 ,they will accept your peace-offering of food as soon as they trust you1 and in many cases their confidence is not hard to win4 ,some will come to you when called1 and a very interesting instance of this occurred last summer1 at the country home of a friend upon the ,rock ,river in ,illinois4 ,while a group of us sat on the veranda1 ,i gave an imitation of the mother rabbit's whistle2 and1 to our delighted surprise1 a tiny rabbit crept out from under the big leaves of some plants near the house4 ,it came trustingly up close to the railing1 and sat there watching us out of its bright eyes until ,i gave the cry of the coyote1 when the little thing raced for cover6 ,the mother's call and the mating or lover's call of different animals may be successfully imitated with practice and with or without the use of a birch-bark horn or other adjunct4 ,a good imitation is always answered if in season1 and if the animal called is within hearing4 ,on the prairies and the great lakes you can attract animals to you by means of signals4 ,this method is based entirely upon their insatiable desire to investigate whatever is strange to them4 ,you may tie something red to a long stick and set it upright in full view of antelopes1 yourself lying motionless near by1 and they will come very close to inspect it4 ,the sand-hill crane will do the same2 and if you flap your hat or the corner of a blanket while lying flat1 the ,canadian geese will circle about you and sometimes alight4 ,but the great secret of establishing intercourse with wild animals is to rove in their domain without doing them harm4 ,in this way they come to know you long before you have made their acquaintance4 ,i cannot tell you how they know when to trust you1 but know they do6 ,if you are near a lake where water-fowl congregate1 take your canoe at evening or in the early morning and paddle quietly here and there for several days1 and ,i will guarantee that you will be a privileged character upon that lake4 ,they will mind you no more than they would mind a muskrat1 and you will have a splendid opportunity to study the character and ways of each species4 ,as to an individual or personal friendship with a wild creature1 the best way is to bring one up from infancy1 yet allow it perfect freedom4 ,in this the ,indian succeeded remarkably well2 and it was not uncommon for him to establish an intimacy with an adult animal or bird1 although this is a more difficult feat4 ,you must bear in mind that knowing a captive or domestic animal is not at all the same thing1 as their habits and manners are strongly influenced by an artificial environment4 ,one morning my friend ,simon ,bonga1 a three-quarters blood ,ojibway at ,leech ,lake in ,minnesota1 found a baby fawn not more than thirty yards from his house4 ,he took some milk to it and left it there4 ,the next day he took some more1 and soon the fawn would drink from his hand4 ,after a few days1 he would simply stand in his doorway and give the mother call4 ,the fawn would run to him to be fed4 ,a little later1 not only he but his wife and children were able to stroke and pet the little one1 which continued to live in its native haunts1 but came regularly to the house for food and a frolic4 ,the mother was seen once or twice1 but made no trouble4 ,a year later1 ,i wrote to ,mr4 ,bonga and incidentally referred to the fawn4 ,he replied3 ,she is now a respectable young lady doe1 and we are much attached to her4 ,she has lived the natural life and has yet allowed herself the advantage of intimate association with human beings1 while my friend and his family have known the charm of close familiarity with one of nature's most graceful creations4 ,,iv--,,the ,,language ,,of ,,footprints ,you have often heard it said that actions speak louder than words4 ,it is a fact that both voluntary and involuntary actions of the body tell truly the mind's purpose1 and this is why the ,indian studies so assiduously every record of the comings and goings of his fellow creatures1 both animal and human4 ,the footprint1 ,i want you to bear in mind1 is first of all a picture of all the prominent points on the sole4 ,the ball of the foot1 the heel and toes1 hoof and claw1 each makes its own impress4 ,even the fishes make theirs with their fins1 which to them are hand and foot4 ,this is the wood-dweller's autograph4 ,more than this1 each series of footprints tells a bit of history1 perhaps betrays a secret to the instructed eye1 and the natural ,indian did not neglect to drill his child thoroughly in this important branch of learning4 ,i will now ask you to enter the forest with me4 ,first1 scan the horizon and look deep into the blue vault above you1 to adjust your nerves and the muscles of your eye1 just as you do other muscles by stretching them4 ,there is still another point4 ,you have spread a blank upon the retina1 and you have cleared the decks of your mind1 your soul1 for action4 ,let us divide our scouts into small groups2 one alone is sometimes best1 when you are pretty well advanced in this study1 but at first two or three1 with a head scout or teacher1 will do4 ,we will assume that you have passed the primary test2 that is1 you have learned to recognize the footprints of mice1 birds1 squirrels1 rabbits1 and perhaps to some extent the next set1 those of the dog1 the cat1 the fox1 and the wolf4 ,it is a crisp winter morning1 and upon the glistening fresh snow we see everywhere the story of the early hours--now clear and plain1 now tangled and illegible--where every traveler has left his mark upon the clean1 white surface for you to decipher4 ,the first question is3 ,who is he8 ,the second3 ,where is he now8 ,around these two points you must proceed to construct your story4 ,if the snow is not deep1 the imprint of the toes and even the claw marks are very distinct1 but in deep1 soft snow you have only the holes made by the foot and leg4 ,some animals1 such as the cow1 drag their feet1 while the wolf kind make a mark much like the print of a cane4 ,this is also true of the cat family4 ,the distinguishing difference is in the gait1 as shown in the relative position of the footprints1 and this is a matter that calls for careful attention4 ,the break in each print is usually greater behind than before1 and this tells you in which direction the animal is going4 ,the rabbit makes innumerable tracks as soon as it stops snowing1 and we may be sure that its burrow is not far distant1 for unless food is scarce or danger imminent1 they will not leave their own immediate locality4 ,as to larger animals1 love-affairs often lead them far afield1 and wolves and bears cover much ground2 yet even they have their favorite haunts1 and they are masters of their map4 ,all these things the student of footprints should bear in mind4 ,it is essential to estimate as closely as you can how much of a journey you will undertake if you determine to follow a particular trail4 ,many factors enter into this4 ,when you come upon the trail1 you must if possible ascertain when it was made4 ,examine the outline2 if that is undisturbed1 and the loose snow left on the surface has not yet settled1 the track is very fresh1 as even an inexperienced eye can tell4 ,next determine the sex1 and finally the age1 if you can3 all these enter into the problem of getting your game4 ,it is easy to tell the sex of the deer family by their footprints2 the female has sharper hoofs and a narrower foot1 while the male has rounded points to the hoofs4 ,it will also be necessary to consider the time of year4 ,it is of no use to follow a buck when he starts out on his travels in the autumn1 and with the moose or elk it is the same4 ,if the track is a running one1 the question is3 ,was it in play or in flight8 ,look at the toes2 if they are widely spread1 he was running for sport and exercise2 if close together1 it was a race for life4 ,many animals for safety's sake go through a series of maneuvers before they lie down to rest4 ,for instance1 at the end of the trail they make two loops1 and conceal themselves at a point where the pursuer must1 if he sticks to the trail1 pass close by their hiding-place and give timely warning of his approach4 ,this trick is characteristic of the deer and rabbit families4 ,the tracking of an animal in summer is naturally much more difficult than in winter1 unless the footprints are on soft ground4 ,the ,indian hunter is then even keener in his observations2 he looks for the displacement of leaves and blades of grass1 or for broken dry sticks4 ,these slight displacements will adjust themselves in a short time1 to be sure2 but in hunting1 the fresh track is what is wanted4 ,other tracks are not much followed1 except those of man or bear from whom danger is to be feared4 ,a new trail1 especially one made during a dewy night1 is easy to trace the next morning1 and on the open prairie the reflection of sun on the grass blades helps1 so that sometimes a few paces away one may see the trail clearly4 ,referring to winter trailing1 ,i remember well an example of perfect accuracy set by my uncle1 who was a famous hunter4 ,i was then a boy of about fifteen1 living in the wilds of ,manitoba4 ,we came suddenly upon a moose track1 evidently made on the day before1 as the upturned snow was frosted over by a night's cold4 ,he stopped and surveyed the lay of the country4 ,a little way ahead a ravine led down to a lake1 of which the outlet was densely wooded with willows and birches4 ,we followed the trail down the ravine and along the lake shore until we reached this stream1 and here my uncle paused and climbed a tree4 ,when he came down1 he examined his gun and put in a fresh load1 then proceeded cautiously a few paces1 when we came upon another trail crossing the first almost at right angles4 ,it1 too1 was a day old4 ,to my surprise1 my uncle now motioned to me to stay where ,i was1 and throwing off some of his garments and adjusting his moccasins1 he ran back on his trail4 ,i waited about half an hour1 when ,i heard the report of his gun1 and soon after he returned with the good news3 ,i got him6 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #a4 ,the diagram shows you how it was done4 ,the moose had covered his position by a swinging loop1 and was lying down facing the first turn4 ,at that time of year they may remain thus for several days4 ,he had seen that we did not enter the loop and felt safe4 ,my uncle1 knowing the trick1 had run back a hundred yards or so1 then circled behind the loop1 and approached him from the rear1 where he easily brought him down4 ,among the ,indians1 the study of human footprints was carried to a fine point4 ,many of us would be able to say at a glance1 ,here goes ,so-and-,so1 with perfect accuracy4 ,even the children would recognize instantly the footprint of a stranger from another tribe4 ,it was claimed by some that character may be read from the footprint1 just as some white people undertake to read it from the handwriting1 on the ground that certain characteristic attitudes and motions of the body1 reflecting mental peculiarities1 affect the gait and consequently the pedal autographs4 ,at any rate1 our people are close readers of character1 and ,i do not hesitate to say that faithful study of the language of footprints in all its details will be certain to develop your insight as well as your powers of observation4 ,v--,,hunting ,,with ,,sling-,,shot ,,and ,,bow ,,and ,,arrow ,it is likely that the earliest weapon of primitive man was that employed by the shepherd ,david1--the little round pebble from the brook4 ,it was not despised as a last resort by the ,indians of my day1 and we boys practised with it continually4 ,it was customary with us to carry about a dozen or so small rounded stones in a special leather pouch4 ,we used soft buckskin thongs about eighteen inches long1 attached to a piece of flexible rawhide some two inches square1 but usually tapered to a point1 for the sling4 ,this was our long distance gun2 but the first step toward learning its use is the throwing of stones accurately by hand4 ,i remember when ,i was about ten years old that my favorite playmate1 ,redhorn1 and ,i used to spend many long mornings perfecting ourselves in this art1 and we kept up our practice until we could hit the animal or object aimed at as many times as you boys would with a #bb or an air gun4 ,this training of the eye together with the muscles of the arm is the first essential4 ,the next is to throw with all your strength and still keep your aim true4 ,after mastering the overhand throw1 we practised several other varieties1 including one straight up in the air1 which helps in the development of waist and back muscles4 ,we boys hunted squirrels1 rabbits1 partridges1 and ducks with stones merely1 and often succeeded as well as if we had had arrows or even guns4 ,one advantage of this method is that it is silent and scarcely disturbs the game4 ,it is especially lively in the fall of the year1 when game is abundant and often young and inexperienced4 ,at this time we often hunted in groups4 ,in case of a party of six boys1 four would take up positions on a point of the lake shore1 while the other two swam out into the lake1 making as much noise as possible and imitating the screams of the hawk or eagle to frighten the ducks4 ,sometimes hundreds would rise with a thunder of wings and fly over our heads in large flocks4 ,then our innocent-looking pebbles whistled through the air like real bullets1 and at every volley several ducks would drop into the water for the swimmers to pick up1 while flock followed flock in quick succession4 ,at such times we were happy and gave many a war-whoop and yell of delight2 though it is true the swimmers were in some danger from stray shots1 and had often to dive to escape the missiles4 ,if the ducks are wild1 they may be deceived by stripping off your clothing1 daubing your body with mud1 and lying motionless on the shore4 ,when we had killed enough1 we had the excitement of chasing the wounded ducks in the water1 and at last we counted our bag and divided equally4 ,no boy who is not a good shot should hunt in a group with others1 as there is danger of injuring his companions4 ,upon the western prairies there are in some places small alkali lakes1 where few or no stones are to be found4 ,here we used the sticky alkali mud1 on the end of a pliable rod or willow switch perhaps two and a half feet long4 ,the lump is about the size of a hen's egg and the consistency of artist's clay4 ,it is thrown with one swing of the arm1 and as a rule only stuns the duck1 so that it is necessary to pick up your game after each volley1 otherwise it may come to life and fly away4 ,in an emergency1 when no willows were to be had1 the ,indian boy sometimes used his arrow1 first removing the head and the feathers4 ,the ,indian uses a shorter bow than do most primitive people4 ,the regulation hunting-bow is less than five feet long1 and some of the most convenient ones are only four feet4 ,the best bows are made of young elm1 oak1 hickory1 ash1 and dogwood4 ,ironwood is good1 but not commonly found4 ,there are also elk horn and ,rocky ,mountain sheep horn bows1 as well as buffalo rib bows1 which are worked to perfect shape by the use of steam4 ,they are usually made in two pieces1 are difficult to make1 and highly valued4 ,the boy's ordinary bow is made of any kind of wood1 but always that from a sapling1 so as to get the necessary elasticity4 ,the continuous curve bow is not approved by us1 as one made with concave ends and convex in the middle is easier to control and does not jerk the arrow off its true direction4 ,as soon as the ,indian has shaped it by whittling1 he dries it in proper form1 and oils it while seasoning to keep it supple4 ,when thoroughly seasoned1 he finishes it by scraping and rubbing with the natural sandstone4 ,he then tightly winds each end and the middle with flat sinew and notches the ends for the bowstring1 which is best made of sinew1 though wild hemp and other materials are used on occasion4 ,in all my wild life1 ,i never saw arrows made of split wood4 ,the young choke-cherry and ,june-berry furnish most of the arrows1 though the coast tribes sometimes use reeds4 ,the usual length is twenty-eight inches1 including the head4 ,they are about one-fourth of an inch in diameter and very light4 ,the man's arrow is feathered with three feathers five inches long1 but most boys' arrows have but two feathers1 and these may be anywhere from two to five inches long1 and must curve around the body of the arrow in screw fashion1 otherwise it will not fly straight4 ,the ,indians made arrow-heads of bone1 horn1 claws and bills of birds1 and sometimes of clam-shells4 ,after the coming of the white man1 they used iron4 ,the stone arrow-head was used apparently by an earlier race1 for most of those that we pick up are too heavy for the ,indian arrow4 ,as children1 we often played with them but never made practical use of them1 unless for shooting fish4 ,indeed1 the boy's arrow needs no separate head1 but is merely sharpened at the point1 or has a knob at the end1 in which case it needs no feather4 ,this is the safest and most convenient weapon for shooting in the woods1 for it brings down all small birds and animals1 and is readily recovered4 ,when you have made your own bow and arrows1 which you can easily do1 the first thing to learn is the correct position for archery4 ,your attitude is that of one who is ready to jump from a spring-board4 ,then you must accustom yourself to the strength and spring of your bow1 and it is well to know your arrows individually1 their swiftness and peculiarities of flight4 ,the highest success in marksmanship depends partly upon one's natural gifts1 yet faithful practice must bring a good degree of satisfaction4 ,the arrow does not alarm the game1 is not dangerous to the hunter or his companions1 and seems to be distinctly the boy's weapon4 ,the exceptional ,indian1 with his sinew-backed1 four-foot bow and bone-tipped arrow1 was able to shoot clear through the body of a large animal1 such as elk or buffalo1 unless he chanced to hit bone4 ,all ,indians could kill the largest animal with this convenient weapon1 using the quick off-hand shot4 ,you can learn it1 too4 ,,vi--,,primitive ,,modes ,,of ,,trapping ,,and ,,fishing ,it is boy's instinct to try to outwit and capture wild animals4 ,this is as true of the outdoor boy among the whites as of the ,indian boy4 ,the point of interest in the ,indian boy's way is that he depends more upon his own ingenuity and resources4 ,while he is trying his grandfather's tricks1 he often devises a better one4 ,the first trapping that ,i ever did was mere childish play1 engaged in by ,indian boys of seven to ten years old4 ,we snared wild mice by placing slip-nooses of horsehair or fine sinew across their well-beaten thoroughfares4 ,however1 it is no easy thing to handle a mouse thus caught1 for he can and will fight with his sharp teeth4 ,we used to turn them loose upon some islet or in a mimic fort of clay or sand1 to watch and play with4 ,we also used the slip-knot for birds1 especially crows and magpies1 which may be attracted to the snares by a bait of fresh meat or corn4 ,a few crows may be caught and hung up to drive their mates from the maize fields2 or1 by tying your solitary crow prisoner in a lonely place1 he will summon all the rest to a pow-wow4 ,this gives the boy1 hidden near at hand1 a fine opportunity to study their ways4 ,we caught squirrels with our bowstrings1 on the same principle as the horsehair noose1 only in this case we stayed by the trap1 and when the squirrel put his head through1 we pulled on the string4 ,this works well with ground squirrels1 or gophers1 and prairie dogs1 although in the case of the latter we sometimes caught one of his house-mates1 the screech-owl or rattle-snake1 instead4 ,the trapping of rabbits is a simple affair4 ,a bended sapling is secured above a rabbit run in such a manner that when the victim runs his head in the noose1 he is swung high in the air4 ,partridges are caught in the same fashion4 ,a novel device for catching rabbits1 in time of scarcity an important source of food supply1 is to scatter large1 sharp burrs along their runs4 ,the burrs stick fast to their feet1 they sit on their haunches to try to get them off1 and so fall an easy prey to the boy hunters4 ,perhaps you would like to try the log deadfall4 ,to make this effective trap1 you need a good knife or a hatchet--nothing more4 ,first drive into the ground four stakes about the size of a broom-handle1 one pair on either side of a rabbit furrow1 if this is the game you are after4 ,leave just enough room between each pair for a good-sized log1 which you may lay directly across the path4 ,the stakes serve as gate-posts to your trap1 and on either side you build a slight barricade of brush4 ,next take two round pegs and cut off the ends squarely at about three inches long1 or longer1 according to your game2 smooth a place for them at either end of the log between the stakes1 and upon them balance a second log1 which is partly supported by the two pairs of stakes as well4 ,the aperture1 just big enough for a rabbit to squeeze through1 is crossed by several hairs from a horse's tail tied to the supporting pins4 ,the unsuspecting victim springs along1 knocks out the underpinning1 and the log falls upon him4 ,for larger game1 such as the fox1 mink1 or fisher1 two more logs are used1 one end of each resting upon the upper log and the free end on the ground4 ,this gives extra weight to the trap1 which may be baited with a piece of meat1 firmly attached to a string in such a way that when the animal tugs at the bait1 the pins are pulled out and the trap falls4 ,indian men use this deadfall more than the boys4 ,our fishing was even more primitive1 since we were not provided with hook and line4 ,sometimes we would select a convenient water-hole and just below it build a rough dam of sticks and stones in a ,v shape1 with the nose pointing down-stream4 ,in the center of the dam we left a small opening1 and just under it hung a cage or basket roughly woven of willows1 projecting slightly above the surface of the water4 ,it was great sport to wade the brook from a point some distance above the dam1 poking under the banks with long sticks and slapping the water with flat paddles1 so as to frighten the fish and drive them into our trap4 ,when the basket was well filled1 we shut off the opening in the dam with logs or stones1 and proceeded to catch the fish with our bare hands1 snare1 or spear them4 ,if we did not care to go to the trouble of constructing a basket1 we simply drove the fish into a deep hole with a rude dam below to prevent their escape1 and caught them by one of the methods named1 or by shooting with bow and arrow4 ,but we were never allowed to take more than we really needed4 ,if a surplus were caught1 we usually freed them1 or stored them in a small pond or spring where we could study and play with them at our leisure4 ,the best time for taking large quantities of fish1 which may be dried or smoked for future use1 is in spawning time in early spring1 when most fishes migrate into shallow water and are so sluggish that they may be knocked on the head with a club4 ,at this season all kinds of wild hunters1 crows1 wolves1 wildcats1 minks1 otters1 come to the outlets of the lakes or the banks of the streams for food1 and my people were not much behind them in this4 ,the streams of my boyhood days were sometimes packed like a sardine can1 and we boys have more than once opened a way and saved large numbers of fish from suffocation4 ,,vii--,,how ,,to ,,make ,,and ,,handle ,,indian ,,canoes ,there are several different kinds of canoes made by ,indians1 of which the birch-bark canoe is the most generally available4 ,the skin boats of the ,esquimaux are larger and are skilfully made1 but we are considering here only the handiwork of our own ,indians4 ,the ,plains ,indians formerly used the buffalo-skin boat1 called bull-boat1 but this is at best an emergency vessel1 constructed only when they were forced to cross a river too deep to ford and too wide to swim4 ,it can scarcely be called a boat and might be termed a raft of skins1 for it cannot be paddled like the true canoe4 ,it is probably the crudest form of native craft4 ,the bull-boat is made upon a framework of willow withes roughly woven into an oblong shape1 using long poles for the bottom to give the necessary firmness4 ,over this frame rawhides are stretched1 and sewed with sinew4 ,the seams are smeared with tallow or gum4 ,two or three long strings are attached to the front end4 ,having loaded the unwieldy vessel to its full capacity with household goods and children1 one or two persons would stand in it with long poles to shove1 while two or three others swam ahead1 pulling it by the ropes1 and sometimes others pushed from behind4 ,the bull-boat was easily capsized1 therefore every precaution was taken against accident to the precious cargo4 ,as soon as the stream was crossed1 it was taken apart1 and the materials put to other uses4 ,the dugout is much used where birch-bark is not obtainable4 ,the tree1 preferably basswood1 cottonwood1 or soft maple1 is selected with care1 the trunk cut the proper length1 twelve to sixteen feet1 roughly shaped externally1 and then hollowed out with much pains4 ,some of these boats are very serviceable1 and many ,indians think them swifter as well as more durable than the birch canoe2 but it is not safe for a novice to undertake to handle one4 ,it is very graceful in the hands of an expert ,indian canoeist1 but in some respects still retains the characteristics of a log in water4 ,after the introduction of modern tools1 the dugout became common throughout the ,indian country1 while the forest ,indian alone still clung to the bark canoe4 ,the white trapper1 hunter1 and explorer readily adopted the convenient dugout1 but it has almost disappeared with these avocations2 yet the boy hunter or camper who has the requisite patience can easily make his own4 ,the ,indian makes his dugout by first hewing it roughly into the shape of a boat1 then making crosswise cuts inside of the trunk about a foot apart and splitting the wood lengthwise between these cuts until well hollowed out4 ,after this he uses a small pickaxe to cut still deeper1 until the walls are from four to six inches in thickness2 finally he smooths the surface with a chisel4 ,on the outside the final work is done with the draw-knife or ordinary knife4 ,bone knives and sharp clam-shells were used in primitive times4 ,fire may be used to dry and polish4 ,our ,indian leaves his canoe to season sufficiently after making and before he launches it4 ,he oils it instead of painting1 as he has no paint4 ,his paddles are shaped from any kind of light wood2 always two in number1 in order that he may have an extra one on hand4 ,the bark canoe requires more skill and labor to make1 and is much more ornamental4 ,in the first place1 you need just the right kind of bark1 and for this you must search through the woods4 ,you must unbark many trees to obtain sheets of uniform thickness and elasticity1 sound1 and of the proper length and width4 ,you will then temper and season them by laying them smoothly on the ground atop of one another1 for some days or even weeks1 every alternate one cross-grained1 and weighted with stones or logs4 ,some bark is brittle and cracks easily1 and this must be discarded4 ,in early spring when the sap runs is the best time to gather bark4 ,the next thing is to secure the materials for your framework4 ,the wood used is the swamp or white cedar4 ,the ,indian cuts down slender1 limbless ones and splits them into convenient lengths1 then whittles them flat1 like boards1 about two to four inches wide1 and seasons them before they are fully finished4 ,the longest are used for bracing the canoe lengthwise1 usually four to six on the bottom and two to three on each side1 beside the rim4 ,the shorter ones are laid crosswise for the ribs1 a foot or more apart1 tapering to either end4 ,the crosspieces are four in number4 ,the ,indian does not use these for seats1 but sits in the bottom of the canoe4 ,his canoe is from twelve to sixteen feet long1 and somewhat wider than the one the white man makes4 ,after collecting and preparing your material1 drive stakes into the ground a foot apart in the exact shape of a canoe1 and within this arrange your ribs and braces in the proper order1 and tie them firmly together with the long1 pliable roots of the swamp cedar or fir-tree4 ,sometimes strips of the inner layer of basswood bark are used for this purpose4 ,when the frame of the canoe is complete1 remove it1 and lay the pieces of birch-bark1 cut to the pattern and partially sewed together1 within the pegged-out space4 ,allow a little for seams and fitting4 ,now lay the frame upon the covering1 turn the latter up and fit it smoothly1 as a dress is fitted to the manikin4 ,an awl is used for making holes1 and the dried cedar roots for sewing the bark4 ,turn the upper edges inward over the rim and sew them closely over and over4 ,lastly1 take out1 invert1 and caulk all the seams well with boiling pitch outside1 and inside with sturgeon blubber or glue made by boiling horn or rawhide4 ,now your canoe is finished except for the decoration1 which may consist of figures drawn with the awl on the soft bark1 or of paintings on bow and stern4 ,the conventionalized figure of some water-fowl or fish1 such as the swan1 loon1 or sturgeon1 forms an appropriate emblem1 and may also serve to name your craft4 ,,viii--,,the ,,camp ,,site ,,and ,,the ,,carry ,the ,indian exercises much ingenuity in selecting a suitable camp site4 ,the first essentials are water and fuel2 next comes sanitation and drainage1 protection from the elements and from ready discovery by possible foes2 finally1 beauty of situation4 ,in midsummer1 when ,indians camp together in great numbers1 they invariably choose an extensive plateau1 either on the secondary bank of a river or lake1 or upon the level bottom lands of some large stream4 ,at this time of the year the ground is dry1 and there is no danger from floods4 ,for the winter camp1 they prefer a protected site in deep woods1 near a large river or lake4 ,in the case of a small party or a solitary traveler1 concealment is the first principle to be observed4 ,seclusion gives a sense of security1 but one does not need to sacrifice to it his sthetic sense4 ,the ,indian is adept in selecting a most beautiful spot which commands all approaches1 or a hidden cove1 guarded by curving shores1 but very near a long-distance view which he keeps for his look-out4 ,in the heat of the summer he often pitches his teepee upon a high1 rocky point1 to get away from the mosquitoes1 but takes care that he is protected by other heights in such a way that any one approaching must come very near before he discovers the camp4 ,there are usually concealed approaches at the back and sides that afford a retreat in case of danger1 and also serve as short cuts on his return from hunting or trapping4 ,in his forest life1 it is a matter of course with him to leave the teepee poles just as they stand1 removing only the covering4 ,this is not only a matter of convenience1 but it may cause the enemy to delay and maneuver when they first sight the camp1 thus giving him more time to retreat4 ,often the war-party discovers its mistake only after its intended victims have been gone for some hours4 ,in case of a hasty retreat1 the tent is left standing undisturbed and the log fire burning within1 so that the smoke may be maintained as long as possible after the departure of the inmates4 ,this was a convenient ruse in the old days4 ,it is best in camping to build small fires4 ,this rule is observed by all ,indians4 ,smoke may be seen at a great distance1 especially on a clear day1 and may be scented by the ordinary ,indian a long way off1 if the wind is right4 ,only in cold weather or for special purposes does the ,indian indulge in a huge fire1 and in no case does he ever leave it without seeing that it is entirely extinguished4 ,if possible1 he builds it upon the rocks1 so that the ashes may be removed by wind and rain1 and the ground show no disfigurement4 ,when a party camp together1 the tents are pitched in a circle4 ,the entrance to the circle is always toward the watering-place1 and the council lodge is placed opposite the entrance4 ,if the party is a large one1 there may be more than one circle1 each band or clan having its own4 ,when a camp is to break up1 it is decreed on the day before1 the next camp site having already been explored and selected by men appointed for that purpose4 ,one of these men may be named to guide the caravan to the chosen spot4 ,the start is made before daybreak1 and the packing done most expeditiously and in accordance with a well understood system1 whether wagons1 ponies1 dogs1 canoes1 or men are used to transport belongings from place to place4 ,there is nothing slovenly or haphazard about the ,indian's domestic economy1 and packing is an interesting and important feature of camp-craft4 ,in the first place1 if you are to transport your own equipment1 you must use the carrying strap1 which consists of two strings1 each four to five feet long1 attached strongly to each end of the flat chest and head pieces1 which are about two inches wide and long enough to encircle the head and shoulders4 ,the goods are secured in a well-balanced roll or bundle1 and this bundle should not be carried too low4 ,place it to suit your strength and comfort1 and do not let it sway or swing4 ,it may be advisable to drop it and rest now and then1 if the load is heavy or the distance considerable4 ,the ,indians can easily carry in this manner all that is required for an outing4 ,if you have packhorses1 your goods must be made into bundles of convenient size and shape to balance one another on the two sides of the animal1 and well secured with strong straps4 ,before the ,indian obtained horses from the ,spanish colonists1 he traveled but a short day's journey1 and carried with him only absolute necessities4 ,all household effects had to be transported on the back1 or by means of the dog travois4 ,in fact1 the travois was his primitive vehicle for many years after the advent of the horse4 ,it consists merely of the tent poles and an oval basket1 netted from strips of rawhide1 which is also used as a door for the teepee4 ,one pony can carry at most eight poles1 four on a side4 ,these are bound to the saddle1 the tips forming an angle above the horse's head1 and the free ends drag on the ground below the basket1 which contains all the household goods1 and sometimes young children4 ,,ix--,,how ,,to ,,build ,,wigwams ,,and ,,shelters ,the ,indian family almost always carry with them the necessary equipment for making camp1 but hunters and solitary travelers must improvise something from the material at hand4 ,the permanent village is composed of fairly substantial and rain-proof dwellings1 called teepees1 wigwams1 and as many names as there are ,indian languages4 ,slighter shelters are quickly put up in an emergency4 ,you will enjoy copying some of these for your temporary or regular camp4 ,a substantial wigwam is built of poles and bark in either six-sided or octagonal form4 ,in my day1 we used six poles cut off at a fork about ten feet high4 ,these are set two feet deep in the ground1 eight to twelve feet apart1 and joined by other poles resting on the forked ends4 ,this forms the framework or hexagon4 ,there are four more poles in the center1 forming a square1 and also connected at the top1 and in the middle of this little court a shallow hole is dug for a fireplace and lined with flat stones4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #b4 ,the outer wall of the bark house is of split poles driven into the ground quite close together and neatly overlaid with the bark of the birch1 elm1 or basswood1 in strips eight feet long by four to six feet wide4 ,the trees should be peeled if possible when the sap flows in spring1 and the strips spread one upon another on the ground and weighted with stones1 so as to dry smooth and flat4 ,between every two inner posts is an outside post to support the crosspieces1 light saplings which hold the bark in position4 ,you can also tie these crosspieces to the split poles with strips of tough cedar bark4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #c4 ,the roof is made in the same way of split poles covered with bark1 the latter overlapping like shingles1 so that it is water-proof4 ,over the fireplace is left an adjustable opening1 to let out the smoke and let in light and air4 ,the doorway is an opening in the middle of the south side1 three feet by six1 closed by a movable door of bark or rawhide4 ,a double row of posts with forked ends1 about four feet long and the same distance apart1 are driven two feet deep into the ground around three sides of the shack on the inside1 connected with lighter poles and crosspieces1 then covered with smooth bark firmly tied in place4 ,here are spread robes and blankets for beds by night and a lounging-place by day4 ,there should be sufficient space to move about between the bunks and the fireplace4 ,this kind of shack may be thatched with coarse meadow grass1 instead of bark1 if it is more convenient to do so4 ,some tribes make them partly underground for warmth in winter1 and when completely covered with sods or earth the hexagon becomes a round house4 ,the greater number of ,indians1 however1 built conical wigwams4 ,if made of the materials ,i have described1 it was customary to transport the rolls of bark from place to place2 the poles were cut at each new camp or left in place at the old ones4 ,sometimes grass and rushes were braided into mats and used as coverings and carpets4 ,the ,plains ,indians used buffalo hides1 nicely tanned and sewed together in semicircular shape4 ,the skeleton of the conical teepee is made by tying three poles together near the top1 and1 when raised1 separating them to form a tripod4 ,against this place in a circle as many poles as you think necessary to support your outer covering of cloth or thatch1 usually twelve to fifteen4 ,if of canvas1 the covering is tied to a pole and then raised and wrapped about the framework and secured with wooden pins to within about three feet of the ground4 ,this space is left for the entrance and covered by a movable door1 which may be merely a small blanket4 ,if you have nothing better1 a quantity of dry grass will make you a warm bed4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #d4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #e4 ,suppose an ,indian brave starts out alone1 or with one companion1 to lay in a supply of meat or to trap for furs4 ,all the outfit he really needs is his knife and hatchet1 bow and arrows1 with perhaps a canoe1 according to the country he has to traverse4 ,he proceeds on foot to a good camping-place1 and there builds his shelter of whatever material is most abundant4 ,if in the woods1 he would probably make it a lean-to1 which is constructed thus3 ,in a dry and protected spot1 find two trees the right distance apart and connect them by poles laid upon the forks of each at a height of about eight feet4 ,this forms the support of your lean-to4 ,against this horizontal bar place small poles close together1 driving their ends in the ground1 and forming an angle with about the slant of an ordinary roof4 ,you can close in both sides1 or not1 as you choose4 ,if you leave one open1 build your fire opposite the entrance1 thus making a cheerful and airy open-face camp4 ,thatch from the ground up with overlapping rows of flat and thick evergreen boughs1 and spread several layers of the same for a springy and fragrant bed4 ,you can make a similar shelter of grass or rushes1 but in this case you must have the poles closer together4 ,the dome-shaped wigwam or wicki-up is made in a few minutes almost anywhere by sticking into the ground in a circle a sufficient number of limber poles1 such as willow wands1 to make it the size you need4 ,each pair of opposites is bent forward until they meet1 and the ends interlocked and tied firmly4 ,use any convenient material for the covering2 an extra blanket will do4 ,you can make any of these tent shelters with no tool save your hatchet or strong knife4 ,the object is to protect yourself and your possessions from cold1 wind1 rain1 and the encroachment of animals4 ,as to the last1 however1 they are not likely to trouble you unless very hungry1 and a fire is the best protection4 ,he is the natural and true man who utilizes everything that comes in his way2 a cave1 a great hollow tree1 even an overhanging rock serves for his temporary home1 or he cheerfully spreads his bed under the starry night sky4 ,x--,,fire ,,without ,,matches ,,and ,,cooking ,,without ,,pots ,it is often of interest to boys to make a fire in the primitive way3 by friction2 perhaps to produce the new fire for some ceremonial occasion1 or it may be to win honors as a scout4 ,if a boy is fond of wilderness camping1 it is possible that such knowledge may prove of vital importance to him some day1 for even the experienced woodsman may be caught out without matches1 or may get his matches wet4 ,this is the way the ,indians made fire before they obtained matches or flint and steel from the white man1 and the way ,i have many times done it myself as a boy4 ,for tools you need a block1 a drill1 a bow1 a socket1 and some tinder1 dry punk1 or cat-tail down1 all of which you can make or find in the woods4 ,for the first1 take a smooth piece of pine board1 cedar1 basswood1 cottonwood1 or any other wood1 but these are soft and easy to work4 ,it should be a foot long by two inches wide and about half an inch in thickness4 ,make a round hole or pit in the center half through the board4 ,from this hole cut a notch or groove to the edge of the board4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #f4 ,for the drill1 take a hard wood stick about a foot long1 whittled down at both ends to fit the hole in block4 ,a piece of wood two by six inches with a hole halfway through its thickness to fit the upper end of the drill forms the socket4 ,if you have no bow with you1 make one of any limber stick two feet long1 with a loose buckskin or other thong4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #g4 ,now put a little tinder--shredded birch-bark or dry pine-needles--along the groove in your block and especially at its upper end4 ,adjust your fire-maker1 wind the bowstring once about the drill1 place a foot on each end of the block while your left hand supports and presses down on the socket1 and your right saws with the bowstring1 causing the drill to revolve rapidly in the hole4 ,this friction in time produces smoke and then sparks1 which1 when you blow upon them1 ignite the tinder4 ,it is then only a matter of sufficient dry bark and kindling to make a good fire4 ,you cannot fail after a little practice1 if you follow directions carefully4 ,mr4 ,seton's record time for making fire in this way is thirty-one seconds1 but it will be more likely to take you from one to three minutes1 even after you have experimented a little4 ,the ,indian or expert woodsman is never at a loss for dry fire material in the wettest woods4 ,he knows how to look for the inside bark of the birch and the inside of dead stumps and logs2 and a good fire1 once kindled1 will burn on even under discouraging circumstances4 ,indian methods of cookery are of interest in camp1 more particularly if the common utensils have been dispensed with as too cumbersome to carry4 ,neither pots1 pans1 nor dishes are essential to a good meal in the woods4 ,berries1 some roots1 smoked or sun-dried meats may be eaten raw1 also eggs1 though the latter are preferred cooked by the ,indian4 ,he is especially fond of turtle eggs1 which are buried in the sand along the lake shores and may be found by searching for them with a pole in the spring4 ,the simplest method of cooking thin pieces of meat is by broiling over a bed of live coals1 upon a long-handled pronged stick or fork of green wood4 ,the meat is turned as often as necessary and is perfectly done in a few minutes4 ,roasting is done by spitting your haunch of venison or other large piece of meat upon a stick two to four feet long and sharpened at both ends4 ,this may be thrust into the ground at the right distance from the blaze and turned occasionally1 or suspended over the fire from a cross-bar of green wood by a hooked stick1 or planked against a flat rock inclined toward a hot fire4 ,the only method of boiling known to the ,indian before the white man came with iron and copper kettles was crude but very ingenious1 and is known as stone-boiling4 ,we dug a hole in which we placed a dozen or more round stones of medium size1 and over these we built a good fire4 ,about the hole in a square we drove four forked sticks of green wood1 and from these suspended a square piece of tripe or rawhide1 cutting a small hole in each corner to admit the prong of the support4 ,this bag-kettle was then half filled with water4 ,the heat of the fire soon contracted it1 and from time to time a red-hot stone was lifted from the fire and dropped into the water by means of two sticks4 ,when the water boiled1 we put in a small piece of meat1 and by adding now and then another piece and a hot stone1 and taking out the meat as fast as cooked1 a savory boil was produced4 ,we liked starchy roots or spicy leaves boiled with our meat1 and of these we had a variety to choose from4 ,we had also wild rice and hulled corn1 but no bread4 ,when you wish to hunt or to leave camp for any length of time while your meal is cooking1 none of these methods will do1 and you had better resort to casing the food in wet clay and burying fairly deep in ashes or sand under a good fire4 ,if you have birds it is only necessary to wet the feathers thoroughly before burying them1 and they will come out juicy and delicious under a black coat that peels off like the skin of an onion4 ,fish cooks perfectly in this manner1 as do potatoes1 green corn1 shell fish--in fact1 almost anything4 ,it should be done in two or three hours1 but you may leave it all day if necessary without harm4 ,every camper or ,boy ,scout should familiarize himself with all the edible roots1 herbs1 fruits1 and fungi in his locality4 ,lives have been saved by this knowledge1 especially in the north woods4 ,lichens and the inner bark of certain trees are famine foods1 eaten by ,indian and white man when hunger presses and no other food is to be found4 ,the ,indian method of preserving fresh meat in summer by jerking1 or cutting in thin strips and drying on poles in the sun 7no salt being needed71 is useful only on the high central plains where the air is dry4 ,all kinds of berries and wild fruits are easily sun-dried for future use4 ,the cache1 an ,indian custom extensively copied by white hunters and trappers1 is the concealment of reserve stores of food1 usually in a hole in the ground1 protected by an inner wrapping of bark or rawhide4 ,the mouth of the cache is well hidden by building a fire over it1 or by covering with rocks1 brush1 dry leaves1 or sand1 according to the locality4 ,,xi--,,how ,,to ,,make ,,and ,,follow ,a ,,blazed ,,trail ,the blazed trail is especially designed for those who travel in the deep woods1 where these simple guide-posts are necessary at times1 if only for temporary use4 ,the ,indian hunter sometimes finds himself with a limited time in which to provide his winter's supply of meat1 before the opening of the trapping season4 ,in such an event1 he would not take time to carry all his game home1 but would blaze connecting trails to where he had killed and hung up the different animals1 and a direct road home4 ,there is also the trapper's trail1 the regular path between established camps1 and the concealed or secret blazed trail4 ,we shall consider each of these varieties in order4 ,the blazed trail meant for general use--the public highway1 as it were--may not always be the shortest road1 but it will be the easiest and most convenient4 ,you may blaze such a trail to the mountain-top for the finest view1 or to your cabin in the woods4 ,the blazes on the trees will be obvious and near together1 about three inches long and three feet from the ground4 ,at every turn a sapling is felled1 at the same height as the blaze1 the felled top hanging on its stump and pointing in the desired direction4 ,the game trail differs from the above in several respects4 ,the blazes are smaller and are about five feet high2 they are also further apart--about twenty to twenty-five paces4 ,at each turn the hack is deeper1 and if to the left1 it is made on the left side of the tree1 if to the right1 on the right side4 ,the blazes are more open to view when coming from the camp1 as when the scout has gone over it once1 he can always follow it back home4 ,an ,indian game trail is very indistinct to one who is not looking for it1 and even then it requires training to follow it readily4 ,to one who is a thoroughly competent woodsman1 each mark is a real blaze of light1 quite unmistakable4 ,if you wish to blaze a trail correctly1 you must place your mark accurately on the right tree and on the right side of the tree4 ,you should not disfigure the trees1 and you will not1 if you do your work as well as the ,indian4 ,if you go about gashing them indiscriminately1 your work will be an eyesore1 and besides1 everybody will know your trail4 ,it should be just enough guide for your friends1 neatly done1 and courting no unnecessary publicity4 ,the trapper's trail is one more degree nearer a concealed blaze4 ,it is blazed on each noteworthy tree1 twenty to thirty paces apart1 and even higher than the game trail4 ,at a point opposite the first trap1 there is a peculiar hack1 a double hack1 or a twig clipped1 varying with the code of the individual4 ,in any case1 you are directed toward the lake shore or river bank1 where you find an upright stick broken off two feet from the ground and bent over until it touches the water4 ,this means the trap is in the water4 ,if the broken part does not reach the water1 it means look for it on shore1 and if a birch-bark ring is added1 it means the trap is in a hole4 ,at each point a certain sign leads you approximately near the trap1 where you get a hint as to its closer whereabouts4 ,this kind of trail does not begin at the camp1 but at a point which may be orally described1 in case the trapper is unable to visit his traps and must send his wife or some member of his family4 ,he then entrusts the messenger with his personal code1 which sometimes includes the sign for the animal he is trapping4 ,the concealed blaze is used by a party on the war-path1 so that another war-party of the same tribe may overtake them or discover their camp4 ,it was not usual to blaze a war-path unless another party was likely to follow4 ,in such a contingency1 the first party leaves an occasional blaze high up on the tree and pointing in the direction in which they are traveling4 ,such blazes are only made at well-known points and are looked for by those who come after4 ,when the high blaze is found1 other information is sought for1 which may be given by means of signs or hieroglyphics in a concealed place4 ,if a party of boys are out for a hike over roads which are not well known1 and there are stragglers1 the leader may indicate the trail by ,indian signs4 ,at the cross-roads he may tie a bunch of grass to a low branch on the right side of the road he takes4 ,if he leaves the path entirely1 he must stick up a rod with a knot of grass tied to the top1 bending it in the right direction4 ,if at any point he desires to return and meet the others1 he breaks two opposite twigs toward one another1 as a sign in case he misses them4 ,if he wishes his party to camp there1 he draws a circle on the ground4 ,this system is used a great deal by the ,indians when two or three families are roving together in the deep woods1 hunting or trapping game4 ,when there is only one family1 and they are within the danger-line from tribal enemies1 the hunter uses a concealed blaze for his wife to follow1 and he may adopt a special code whose meaning is known to no one but the two4 ,when he wishes to be particularly obscure1 he makes his blaze inside a group of trees4 ,it is a right-angled gash pointing straight to the next blaze4 ,i remember that ,i was once instructed to follow a hunter's trail1 together with several other boys4 ,we were in the country of the ,crees1 who were at war with us2 but game was abundant1 and there was no better location1 therefore our hunters took extra chances of danger4 ,however1 every precaution was observed4 ,one of our men had killed a moose late in the afternoon1 and on the next morning we boys were instructed to find it and bring home the meat4 ,the first blaze was perhaps half a mile from our camp1 on the inside of one of four large birch trees4 ,above the blaze were two hacks1 and above this the mark of an arrow-head4 ,this meant to follow the blaze two hundred paces in the direction of the arrow1 and then search for another mark4 ,the next arrow pointed diagonally toward the lake1 and two hundred paces further we came out upon the lake shore4 ,we followed the shore to a conspicuous tree1 upon the bark of which we discovered a small blaze and the figure of an animal4 ,about fifty paces from this last blaze1 we found the moose4 ,in a prairie country1 where there are no trees1 stones are piled upon the hills or buttes in a manner to give information to those who come after4 ,many of these large boulders or cone-shaped heaps of stones were discovered in the prairie states when settlement was made1 and some well-known ones have been preserved for many years as historic landmarks4 ,we ,indians never stand boldly out upon a hilltop without having first lain flat and surveyed the country from a concealed position to see that no danger is in sight4 ,we then place the stones so as to convey intelligence to our friends4 ,one is placed with the apex pointing in the direction in which the traveler is going1 and several more behind the main pile show from whence he came4 ,if he has seen signs of the enemy1 he places two small stones on either side of the central stone4 ,if he cannot go further1 he puts these in front of the central one1 meaning an obstacle in the path1 or reverses the three on the opposite side1 meaning that he will return4 ,an old stone pile may be used again and again by slightly displacing the stones4 ,this is the prairie blazed trail4 ,,xii--,,indian ,,signals ,,in ,,camp ,,and ,,field ,in the early and free life of the ,north ,american ,indian1 he was constantly in motion1 the various bands of each tribe covering a large area during the year4 ,the hunters1 travelers1 and war-parties of these widely scattered bands had their well-known codes of signals in the field and on the trail1 by means of which it was possible to communicate from a distance4 ,the methods in common use were the smoke1 mirror1 and blanket signals1 all of which could be more readily practiced by the ,plains ,indians than by those of the woods1 for obvious reasons4 ,there are three distinct kinds of intelligence given in this manner1 which may be thus described3 ,first1 warning of danger2 second1 sighting of game2 third1 general news of importance from another tribe or village4 ,any person who happens to be in the field and discovers the approach of danger must instantly signal a warning by any means in his power4 ,if he is in full view of the camp or of the individual whom he desires to reach1 the blanket method is used4 ,a blanket or other article of clothing tightly rolled and held with outstretched arms so as to form1 with the body1 a cross or a capital ,t1 is the primary danger-signal4 ,if the person signaling runs to and fro1 it means that the danger is approaching1 and if1 in addition to these1 the blanket is thrown horizontally1 it is a call for rescue or signal of immediate distress4 ,when game is sighted1 the game scout runs to and fro2 that means a small herd of game1 especially buffalo4 ,if he runs in a circle1 tossing up his blanket1 it denotes a large herd4 ,if he runs back and forth with blanket trailing behind1 it indicates bad news4 ,the blanket held straight above the head signifies important tidings from a distance4 ,since the mirror came into use among us1 each warrior carries with him a small round reflector4 ,with this it is easy to flash a signal into the camp or toward the surrounding hills1 upon which it is customary to keep a continual lookout4 ,one long flash is the signal for attention1 and as soon as it is answered1 you may give the message to be transmitted4 ,one short flash means that game is in sight4 ,two short flashes means the enemy is in sight4 ,two short flashes followed by one long one is a call for rescue4 ,two short flashes and one long followed by two more short flashes means the danger is over4 ,four short flashes signifies a meeting with a stranger or news from a distance4 ,the smoke signal is resorted to when no other could be employed1 on account of distance or obstacles in the way1 such as hills or forest4 ,as this is a long-distance signal1 the codes vary among different tribes1 so that the intelligence conveyed may not be of equal advantage to the foe4 ,among the ,sioux1 it was often used by war-parties1 announcing their return and giving news of success or failure2 the number of scalps or horses taken might also be indicated4 ,to make this signal1 you must build a brisk fire upon some convenient knoll1 and as soon as it is burning freely1 smother it with coarse green grass1 also heap earth around it so that the smoke may be dense and closely confined4 ,when it has burned long enough to gain attention1 check the smoke for an instant by holding a blanket over the fire and then withdrawing it1 causing a succession of short puffs1 with intervals between4 ,to avoid confusion1 it will be well to adopt the code given above for mirror flashes4 ,at night1 a signal fire is sometimes kindled4 ,since fire is not always easy to control single-handed1 the ,indian is careful to turn up the earth before he builds his fire1 and to have an abundance of green grass at hand1 not only to produce a sufficient volume of smoke1 but to put the fire out if necessary4 ,the drum is used for home communications4 ,when four measured blows are struck1 followed by many short ones1 it is a call to the council4 ,if every warrior is not present at the second signal1 given a few minutes after the first1 the ,indian soldiers or police will come after the absentees4 ,at all dances1 the drum is used to call the dancers together1 the third call being accompanied by yelps and the fourth by a real burst of war-whoops4 ,there is a curious variation in the call to the scalp dance1 which is something like skipping a stone on new ice4 ,it begins in slow time1 with each successive beat shorter1 and ending in a mere roll4 ,there are also many signal calls executed by the voice alone1 such as the call to war1 the journey and hunting halloos1 the good deed calls1 and other yodels or musical shouts which are very effective and may be heard at a considerable distance4 ,,xiii--,,an ,,indian ,,boy',s ,,sports ,games with arrows are the most popular ,indian sports4 ,if you are camping in the woods1 you may like to play the ,tree ,game4 ,about a dozen blunt or knob-headed arrows are shot up into the branches of a large1 wide-spreading tree1 in such a manner that they are all caught and hang there in many different positions4 ,then1 at a given signal1 the boys begin to shoot them down4 ,every arrow that a boy brings down is his2 each one of his own that gets lodged becomes a prize arrow for the others to shoot at4 ,now and then an arrow hugs the limb so closely that it can hardly be seen2 eventually all the boys aim at this one1 and if they are so unlucky as to lose their own arrows without bringing it down1 the tree wins4 ,wand games are very simple and are played by the younger boys4 ,the wands are from four to six feet long and as big round as a man's little finger4 ,they are merely peeled switches of any kind of shrub1 usually the common red willow4 ,to decorate in ,indian fashion1 you must take off with a sharp knife a long strip of bark2 then1 having scraped off all the rest1 wind your ribbon of bark spirally round the peeled wand4 ,after fastening each end securely1 hold it over a smudge fire until it is well smoked4 ,then remove the strip and you will find a spiral of white against the deep yellow of the uncovered wood4 ,sometimes two strips are wound in opposite directions1 leaving yellow diamonds bordered with white4 ,the wand is pitched and made to strike at the start upon an inclined mound or a low horizontal bar1 from which it should bound with much force and sail through the air like an arrow1 sometimes as far as fifty yards4 ,a simple way to give it momentum is to raise the left foot as high as the right knee1 rest the side of the wand against the left instep and propel it vigorously4 ,from two to a dozen boys choose sides4 ,the side winning the toss sends the first wand1 and the other side follows1 each boy playing in turn for as long as they fail to pass the first4 ,when they succeed in passing it1 the first party tries again1 and the game continues until one side has spent all its wands1 which are gathered up by the winners4 ,enthusiastic partisans indulge in cheering1 dancing and singing to encourage their friends and confuse and dishearten the opposite party1 but are not allowed to interfere in any way with the players4 ,wand games are played properly in the summer-time2 their winter substitutes are the snow-snake and ground arrow4 ,the former is used only on fresh snow4 ,it is a flat stick five feet long and about an inch and a half wide at the widest point1 gradually tapering to half that width at the tail end4 ,the head and neck curve slightly upward and are painted to look as much like those of a snake as possible2 the body of the wand is polished and hardened by fire4 ,the ,indian boy hurls this mimic serpent into the loose1 light snow1 where it disappears1 to appear again some distance off2 again it dives beneath the surface only to come up again1 somewhat like skipping a stone on water4 ,the winner is he who can make it travel farthest4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #h4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #i4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aj4 ,ground arrows are of two kinds4 ,one kind1 called mech1 is made of the short ribs of buffalo or beef cattle4 ,the rib is cut off four inches from the free end1 and two small holes bored1 into which sticks1 the size of a lead-pencil and about a foot in length1 are tightly inserted4 ,the end of each is feathered like an arrow1 and they spread out so that the feathered shafts are perhaps nine inches apart4 ,the whole looks much like the white boy's shuttlecock4 ,this mech is grasped firmly between the projecting shafts1 and thrown against a little mound the size of a pillow1 made of snow dampened and packed solidly4 ,from this it rebounds1 sails off like a bird1 strikes the hard crust to bound up again and again1 and finally crawls along like a wounded animal4 ,the goal1 which is called the blanket goal1 is an oblong about six by ten paces in size1 drawn on the snow at some fifty yards' distance4 ,lengthwise of this oblong are drawn six lines1 with seven spaces between4 ,the outer spaces count two1 the next four1 the next eight1 and the center space counts sixteen1 if your mech hits it in one throw4 ,any number may play the game4 ,the other kind of ground arrow1 called matk1 is shaped like an arrow4 ,it is made of hard wood in one piece1 and is about two feet long with a cone-shaped head1 burnt and polished to look like horn4 ,the shaft must be limber1 and carries a small tuft of feathers to guide it in its flight4 ,another arrow shows an attached head of elk or buffalo horn1 which is better than wood4 ,the boys throw this in the same manner as the mech1 but the course is laid out more elaborately1 with obstacles1 such as ravines and small hillocks1 and a series of five rings each ten feet in diameter1 composed of five concentric circles with a bull's-eye in the center4 ,beside each ring there is a snow mound from which to propel the arrow4 ,the game is in some ways like golf1 and may be played individually or by sides1 each player having two strokes in which to reach the next ring1 the first a distance throw and the second a push or shove in the direction of the ring4 ,the outer circle counts one1 and each inner circle doubles the count1 the bull's-eye counting thirty-two4 ,all the players play in turn1 starting from the snow mound nearest the ring where their arrows lie at the beginning of each round4 ,the score is added at the close of the game1 the boy or team with the highest number of points being the winner4 ,this is perhaps the most popular and exciting winter sport for ,indian boys ten years of age and upward4 ,sometimes they send the arrow flying a hundred yards before touching the ground1 and half as far again at the first rebound1 after which it continues for several shorter flights4 ,the rings are two hundred to three hundred yards apart for young men1 or half that distance for small boys2 the game may be played on snow-covered lakes or rivers as well as in the open country4 ,,xiv--,a ,,winter ,,masque ,among the really absorbing amusements of ,indian boys1 none surpass the games played with tops1 which with us are in season in the winter only4 ,the mere spinning of a top would soon become tiresome2 it is the various and ingenious stunts that keep the interest alive4 ,then1 too1 each boy makes his own top of every available kind of wood1 as well as of horn and bone1 and studies its peculiar defects or advantages for the work in hand1 so thoroughly that it comes to have for him a kind of personality4 ,he whittles it to a nicety in the regular top shape or any variation of it that he chooses1 so long as he can coax and whip it into spinning and humming and singing4 ,he has a stick about a foot long and as big as your thumb2 sometimes one end is grooved so that he can pick up the top while spinning4 ,to this stick he ties two or three deer-skin thongs of equal length1 making a top whip with which he performs some interesting stunts and plays many amusing games4 ,there is much artistic taste among our people4 ,some decorate their tops in stripes1 much like a barber's pole2 others with totem paintings2 but perhaps the cleverest boy is he who can carve as well as paint4 ,one will carve a tiny toad sitting atop his spinner2 another a turtle2 but the boy who is quick enough to copy the bumblebee--hum and all--he is a hero6 ,when he proudly whips his black buffalo-horn spinner1 he holds the center of the stage1 while every other boy must pause for a minute to regard him with envy4 ,sometimes a boy will playfully address his top1 telling it to sing the bear song1 or imitate the lowing of the buffalo bull1 at the same time whipping it so vigorously and in such fashion that it seems really to give a semblance of the required imitation6 ,but it is no ordinary bashful boy who does these things2 it is the roguish young humorist and actor of the tribe4 ,when the chiefs selected for our field-day on the ice announce the date1 every boy is ready4 ,the chief of each side brings his forces together for a final test of skill1 and there is no lack of spectators4 ,in the first place1 each displays his peculiar manufactures1 priding himself much upon originality of design and careful workmanship4 ,then there are trials of speed1 and trials of duration1 and finally the more difficult stunts1 such as transferring the top in the spoon end of the whip without interrupting its dance1 or whipping it under a light covering of snow1 or along an obstacle course4 ,perhaps no one save an ,indian could make a bear cub whip a spinning-top1 holding the whip handle in his mouth1 as ,i have seen it done on these field-days4 ,some of the boys impersonate old men1 and some genuine grandfathers are admitted to add to the fun4 ,there is a particular song of the top1 and its spinning is said by us to be symbolic of the dance of life4 ,a white boy feels himself unfortunate when ,santa ,claus fails to leave at his home a pair of club skates or a swift flexible flyer4 ,still more unfortunate is he who has no hill or pond or river near for coasting and skating4 ,in my day we were independent of all save natural features2 no policeman to interfere with our fun1 no fences or trespass signs--and no shops or indulgent fathers to purchase our equipment6 ,the trees might be snapping1 even bursting open with the severe cold1 the ice on the lakes thundering like the cannonade of a distant battle1 but1 nothing daunted1 we boys would sally forth in our warm buffalo calf-skin robes1 well belted around the middle1 and moccasins stuffed with hair1 defying the weather4 ,our coasters were made of the longest and largest ribs of the buffalo bull1 tightly bound together with strong rawhide thongs1 and held in position with three flat sticks an inch or two wide and a little longer than the width of the sled4 ,the shape was something like the body of a cutter2 it was lined neatly with buffalo hide1 and lariats were tied to the curved end as you tie your ropes4 ,we generally coasted standing erect1 and the narrower ones were used as skees1 with a pole to balance1 upon which we sped like lightning down the steep hills amid a din of yells1 whoops1 and laughter4 ,other skees were made of basswood or elm bark1 stiffened with rawhide or doubled1 always with the slippery inner side against the snow4 ,in the very old days there were a kind of skates of peculiar workmanship1 made of bones and tusks of animals4 ,the winter pageant or winter masque on the ice was the crowning event1 and here the older people came to realize how closely they had been watched and studied by their children4 ,your ,indian boy is a born mimic and impersonator1 and this was his day4 ,the first intimation of the festivity was given by their crier or herald1 who entered the camp picturesquely attired1 riding on a tame buffalo calf or a big ,esquimo dog1 announcing the coming of the old folks or the first people4 ,when the whole village had poured forth from their wigwams in eager expectation1 the head of the procession emerged from the forest upon the field of ice4 ,it was an imposing sight4 ,the first clan1 perhaps1 would be led by a buffalo bull walking upright and holding his pipe in his hands like a man4 ,immediately behind him were twelve wise men walking abreast1 each wearing a buffalo headdress and carrying a long staff with a buffalo-tail tassel4 ,they were followed by the people of the clan1 all clad in hairy skins1 some accompanied by tame coyotes1 or dragging old-time travois4 ,here and there1 boys in groups were playing their favorite games or fluting and yodeling1 while the groups of pretty girls walked more demurely4 ,the wolf1 elk1 and bear clans were similarly represented1 and the odd characters of ancient legend were all present3 ,unktmee the tricky one with his many aliases2 ,heyka the contrary one1 who always says the reverse of what he means1 and paints a face or mask on the back of his head so that he seems to be walking backward4 ,even his dog wears the head of a calf at his rear end1 and a tail fixed on the end of his nose4 ,one figure is dressed all in white and moves with a whirling motion1 all the time imitating the humming of a top4 ,even the wild pets join in the fun1 and ,i have heard a tame crow1 which had been taught a few simple words1 crying out quite naturally as he hopped along3 ,wache po6 wache po6 7,dance1 friends1 dance67 ,,xv--,,an ,,indian ,,girl',s ,,sports ,contrary to the popular opinion1 our ,indian girls and women are not mere drudges1 but true feminine athletes1 almost as alert as the men1 and frequently even more muscular4 ,the favorite outdoor sport of the plains-women from remote times is called by them tap-kp-see-cha1 the original form of field hockey4 ,any level prairie ground is suited to the game1 which is especially exciting when it is engaged in by two neighboring camps4 ,the goals are usually two hundred yards apart1 and the width of the ground about twenty feet4 ,twenty-five to fifty or more contestants may play on each side1 but not all at once4 ,they are placed in groups or relays1 each group not to go beyond its allotted field4 ,when a ball crosses the line1 it belongs to the next group4 ,thus1 if there are fifty players on a side1 each group of ten runs only forty yards4 ,the ball1 which is of buckskin1 about as large as a baseball1 but softer1 is tossed up with a war-whoop1 midway between the goals4 ,each side then strives to send it on with their hooked sticks toward the opposing goal4 ,it may either be kept rolling along the ground1 or driven through the air2 and the battle continues until one side or the other succeeds in sending it over the enemy's goal4 ,the distinctive features of the ,indian game are the apportionment of the field to designated groups of players1 and the large number taking part1 thus reducing the confusion and chances of accident while ensuring an exceedingly picturesque and lively spectacle4 ,pas-l-han is played in smaller groups with a wand about eight feet long1 heavy at the forward end1 which is shaped somewhat like the head of a snake1 and tapering gently to about the size of a man's finger4 ,sometimes the head is made of buffalo1 elk1 or deer's horn4 ,the girls hold it between the thumb1 middle1 and ring fingers1 while the index finger presses against the end4 ,the arm is closely bent at the elbow and held at right angles to the body1 bringing the half-opened hand directly over the shoulder1 and the wand is then hurled with all the strength of the player's arm1 two or three forward steps being taken at the same time4 ,the head hits the ground slantwise1 and the body slides and wriggles after it much like a fleeing snake4 ,the immediate object of the girls1 who throw in turn1 is to see who can make it go furthest1 but grace and swiftness of flight are also points to be considered4 ,this simple sport brings into use practically all the muscles that are required to throw a baseball1 and helps much to make the girls supple and agile4 ,it is easier to play in winter and late fall1 as the wands travel much faster over crusty snow or hard-trampled ground4 ,the ,minnesota ,sioux used to play a very pretty aquatic game when their homes were in that beautiful lake country4 ,it was really the original ,indian game of lacrosse played in birch-bark canoes1 and might be christened water lacrosse or canoe ball4 ,the ball was twice as large as the one the men used on land2 ,i should say a little larger than a baseball1 but much lighter in weight4 ,the sticks used by the ,sioux women were about like the ordinary lacrosse stick1 only a foot longer and with twice as large a pocket4 ,this pocket is made of vegetable fiber so that the wet does not stretch it1 and when the ball is in it1 barely one-third shows above the rim4 ,ten to twenty girls may play on a side1 two to each canoe4 ,we will designate them ball-player and canoeist4 ,the latter must devote herself entirely to her canoe and that of her opponent4 ,she may not touch the ball nor interfere with the opposing ball-player1 but she may use all her skill to obstruct the opposing canoe1 and if her partner secures the ball1 it is her duty to guard against being thus obstructed4 ,in a skirmish she must be skilful and alert to balance her craft4 ,no canoeist may ram her opponent head on1 and if she does so1 the game is given to the other side4 ,the ball-player must throw the ball to one of her own side if possible4 ,here again special skill is required1 for it is nearly as difficult as making a successful forward pass4 ,however1 she has the privilege of passing it in any direction to one of her own players4 ,it is not allowable to hit the ball while in the water4 ,each player may carry it on toward her opponent's goal so long as her canoe is not obstructed1 but as soon as her bows are crossed1 she must pass it on4 ,thus the struggle continues until the ball either goes out of bounds1 or passes over one of the goals4 ,the field is about a hundred yards long by fifty wide4 ,if the ball goes out of bounds1 the referee must toss it up as at the beginning1 in the middle of the field between two opposing canoes1 the canoeists placing the canoes parallel to each other1 while the players struggle for the possession of the ball4 ,meanwhile1 the other players occupy strategic points and hold themselves ready to receive it4 ,in this feminine game1 it is forbidden to throw the ball with a full arm swing2 it must be lobbed or tossed with the forearm only1 to avoid risk of injury to the players4 ,it develops much nicety of physical equilibrium1 and might be successfully revived in a summer camp by girls who are good swimmers4 ,they would do well to wear bathing-suits and be fully prepared for the chances of an upset4 ,in our day1 the winners were entertained by the conquered side at a simple feast4 ,,xvi--,,indian ,,names ,,and ,,their ,,significance ,as you all know1 we ,indians had no books2 our history and traditions were orally preserved4 ,the pictograph cut into a rock or tree1 or painted upon a buffalo-skin tent1 was our only record of current or past events4 ,moreover1 we had no family names1 so that a boy's name did not indicate his parentage4 ,under such circumstances1 one should have a striking cognomen in order to be readily identified4 ,the ,sioux had three classes of names2 first1 birth names2 second1 honor or public names2 third1 nicknames4 ,the first indicated the order in which children were born into the family2 as ,chasky1 first-born son1 ,wennah1 first-born daughter1 and so on to the fifth child1 who was presumed to be the last4 ,there were a few who carried this childhood name through life4 ,the nickname usually records some humorous act or odd characteristic of the boy or man4 ,it is seldom a flattering one4 ,there is an imaginary ,indian personage called ,wink'tah1 who is supposed to be ever on the watch for an excuse to coin a ridiculous or insinuating name1 and such a one will travel like a prairie fire before its owner is aware of it4 ,it has been written by white men that an ,indian child is called after the first noticeable thing its mother sees after its birth4 ,this is not so as a rule1 though it is possible such cases may have occurred4 ,again1 it has been declared that some event occurring near the child's birth establishes its name4 ,this occasionally happens1 but only when the event is of unusual importance4 ,the child's honor name is properly conferred by the clan medicine-man at a public ceremony1 some time after the child is able to walk4 ,such an ,indian christening is announced by the herald1 a feast made1 and gifts presented to the poor of the tribe1 in honor of the occasion4 ,these needy old people in their turn go away singing the praises of the child by his new name4 ,such a name usually indicates the distinguishing character or famous deeds of the boy's ancestors1 and its bearer is expected to live up to1 defend1 and pass it on1 unstained4 ,through this ancient custom1 he is early recognized by his tribe1 impressed with a sense of his personal responsibility1 and inspired with the ambition to be worthy of his ancestry4 ,by giving away their property to those in want1 his parents intend to teach him love and good-will toward his fellow-men4 ,but if1 when he grows up1 the boy fails to sustain his honor name1 he is no longer called by it4 ,if he does not fail1 but on the other hand performs some special deed of valor1 or wins some distinguished honor on his own account1 he may later be given a special deed name1 and the conferring of such was at one time strictly guarded among the ,sioux4 ,our unwritten book of ,who's ,who is composed of just such heroes4 ,the deed name is generally given by the war chief1 and such naming is not accompanied by gifts4 ,a deed requiring great physical courage is often celebrated by giving the name of some fear-inspiring animal1 such as ,bear or ,buffalo1 or one of the nobler bird names--those of ,eagle1 ,hawk1 and ,owl4 ,the character of the exploit1 calling for special strength1 swiftness1 agility1 or endurance1 helps to determine the name chosen1 or adds a qualifying word descriptive of some poetic or picturesque quality in the action4 ,examples are ,charging ,eagle and ,conquering ,bear4 ,not only bird and animal names1 but those of the elements1 are commonly used to express temperament4 ,the rash1 impetuous man may be called ,storm1 or ,whirlwind4 ,loftiness and beauty of character is indicated by a name including the word sky1 or cloud1 such as ,red ,cloud1 ,touch-the-,cloud1 ,blue ,sky1 or ,hole-in-the-,day1 all names of well-known chiefs4 ,sometimes the idea of bravery or swiftness conveyed by the name of animal or bird is combined with another suggestive of dignity1 sacredness1 mystery1 or magic2 as1 for example1 ,thunder ,bear1 or ,spirit ,buffalo4 ,the highest type of brave deed name is represented by ,thunder1 or ,lightning1 in one of its many variations4 ,crazy ,bull and ,crazy ,horse stand for utter fearlessness and unconsciousness of danger1 rather than madness4 ,resourcefulness1 generosity1 and productiveness are expressed in the name of ,earth with some of its poetic attributes4 ,fire represents daring and war-like qualities4 ,colors are used in a purely symbolic sense1 thus redeeming from any touch of absurdity such names as ,red ,wolf and ,black ,eagle4 ,many ,indian names have been roughly handled in translation by illiterate persons1 such as were most of the early interpreters4 ,the raven was a dignified bird which disappeared with the buffalo1 but its name is generally mistranslated as crow4 ,the ,sioux call the crow the scolding grandmother1 and use its name only as a satirical jest4 ,the famous chief known as ,young-man-afraid-of-his-,horses1 was really called ,man-whose-,horse-is-feared 7by the enemy74 ,an instance of the highly poetic and figurative name is that of ,wee-y-tank-ah-lo-tah4 ,literally translated1 it means ,he who in his usual home-going pauses upon an eminence glowing with scarlet light4 ,the reference is to the ,sun1 who1 at the close of his day's journey across the prairies of the sky1 apparently rests for a moment upon his gorgeous seat at the verge of the horizon4 ,he who bears that name needs no introduction2 its beauty is eloquence enough4 ,here are some honor names for ,boy ,scouts4 ,wam-blee-skah4 ,white ,eagle4 ,ta-tonk-ah-sap-ah4 ,black ,buffalo4 ,mah-to-skah4 ,white ,bear4 ,chay-ton-ho-tah4 ,gray ,falcon4 ,chay-ton-wah-koo-wah4 ,charging ,falcon4 ,kan-gee-loo-tah4 ,red ,raven4 ,kan-gee-wah-kan4 ,sacred ,raven4 ,mah-kah-skah4 ,white ,earth4 ,mah-pee-yah-to4 ,blue ,sky4 ,mah-pee-yah-loo-tah4 ,red ,sky 7or ,cloud74 ,wah-kan-glee-o-ta4 ,many ,lightnings4 ,tah-tay-an-pah4 ,wind1 or ,storm4 ,o-han-zee4 ,shadow 7,comforting74 ,pay-tah4 ,fire4 ,tah-wah-soo-o-ta4 ,his ,hailstorm 7,forcible1 or ,impetuous74 ,we-hin-ah-pay4 ,rising ,sun4 ,we-e-yah-yah4 ,setting ,sun4 ,ah-kee-chee-tah4 ,soldier4 ,o-hit-e-kah4 ,brave4 ,wan-ah-ton4 ,charger4 ,o-tak-tay4 ,kills or ,strikes ,many4 ,tee-tonk-ah4 ,big ,lodge4 ,chank-oo-wash-tay4 ,good ,road4 ,nah-pay-shnee4 ,he does not flee 7,courageous74 ,e-nap-ay4 ,comes ,out 7,appears ,bravely74 ,wah-chin-tonk-ah4 ,patient4 ,wah-chink-sap-ah4 ,wise1 ,clear-headed4 ,tah-ko-dah4 ,friend to them all4 ,o-dah-ko-tah4 ,friendly4 ,tah-o-han-o-tah4 ,his ,many ,good ,deeds4 ,tah-wah-hink-pay-o-tah4 ,his ,many ,arrows 7,resourceful74 ,ko-han-nah4 ,swift4 ,o-gal-lee-shah4 ,red ,shirt4 ,ho-wah-kan4 ,mysterious ,voice4 ,wah-nah-gee-skah4 ,white ,spirit4 ,wah-nee-kee-yah4 ,savior4 ,wah-hah-chank-ah4 ,shield4 ,,xvii--,,indian ,,girls' ,,names ,,and ,,symbolic ,,decorations ,all ,indian art is symbolic1 and the decorative native designs may be so applied in bead-work1 basketry1 weaving1 embroidery1 or jewelry as to express the ideals and personality of the maker4 ,this is true of all the tribes1 but the individual symbols vary with their customs and habitat4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aa4 ,in all genuine ,sioux handiwork1 the central design is the isosceles triangle 7,fig4 #aa71 representing the conical teepee or tent--the home4 ,this is used in many different ways4 ,two tents with the bases united1 forming a diamond 7,fig4 #ab71 indicate the four points of the compass1 or the whole world4 ,two tents with the peaks together 7,fig4 #ac7 are symbolic of life here and hereafter4 ,the dark tent cut in half with a band of white1 yellow1 or light blue in the center 7,fig4 #ad7 signifies happiness in the home4 ,the tent enclosed in a circle 7,fig4 #ae7 means eternal union4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ab4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ac4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ad4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ae4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #af4 ,figure #af is commonly used to represent footprints or man's trail through the world4 ,the zig-zag line 7,fig4 #ag7 is lightning or destruction2 the wavy line 7,fig4 #ah7 mountains or prayer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ag4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ah4 ,in the symbolism of colors1 pale blue or white is generally used for background1 and represents sky or heaven2 red1 life2 dark blue or black1 shadow or trouble2 green1 summer or plenty2 and yellow1 sun-light or happiness4 ,dark blue1 dovetailed with pale blue or yellow1 represents the light and shade of life's common experience4 ,animal figures are much used in conventionalized designs4 ,the figure of the bear means courage2 the buffalo1 plenty2 the eagle 7wings spread71 honor2 the owl1 observation2 the wolf1 skill2 the turtle1 wisdom and longevity2 the serpent1 healing2 the hawk1 swiftness2 the beaver1 industry2 the deer1 love4 ,the figure of a man on horseback represents a warrior4 ,no ,indian girl may wear the skin or any representation of the bear1 wolf1 or cat1 nor wear the feathers of the eagle1 since these are masculine emblems4 ,the doe1 ermine1 otter1 and mink are feminine emblems4 ,it is usually possible to distinguish feminine from masculine personal names by the meaning4 ,the names of the fiercer wild animals1 such as bear1 wolf1 and eagle1 are given to boys2 girls are called after the fawn1 mink1 beaver1 etc4 ,either may be called after sky1 wind1 or water1 but the name of ,fire is masculine4 ,the syllable wee is a feminine termination4 ,na is a diminutive1 used much like ie in ,english4 ,the following are ,sioux feminine names appropriate to ,camp ,fire girls1 with their literal and symbolic meanings4 ,wee-no-nah4 ,eldest ,daughter4 ,loafgiver1 charitable4 ,wee-hah-kay-dah4 ,youngest ,daughter4 ,little ,one4 ,war-chah-wash-tay4 ,pretty ,flower4 ,beautiful4 ,o-jin-jint-kah4 ,rose4 ,queen of ,flowers4 ,zit-kah-lah-skah4 ,white ,bird4 ,pure4 ,do-wan-ho-wee4 ,singing ,voice4 ,wa-chee-wee4 ,dancing ,girl4 ,han-tay-wee4 ,cedar ,maid4 ,faithful4 ,wa-zee-me-nah-wee4 ,odors of the ,pine4 ,wholesome1 refreshing4 ,mah-kah-wee4 ,earth ,maiden4 ,generous1 motherly4 ,mah-pee-yah4 ,sky4 ,heavenly4 ,e-ha-wee4 ,laughing ,maid4 ,wee-ko'4 ,pretty ,girl4 ,ptay-san-wee4 ,white ,buffalo4 ,queen of the ,herd4 ,mah-gah-skah-wee4 ,swan ,maiden4 ,graceful4 ,wah-su-lah4 ,little ,hailstorm4 ,stormy1 impulsive4 ,snah-nah4 ,jingles 7like little bells74 ,musical4 ,ta-lu-tah4 ,scarlet4 ,brilliant4 ,ta-tee-yo-pah4 ,her ,door4 ,happy ,hostess4 ,wee-tash-nah4 ,virgin4 ,untouched4 ,tak-cha-wee4 ,doe4 ,loving4 ,chah-pah-wee4 ,beaver4 ,industrious4 ,an-pay-too4 ,day4 ,radiant4 ,wik-mun-kee-wee4 ,rainbow4 ,return of ,blessing4 ,and some ,ojibway girls' names4 ,man-e-do-bin-es4 ,spirit ,bird1 or ,bird ,spirit4 ,o-min-o-tah-go4 ,pleasant ,voice4 ,ke-we-din-ok4 ,woman of the ,wind4 ,a-ya-she4 ,little ,one4 ,a-be-da-bun4 ,peep of ,day1 ,ke-zhe-ko-ne4 ,fire ,briskly ,burning4 ,o-dah-ing-um4 ,ripple on the ,water4 ,me-o-quan-ee4 ,clothed in ,red4 ,nah-tah-ak-on4 ,expert ,canoeist4 ,she-she-bens4 ,little ,duck4 ,a-be-qua4 ,she ,stays at ,home4 ,,xviii--,,the ,,language ,,of ,,feathers ,,and ,,ceremonial ,,dress ,in the first place1 the wearing of feathers is not peculiar to the ,indians1 except in the value attached to them as symbols of character and true worth4 ,any one may wear any sort of feather as ornament merely1 or in imitation of the old-time warrior1 but with him it was a serious affair4 ,he adopted only the feathers of certain birds1 and these must be worn in accordance with well-understood law and custom4 ,the following birds are held in especially high honor3 namely1 the eagle1 raven1 and falcon1 commonly called hawk4 ,but it must be borne in mind that as far as the ,indian is concerned1 there is only one hawk that holds an honorable position3 that is the ,american falcon4 ,he is daring to recklessness in his methods of warfare and hunting1 and though not large1 is swift and graceful4 ,the raven is held next to the eagle in dignity and wisdom2 and the owl comes next on the roll of honored birds4 ,some of the water-fowl1 such as the loon1 cormorant1 and pelican1 play a minor part in our myths and folklore1 but in the warriors' codes and emblems only the dashing and courageous birds of prey are permitted to appear--the ,american eagle standing first4 ,the feathers of this bird are highly prized1 since they stand for brave deeds and form a warrior's record4 ,they are variously worn among different tribes4 ,perhaps the best and completest system was developed by the ,sioux nation2 a system which was gradually adopted by their neighbors on the plains1 and which ,i shall follow closely4 ,no ,sioux may wear an eagle's tail-feather unless he has counted a coup1 or stroke1 upon an enemy1 dead or alive4 ,if in a battle1 the deed is witnessed by his fellow-warriors2 but if he was alone when he made the count1 he must have unmistakable proof1 or the feather is not awarded4 ,there are four coup counts on each enemy1 and these are secured in succession4 ,even upon a living enemy1 if he is overpowered and held captive1 these four counts could properly be shared by the warriors4 ,but it is obvious that in most cases they are very difficult to secure4 ,a man may strike an enemy in a hand-to-hand battle1 or1 as you would say1 in a mix-up1 and he gets away without being killed or even seriously hurt4 ,in this case1 only one coup is counted4 ,again1 many foes are killed upon whose bodies no coup at all is counted1 because it is impossible to obtain1 and upon others1 one or two may be taken with much difficulty and superb daring in the face of the enemy's fire4 ,herein lies the relative value of individual feathers1 and the degree of valor shown or difficulty encountered determines the subsidiary trimmings1 tassels1 and ornaments4 ,primarily1 every eagle feather worn by a warrior represents a coup given in battle4 ,this is important to remember4 ,no other feather stands for the same thing1 though different degrees of courage and endurance may be expressed by other feathers4 ,for instance1 a group of raven or of ,canadian goose feathers trimmed on the sides1 indicates that the wearer has been wounded in battle more than once4 ,a single goose feather dyed red and trimmed1 means that the wearer was severely wounded in battle4 ,sometimes a man wears an eagle feather dyed or trimmed1 meaning that he was wounded at the time he counted the coup4 ,an eagle feather notched and the cut dyed red1 means that the wearer counted the coup and took the scalp also1 but was wounded while so doing4 ,he may have the feather cut off at the tip1 showing that he killed his foe and counted the coup on that same enemy4 ,if he fought a desperate battle1 with the odds against him1 in which he came off victor1 he may tip his eagle's feather with buffalo hair2 and if he counted coup in a charge on horseback in the face of imminent danger1 he may tip it with hair from a horse's tail4 ,among some tribes1 the wearing of a split feather denotes that the wearer has been wounded1 and when the feather is clipped off at the tip1 that he has taken a scalp4 ,when a warrior wears one eagle feather upright and the rest drooping1 it indicates that he was surrounded in company with a party of warriors of whom he was the sole survivor4 ,as ,i have said1 the ,indian might wear as many eagle feathers as he had counted coups4 ,when he had won a number of these in difficult circumstances1 and had been held at bay and surrounded by the enemy1 but succeeded in getting away1 he was entitled to a regular war-bonnet4 ,only an exceptional record of many battles in which he had shown great coolness1 skill1 and daring1 entitled him to the long1 trailing war-bonnet of many plumes4 ,there are other ornaments and portions of a warrior's dress that bear a special significance4 ,if he has been in the vanguard of battle more than once and led counter-charges1 he may wear the whole skin of a raven on his back in the dances4 ,if he has pursued his enemy into the hostile camp and killed him there1 he may wear an otter skin slit up the middle so that his head comes through1 and the head of the animal hangs upon his chest4 ,a garter made of skunk's skin with the head and tail on1 shows that he has successfully taken a scalp under the enemy's fire4 ,he wears a grizzly bear's claws when he has been surrounded1 but charged singly1 bear-like1 and repulsed the enemy4 ,the paws of a grizzly bear1 claws and all1 denote that he has knocked off or pulled off the foe in a mounted encounter4 ,the deer-tail head-gear dyed in shades of red1 with a thin square of bone1 resembling ivory1 in the center1 to which one or more eagle feathers are attached1 is equivalent to the eagle feather war-bonnet4 ,the quill end of each feather is placed in the hollow of a goose's wing-bone embossed with the beautiful iridescent neck-skin of a drake1 and the whole forms an imposing ornament4 ,the wearing of the skins of certain animals and birds represents the totem1 or1 as it were1 the coat-of-arms of the ,indian4 ,these symbols take a wide range1 almost every familiar bird and animal1 even fish and reptiles1 being used as a sort of charm or talisman1 some for healing1 and others for protection from harm4 ,but these things are not mere dead feathers or skins to the ,indians2 they symbolize an appeal to the brotherly spirit of the animal representing their individual lodge or clan1 and are honored in recognition of the wonderful intuitive power of the dumb creatures4 ,the ,indian believes that instinct comes more directly from the ,great ,mystery than reason even2 why else does an animal or child show wisdom without thought8 ,the addition of an ermine skin to the war-bonnet is an honor that few warriors earned in the old days4 ,it is a degree of the highest type4 ,the man who is recognized as a past master of courage1 having achieved all the decorations of a patriot and a true warrior1 dauntless in war1 yet gentle at home1 a friend and a brother--he alone may wear ermine upon his war-bonnet1 or trim his ceremonial shirt with the beautiful white fur4 ,the addition of buffalo-hair trimming to a warrior's bonnet or shirt or leggings is an indication that he has taken many scalps4 ,if he is a chief1 he may even have a buffalo tail dangle from one of his teepee poles4 ,no one may do so without the authority of the tribe4 ,neither can the councilors confer these degrees without actual proof of service4 ,no favoritism is possible under our system1 and the highest degrees are conferred only upon men who have been tried again and again by every conceivable ordeal4 ,heroism is common1 because the universal spirit of gallantry and chivalry requires it4 ,at a public dance1 an ,indian may recount some particular brave deed4 ,this he acts out for the benefit of the younger element4 ,he could not add anything to it1 because the event is already well known4 ,when the old customs were intact1 it was the old warriors who claimed this privilege1 and they1 too1 were allowed to paint their bodies in imitation of their severe wounds4 ,i remember very well in a great tribal dance that there were many of these old men who enacted their deeds with great spirit1 and one had painted the upper half of his face black1 with zig-zag lines representing lightning1 the whole symbolic of a terrific battle4 ,the lower part of his face1 even with the mouth and including it was painted red1 with streaks running down upon the chin4 ,every ,indian would know that he had been wounded in the mouth4 ,another had painted in the middle of his broad chest a red hole1 and from it there ran some red streaks1 with a fine ,crow arrow depicted in realistic fashion4 ,these customs have their barbarous side1 but a really touching feature is that a warrior always shares his honors with his war-horse4 ,such a horse may wear an eagle plume in his forelock as proudly as his master1 his tail or mane may be trimmed and dyed according to his rider's war record1 or he may be made to mourn for him by having it cut quite short4 ,sometimes an acknowledged warrior decorates his long pipe-stem or the handle of his war-club4 ,but no person can wear the honorable insignia of another2 in fact1 he can wear none that have not been awarded to him in due course by the council of his tribe4 ,the ,boy ,scouts may1 if they choose1 adapt this system to the honors counted in their organization1 grading the various exploits in accordance with the real manhood needed to accomplish them4 ,,xix--,,indian ,,ceremonies ,,for ,,boy ,,scouts ,indian ceremonies are always in demand1 and ,i shall give you several which have been specially adapted to your use from the ancient rites of the ,sioux nation4 ,,the ,,ay-,,chay-,,tee1 ,,or ,,scout',s ,,bonfire ,this is supposed to bring success in war and hunting1 and may be kindled by a band of ,scouts on the eve of a long hike1 or any important undertaking1 or as a ceremony of initiation of new members4 ,the one appointed to act as ,leader or ,medicine-man lays in a convenient place a pile of dry wood for the ceremonial fire1 to which the ,scouts are summoned by a herald4 ,he goes the rounds with a camp horn1 bidding all come to the ,ay-chay-tee when the sun is at a certain height in the heavens1 preferably near sunset4 ,the ,medicine-man should be attired in full ,indian costume1 and prepared to act the part of a man full of years and wisdom4 ,as fire is the symbol of enthusiasm1 energy1 and devotion1 and is with the ,indians a strictly masculine emblem1 it is fit that the young men gather about it before going upon a journey or war-path4 ,when all have assembled in the usual circle1 dressed either in ,indian costume or ,scout's uniform1 the ,leader1 standing in the center of the ring beside the prepared wood1 kindles a new fire by means of the bow and drill1 flint and steel1 or rubbing sticks4 ,he then takes up the long-handled calumet or peace-pipe1 which has previously been filled with dried sumach leaves1 red willow bark1 or other aromatic herb1 kindles it with a coal from the sacred fire1 and reverently holding it before him in both hands1 with the stem pointing upward and forward1 exclaims3 ,to the ,great ,spirit 7or ,great ,mystery7 who is over all6 ,the ,scouts answer in unison3 ,ho6 ,then1 turning the stem of the pipe downward1 the ,leader says3 ,to our ,grandmother1 the ,earth6 ,the ,scouts answer3 ,ho6 ,he thus holds the pipe successively toward the four points of the compass1 exclaiming as he does so3 ,to the ,east ,wind6 the ,west ,wind6 the ,north ,wind6 the ,south ,wind6 and each time all answer3 ,ho6 ,the ,leader next holds the stem of the pipe toward the first ,scout1 who1 stepping forward and touching it solemnly1 repeats in an audible voice the ,scout's ,oath3 ,i promise to obey my ,leader1 to seek honor above all things1 and that neither pain nor danger shall keep me from doing my duty6 ,after the pipe has thus gone round the circle1 it is laid beside the fire1 and all the ,scouts chant1 or recite in unison1 the ,strong ,heart ,song3 ,we are the ,scouts of ---- 7name of band or brigade72 ,we are the strong-hearted2 ,we go forward1 fearing nothing1 to fulfill our vow6 ,all now dance around the fire1 going through the actions of a ,scout on the enemy's trail4 ,a drum beaten in quick time is the proper accompaniment to this dance1 or it may be performed to the chant and hand-clapping of the ,leader4 7,for other songs and musical airs1 see ,alice ,fletcher's ,indian ,story and ,song47 ,finally the ,scouts leave the ring one by one1 each1 as he disappears in the shadows1 giving the yelp of the wolf--the ,indian ,scout's call4 ,when a ,scout returns to camp with news1 he is met by the councilors seated in a circle about the fire1 and before giving his report1 takes the oath of the pipe in the past tense1 thus3 ,i have obeyed my ,leader1 have sought honor above all things1 and neither pain nor danger has kept me from doing my duty6 ,if1 however1 the matter is urgent1 and there is little time for ceremony1 he may1 on entering the circle1 kick down and scatter a small pile of wood which has been placed in readiness1 this act constituting his oath that he has faithfully performed his task4 ,,the ,,bear ,,dance ,this is one of a class of ceremonies common among ,indians1 in which the actors masquerade as animals4 ,bears1 wolves1 buffalo1 elk1 and others are represented with elaborate costuming and imagery4 ,the ,bear is the emblem of courage4 ,in this dance one of the players is chosen to represent the ,bear1 and should be made up if possible with the skin and head of that animal as a disguise1 otherwise with a painted mask4 ,a small arbor of green boughs forms the den1 from which he issues from time to time in short rushes1 growling as savagely as possible1 and is teased with switches in the hands of the other players4 ,if any one can touch the ,bear without being himself touched1 he scores one point1 but if touched1 he loses five points4 ,if he trips and falls while running1 he is out of the game4 ,whenever the pace becomes too swift for him1 the ,bear may retreat to his den1 where he is safe4 ,this game should last a given number of minutes1 say twenty1 at the end of which the scores are reckoned by two tellers previously detailed1 and the winner announced4 ,the drum and ,indian songs may accompany this entertainment1 which should be followed by a feast of ,indian dishes1 such as corn1 venison1 maple sugar1 etc41 served in ,indian style1 all the guests being seated cross-legged in a circle4 ,,the ,,peace ,,ceremony ,this is a very old rite of the ,sioux1 intended to typify the conquest of the ,thunder-,bird1 which is supposed to bring the lightning1 and is the emblem of destruction4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ai4 ,it is appropriately given in early summer1 the period of frequent thunderstorms4 ,cut the figure of the ,thunder-,bird from a piece of birch-bark or thin wood1 and suspend from the top of a pole fifteen feet high1 which is raised in the center of a ring sixty feet in diameter1 formed of small bent saplings or willow wands4 ,the ring must have two entrances4 ,at the foot of the pole1 place a bowl of clear water to represent the rain which accompanies the lightning4 ,on either side stand two small boys1 dressed in red or wearing red about their clothing1 and carrying war-clubs in their hands4 ,these boys represent ,war4 ,now all the ,scouts enter the ring in single file1 dressed in ,scouts' uniform or ,indian costume and armed with bow and arrows4 ,the drum beats a slow tattoo as they march about the pole1 looking upward toward the figure of the ,thunder-,bird and chanting these lines3 ,hear us1 ,o ,thunder6 ,hear us1 and tremble6 ,we are the soldiers1 ,soldiers of peace6 ,at the close of the song1 each in turn shoots an arrow at the image1 and when it falls1 the ,scout who brought it down must drink all the water in the bowl4 ,the war-clubs are then taken away from the two little boys representing ,war1 who go out by the western entrance to the ring4 ,at the same time there enter by the eastern entrance two more boys 7or preferably girls1 if it is a mixed assemblage71 clad in blue and carrying calumets1 to typify ,peace4 ,these lead the second march around the pole1 while all chant the second stanza of the song3 ,the ,thunder is fallen2 ,lost are his arrows2 ,peace is the victor-- ,our mother is ,peace6 ,a heavy stick with a large knot or knob on the end will do for a war-club1 and if no genuine peace-pipe is obtainable1 one may be improvised from a piece of wood4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bj4 ,to any or all of these ceremonies spectators may be invited 7and among the ,indians the whole village is generally present71 but it is essential that they maintain perfect order and absolute silence during the solemnities4 ,,xx--,,the ,,maidens' ,,feast3 ,a ,,ceremony ,,for ,,girls ,a beautiful festival1 celebrated yearly in the olden time among the ,sioux and other ,plains ,indians1 was called the ,maidens' ,feast1 and was designed to stimulate a proper pride and dedication to duty among the young girls of the tribe4 ,i shall describe for you an adaptation of this ancient ceremony1 that may be appropriately used by ,camp ,fire ,girls and others on their summer outings4 ,this feast is always given at midsummer1 in the fullness of bloom and splendor1 as befits a gathering of the flower of the village or community4 ,invitations may be issued by the ,guardian of the ,camp ,fire1 or ,leader of the band of girls1 in the form of thin leaves of birch-bark or small bunches of sweet-grass4 ,another way of giving the invitation1 if all the girls are in camp1 is to engage the services of some man with a bugle or camp-horn to act as herald4 ,he should dress in ,indian costume and make the rounds early in the morning1 blowing the horn and declaiming in a loud voice somewhat as follows3 ,hear ye1 hear ye1 all the people6 ,the maidens of the 444 ,camp ,fire are summoned to repair at noon to-day to the ,sacred ,stone in the middle of the encampment1 there to hold the annual feast6 ,hear ye1 hear ye6 ,the maidens all come in ceremonial attire1 and full ,indian costume is indispensable to the proper effect4 ,the hair is arranged in forward-turning plaits1 and surmounted by a modest wreath or fillet of wild flowers4 ,they advance silently1 in single file1 and form a ring about the ,sacred ,stone1 a rudely heart-shaped or pyramidal boulder1 which has been touched lightly with red paint4 ,beside the ,stone1 two new arrows are thrust into the earth4 ,the rock symbolizes permanence1 or the unchangeable forces of nature2 the arrows1 nature's punishment for disobedience4 ,now the leader of the maidens steps out of the ring1 and laying her right hand upon the summit of the ,stone1 pronounces in clear tones the ,maidens' ,vow3 ,upon this ,stone ,i take the maiden's twofold vow2 the vow of purity--my duty to myself2 the pledge of service--my duty to others6 ,she then steps back and seats herself sidewise on the ground in the ring4 ,each in turn takes the vow in the same manner until the maidens' circle is complete4 ,then all rise and chant1 or recite in unison1 the ,maidens' ,song3 ,we are the maidens of ---- 7name of band72 ,our faces are turned toward the morning2 ,in our hearts is the summer of promise2 ,in our hands 7make cup of both hands7 we hold the new generation6 ,united we go to meet the future1 ,armed with truth to ourselves1 and with love for all6 ,at the close of the song1 all take hands and dance four times about the ,stone1 each time reversing the movement4 ,lastly1 they seat themselves again in the same order1 and the feast is served by handing it about the circle1 each maiden taking her portion in her own basin1 or bowl1 and eating it with her own spoon1 having brought these with her according to the ,indian custom4 ,appropriate dishes for the feast would be rice with maple sugar 7wild rice if obtainable71 green corn or succotash1 berries and nuts1 maize cakes or pop-corn dainties1 or any strictly native product4 ,after the food is served1 it is permitted for the first time to talk and laugh1 all gravity and decorum having been preserved by participants and spectators during the entire ceremony4 ,the parents and friends of the young women should be invited1 if convenient1 to witness the ,maidens' ,feast1 and a characteristic ,indian feature would be added if some of them should desire to signalize the occasion by gifts to some needy person or cause4 ,such gifts should be announced at the close of the festival4 ,,xxi--,,the ,,gesture--,,language ,,of ,,the ,,indian ,the ,american ,indian is extremely pictorial in his habits of thought and in his modes of expression4 ,even his every-day speech is full of symbols drawn from the natural world4 ,yet more poetic and descriptive in character is that form of communication properly called gesture speech1 but commonly known as ,indian sign-language4 ,this language is most fully developed among the tribes of the ,great ,plains1 many of whom speak entirely different tongues1 for use in their frequent meetings1 either accidental or for the purpose of concluding a treaty of peace4 ,it is also used by deaf mutes among ,indians4 ,it has been learned and elaborately written out by several authorities1 chief of whom is ,captain ,w4 ,r4 ,clark of the ,united ,states ,army4 ,being understood by few1 it will serve excellently as a secret code1 so much desired by young people1 and is especially appropriate to the ceremonials of ,boy ,scouts and ,camp ,fire ,girls4 ,we ,indian boys were taught from babyhood to be silent1 to listen to the things that nature is saying all about us4 ,but since it is hard for a healthy boy to keep his discoveries and observations entirely to himself1 he must devise some outlet4 ,our silent communication1 our wireless1 was the gesture-language4 ,it should be remembered that among ,indians the whole body speaks1 and that all oratory1 and even conversation1 is accompanied by graceful and significant gestures4 ,the accomplished user will make the signs herein described rapidly and smoothly1 investing the whole with genuine charm1 as a novel kind of pantomime4 ,for it will be seen that these are no arbitrary signs1 but actual air-pictures1 and not manual only1 since they include a variety of movements and considerable facial expression4 ,the construction or grammar of the sign-language is simple4 ,adjectives follow nouns1 conjunctions and prepositions are omitted1 and verbs are used in the present tense only4 ,the following signs1 well-learned1 will enable one to carry on a short conversation1 and many more may be devised along these lines by an ingenious boy or girl4 ,attention1 or ,question4 ,hold right hand1 palm outward1 fingers and thumb separated1 well out in front of body at height of shoulder4 ,this is used to begin a conversation4 ,i understand4 ,throw right forearm out in front of body with fingers closed1 except index finger1 which is curved and drawn back4 ,this indicates that you grasp and draw something toward you1 and is used occasionally while another is talking4 ,if you do not understand1 use the ,question sign4 ,i4 ,touch breast with index finger of right hand4 ,glad4 7,sunshine in the heart47 ,place compressed right hand1 fingers slightly curved1 over region of heart2 bring left hand1 palm downward1 in sweeping curve to left of body1 at the same time turning it palm upward1 as if turning up or unfolding something4 ,the expression of the face should correspond4 ,sad4 ,place the closed fist against the heart4 ,appropriate facial expression4 ,surprised4 ,cover mouth with palm of right hand1 open eyes widely1 and move head slightly backward4 ,angry4 7,mind twisted47 ,place closed right fist against forehead and twist from right to left4 ,ashamed4 7,blanket over face47 ,bring both hands1 palms inward1 fingers touching1 in front of and near the face4 ,good4 7,level with heart47 ,hold extended right hand1 back up1 close to region of heart2 move briskly forward and to right4 ,bad4 7,throw away47 ,hold one or both hands1 closed1 in front of body1 backs upward2 open with a snap1 at the same time moving them outward and downward4 ,brave1 ,strong4 ,hold firmly closed left hand in front of body1 left arm pointing to right and front2 bring closed right hand above and a little in front of left1 and strike downwards1 imitating the blow of a hammer4 7,this gesture1 vigorously made1 intensifies any previous statement or description47 ,alone4 ,hold up index finger4 ,on ,horseback4 ,place first and second finger of right hand astride left index finger4 ,motion of galloping may be made1 or a ,fall from the horse represented4 ,tent1 or ,wigwam4 ,bring both hands together at the finger tips1 forming a cone4 ,house4 ,interlock fingers of both hands1 holding them at right angles4 ,camp4 ,sign for ,tent1 then form circle with arms and hands in front of body4 ,city1 or ,village4 ,sign for ,house1 then ,camp sign4 ,sleep4 ,incline head to right and rest cheek on right palm4 ,for going into camp1 or to indicate the length of a journey1 make sign for ,sleep and hold up as many fingers as nights were spent on the way4 ,time is told by indicating the position of the sun2 the ,seasons as follows3 ,spring4 7,little grass47 ,hold hands1 palms upward1 well down in front1 fingers and thumbs well separated and slightly curved2 separate hands slightly4 ,then hold right hand in front of body1 back to right1 closing fingers so that only tip of index finger projects4 7,this last sign for ,little47 ,summer4 ,sign for ,grass1 holding hands at height of waist4 ,autumn4 7,falling leaves47 ,hold right hand above head1 fingers closed1 except index finger and thumb1 which form nearly a circle2 bring hand slowly downward with wavering motion4 ,winter4 ,hold closed hands in front of body and several inches apart2 give shivering motion to hands4 ,to indicate ,age1 give sign for ,winter and hold up fingers2 all counting is done in the same way1 in multiples of ten2 as1 for one hundred1 open and close fingers of both hands ten times4 ,color is usually indicated by pointing to some object of the color spoken of4 ,brother4 ,touch first and second finger to lips4 ,sister4 ,sign for ,brother1 and that for ,woman4 ,woman4 7,long hair47 ,bring both palms down sides of head1 shoulders1 and bosom1 with sweeping gesture4 ,love4 ,cross both arms over bosom4 ,give ,me4 ,hold right hand well out in front of body1 palm upward1 close1 and bring in toward body4 ,beautiful4 ,hold palms up like mirror in front of face2 make sign for ,good4 ,ugly4 ,same as above1 with sign for ,bad4 ,peace4 ,clasp both hands in front of body4 ,quarrel4 ,hold index fingers1 pointing upward1 opposite and a few inches apart2 move sharply toward each other1 alternating motion4 ,liar4 7,forked tongue47 ,bring separated first and second fingers of right hand close to lips4 ,scout4 7,this is also the sign for ,wolf47 ,hold first and second fingers of right hand1 extended and pointing upward1 near right shoulder1 to indicate pointed ears4 ,trail4 ,hold extended hands1 palms up1 side by side in front of body2 move right to rear and left to front a few inches2 alternate motion4 ,it is finished4 ,bring closed hands in front of body1 thumbs up1 second joints touching2 then separate4 ,this sign ends a speech or conversation4 ,,xxii--,,indian ,,picture-,,writing ,the ,indian is something of an impressionist in the matter of technique4 ,though possessed of great manual dexterity1 he does not care1 as a rule1 to reproduce an object exactly1 but rather to suggest his fundamental conception of it4 ,each drawing stands for an idea1 and its symbolic character gives it a certain mystery and dignity in our eyes4 ,it is usual to represent an animal in action1 in order to indicate more clearly its real or imaginary attributes4 ,thus a horse is shown running1 a buffalo or bear fighting1 or in a humorous attitude4 ,pictorial hieroglyphics are merely crude pictures drawn and painted upon leather or birch-bark1 or cut into the trunk of a convenient tree1 or perhaps upon a hard clay bank1 and sometimes even scratched with a hard stone upon the face of a cliff4 ,in the first place1 they represent history and biography1 and serve to supplement and authenticate our oral traditions4 ,others are communications intended for some one who is likely to pass that way1 and give important information4 ,the person or persons whom it is desired to reach need not be addressed1 but the sender of the message signs his name first1 as in a letter of ceremony4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ba4 ,suppose ,charging ,eagle is on the war-path and wishes to communicate with his friends4 ,he cuts upon the bark of a conspicuous tree beside the trail the figure of an eagle swooping downward1 bearing in its beak a war-club4 ,the news he gives is that his young men brought home a herd of horses taken from the enemy4 ,he draws first a teepee2 facing it are several free horses1 and immediately behind them two or three riders with war-bonnets on their heads1 leading another horse4 ,last of all are some horses' footprints4 ,the free horses represent force1 and the led horse expresses captivity4 ,the fact that the men wear their war-bonnets1 indicates a state of war4 ,the event is dated by drawing the symbol of the month in which it occurred1 followed by the outline of the moon in its first1 second1 third1 or fourth quarter1 dark or full1 as the case may be4 ,the waxing moon opens toward the right1 the waning moon toward the left4 ,to be still more exact1 the chief may draw the sun with its rays1 followed by an open hand with as many fingers extended as days have passed since the event4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bb4 ,the thirteen moons of the year are named differently by different ,indian tribes4 ,i will give the names and symbols commonly used by the ,sioux1 beginning with nature's new year1 the early spring4 #a4 ,ish-tah-wee-chah-ya-zan-wee4 ,moon of ,sore ,eyes4 #b4 ,mah-gah-o-kah-dah-wee4 ,moon of ,ducks' ,eggs4 #c4 ,wah-to-pah-wee4 ,canoeing ,moon4 #d4 ,wee-pah-zoo-kah-wee4 ,june-,berry ,moon4 #e4 ,wah-shoon-pah-wee4 ,moon of ,moulting ,feathers4 #f4 ,chan-pah-sap-ah-wee4 ,moon of ,black ,cherries4 #g4 ,psin-ah-tee-wee4 ,wild-,rice ,gathering ,moon4 #h4 ,wah-soo-ton-wee'4 ,moon of ,green ,corn4 #i4 ,wok-sah-pee-wee'4 ,moon of ,corn ,harvest4 #aj4 ,tah-kee-yoo-hah-wee'4 ,moon of ,mating ,deer4 #aa4 ,tah-hay-chap-shoon-wee4 ,moon of ,dropping ,deer horns4 #ab4 ,wee-tay-ghee4 ,moon of ,severe ,cold4 #ac4 ,we-chah-tah-wee4 ,raccoon's ,moon4 ,in the old days1 there were many different bands of the ,sioux1 who wandered1 during the year1 over a wide extent of country4 ,thus news was spread both by signal communication and by pictographs1 when it was impossible to communicate by word of mouth4 ,this particular message of ,charging ,eagle's was not only news1 but also a warning to travelers to be on their guard1 for the enemy might seek to retaliate1 and some innocent persons be surprised and made to pay dearly for another's exploit4 ,in picture-writing1 the head of man or animal is emphasized1 with its distinguishing peculiarity of head-gear1 or ears1 or horns1 while the body is barely outlined4 ,the warrior is represented by a rude figure of a man wearing a war-bonnet1 or carrying a coup-staff4 ,warriors returning successful are shown approaching a group of teepees1 carrying scalps on poles4 ,if1 on the contrary1 the writer's camp has been raided1 the figures are seen departing from the teepees4 ,a trail1 or journey1 is indicated by double wavy lines4 ,if the travelers parted1 the trail is branched4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bc4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bd4 ,lightning is represented by zig-zag lines with a suggestion of flames at the points1 or by a large bird with zig-zag flashes issuing from his beak4 ,wind is indicated by tossed clouds2 but for the four winds1 or four points of the compass1 draw a mere cross1 or a pair of crossed arrows4 ,for rain1 make dots and dashes2 for snow1 falling stars2 for night1 stars above a black line1 sometimes adding a crescent moon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #be4 ,every ,indian has his pictographic signature1 and this idea may appropriately be copied by ,boy ,scouts1 who will also enjoy communicating by ,indian signs and keeping the record book or winter count in the same manner4 ,the name ,sitting ,bull1 for example1 is drawn as a buffalo bull sitting upon its haunches1 with front feet in the air and tossing head4 ,spotted ,tail is a charger with luxuriant flowing tail1 streaked and spotted with white4 ,hawk ,eagle signs his name by drawing a hawk wearing an eagle feather war-bonnet4 ,big ,tent draws a large teepee1 with a buffalo tail dangling from the projecting poles1 to show dignity and importance4 ,the autograph of ,chief ,bullhead is the figure of a man with the head of a bull buffalo1 perhaps surmounted by a war-bonnet4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bf4 ,the ghost1 or spirit1 is represented by a pair of eyes looking from the sky1 or by the outline of a bird with great eyes4 ,prayer1 or the ,great ,mystery1 is symbolized by the figure of a man in the ,indian's prayer attitude--standing erect1 with head uplifted and the tips of his fingers meeting in a sharp angle in front of his chest1 gazing at the figure of the sun4 ,,xxiii--,,wood-,,craft ,,and ,,weather ,,wisdom ,since the life of the ,indian is one of travel and exploration1 not for the benefit of science1 but for his own convenience and pleasure1 he is accustomed to find himself in pathless regions--now in the deep woods1 now upon the vast1 shimmering prairie1 or again among the tangled water-ways of a mighty lake studded with hundreds1 even thousands1 of wooded islands4 ,how does he find his way so successfully in the pathless jungle without the aid of a compass8 you ask4 ,well1 it is no secret4 ,in the first place1 his vision is correct2 and he is not merely conscious of what he sees1 but also sub-consciously he observes the presence of any and all things within the range of his senses4 ,if you would learn his system1 you must note the relative position of all objects1 and especially the location of your camp in relation to river1 lake1 or mountain4 ,the ,indian is a close student of the topography of the country1 and every landmark--hill1 grove1 or unusual tree--is noted and remembered4 ,it is customary with the hunters and warriors to tell their stories of adventure most minutely1 omitting no geographical and topographical details1 so that the boy who has listened to such stories from babyhood can readily identify places he has never before seen4 ,this kind of knowledge is simple1 and1 like the every-day meal1 it is properly digested and assimilated1 and becomes a part of one's self4 ,it is this instant1 intelligent recognition of every object within his vision in his daily roving1 which fixes the primitive woodsman's reckoning of time1 distance1 and direction4 ,time is measured simply by the height of the sun4 ,shadow is the wild man's dial2 his own shadow is best4 ,hunger is a good guide when the sun is behind the clouds4 ,again1 the distance traveled is an indicator1 when one travels over known distances4 ,in other words1 he keeps his soul at one with the world about him1 while the over-civilized man is trained to depend upon artificial means4 ,he winds his watch1 pins his thought to a chronometer1 and disconnects himself from the world-current2 then starts off on the well-beaten road4 ,if he is compelled to cut across1 he calls for a guide2 in other words1 he borrows or buys the mind of another4 ,neither can he trust his memory1 but must needs have a notebook6 ,the wild man has no chronometer1 no yardstick1 no unit of weight1 no field-glass4 ,he is himself a natural being in touch with nature4 ,some things he does1 he scarcely knows why2 certainly he could not explain them4 ,his calculations are swift as a flash of lightning2 best of all1 they come out right6 ,this may seem incredible to one who is born an old man2 but there are still some boys who hark back to their great-great-grandfathers2 they were not born and nursed within six walls6 ,the colors of tree1 grass1 and rock tell the points of the compass to the initiated4 ,on the north side1 the bark is of a darker color1 smoother1 and more solid looking2 while on the southern exposure it is of a lighter hue1 because of more sunshine1 and rougher1 because it has not been polished off by the heavy beating of snow and rain in the cold season4 ,an ,indian will pass his hand over the trunk of a tree in the dark and tell you which way is north2 some will tell you the kind of tree1 also4 ,the branches of the tree tell the same story2 on the south side they grow thicker and longer1 while the leaves lie more horizontal on the sunny side1 and more vertical on the north4 ,again1 the dry leaves on the ground corroborate them2 on the north side of the trees the leaves are well-packed and overlay each other almost like shingles4 ,the color and thickness of the moss on rock or tree also tells the secret4 ,but ,i must leave some things for you to discover2 and ,i advise you to select a rock or tree that is well exposed to the elements for a first attempt4 ,of course1 in well-protected localities1 these distinctions are not so marked1 but even there are discernible to a trained eye4 ,if you ever lose your way in the woods1 do not allow yourself to become unnerved4 ,never give up4 ,fear drowns more people than water1 and is a more dangerous enemy than the wilderness4 ,a normal man1 with some knowledge of out-of-doors1 can without much effort keep in touch with his starting-point1 and1 however tortuously he may rove1 he will pick the shortest way back4 ,know exactly where you are before starting1 in relation to the natural landmarks1 and at every halt locate yourself as nearly as possible4 ,measure your shadow 7it varies according to the season71 and scatter dry earth1 leaves1 or grass1 to learn the direction of the wind4 ,the watershed is another important point to bear in mind4 ,on a clear night1 look for the well-known stars1 such as the ,great ,dipper1 which lies to the north in summer1 the handle pointing west4 ,the ,milky ,way lies north and south4 ,once you locate the camp1 you may be guided by these or by the wind in night travel4 ,the ,indian1 as an out-of-door man1 early learns the necessity of a weather bureau of his own4 ,he develops it after the fashion of another system of precaution2 that is1 he takes note of the danger-signals of the animals1 those unconscious criers of the wilderness1 both upon water and land4 ,these have definite signals for an approaching change in the weather4 ,for instance1 the wolf tribes give the storm call on the evening before4 ,this call is different in tone from any other and clearly identified by us4 ,horses kick and stamp1 and the buffalo herds low nervously4 ,certain water-fowl display a strange agitation which they do not show under any other circumstances4 ,antelopes seek shallow lakes before a thunder-shower and stand in the water--the ,indians say because lightning does not strike in the water4 ,even dogs howl and make preparations to hide their young4 ,ducks have their signal call2 but the chief weather prophet of the lakes is the loon1 as the gray wolf or coyote is of the prairie4 ,certain leaves and grass-blades contract or expand at the approach of storm1 and even their color is affected1 while the wind in the leaves has a different sound4 ,the waves on the beach whisper of the change1 and we also observe the ring around the sun1 and the opacity and disk of the moon4 ,the lone hunter may be left with only the open prairie and the dome of heaven2 but he still has his grass-blades1 his morning and evening skies4 ,sometimes the little prairie birds give him the signal2 or1 if not1 he may fall back upon his old wounds1 that begin to ache and swell with the change of atmosphere4 ,,xxiv--,,the ,,art ,,of ,,story-,,telling ,perhaps no other people enjoy good stories better1 and are more apt at telling them1 than are the ,indians4 ,this art1 most highly prized in a race without books1 serves as a necessary outlet to their imaginations1 and wonderfully enlivens their social and family life4 ,the time for telling ,indian stories is in the evening--best of all1 around a glowing wood fire1 on the long nights of winter4 ,here1 every accent1 every gesture1 has its meaning1 no faintest shade of which is lost upon the circle of attentive listeners4 ,true stories of warfare and the chase are related many times over by actors and eye-witnesses1 that no detail may be forgotten4 ,handed down from generation to generation1 these tales gradually take on the proportions of heroic myth and legend4 ,they blossom into poetry and chivalry1 and are alive with mystery and magic4 ,the pictures are vivid1 and drawn with few but masterly strokes4 ,often animals as well as men are the villains and heroes1 and in this way a grotesque humor is artfully yet naturally developed4 ,in the old days1 it was customary among us for each clan to have its official story-teller1 whose skill in making the most of his material had built up a reputation which might extend even to neighboring villages4 ,he was not only an entertainer in demand at all social gatherings1 but an honored schoolmaster to the village children4 ,the great secret of his success was his ability to portray a character or a situation truthfully1 yet with just a touch of humorous or dramatic exaggeration4 ,the scene is clearly visualized2 the action moves quickly1 with successive events leading up to the climax1 which must be handled with much dignity and seriousness1 or pathos and gravity may be turned upside down in the unexpectedness of the catastrophe4 ,here is a short example of ,indian story-telling3 ,far out in the middle of the ,bad ,lands upon the ,little ,missouri1 there stands a pillar-like butte some four or five hundred paces in height4 ,here and there upon its sheer walls cling a few stunted pines and cedars1 some hanging by one foot1 others by their great toe only4 ,not one of the many gulches that furrow its sides affords a safe path1 or even a tolerable ladder to the top4 ,there is generally a pair of eagles who breed there1 and an occasional ,rocky ,mountain sheep may be seen springing along its terraces4 ,we ,indians have long regarded this butte as a sacred temple1 the very spot for solitary prayer and fasting2 but tradition states that only two men have ever set foot upon its summit for this purpose4 ,feared-by-the-,bear was a warrior of unquestioned bravery4 ,one day he announced that he would fast upon ,cloud ,butte4 ,thereupon other well-known braves decided to fast there also4 ,their leader managed the ascent with much labor and difficulty4 ,when1 just at sunset1 he reached the summit1 he was happy2 the world seemed revealed to him in all its beauty and majesty4 ,where can such another shrine be found8 he thought4 ,he took his position upon a narrow projection of rock extending over the abyss1 where it is said no human being has stood before or since4 ,the full moon had risen1 and the brave stood above that silvered gulf of air with uplifted filled pipe and extended arm1 praying without words1 as is our custom4 ,suddenly his ears rang with the cry3 ,haya hy6 ,a grizzly6 ,a grizzly6 ,he was compelled to suspend his devotions for an instant1 and to throw a glance in the direction of the call4 ,he perceived that his example had been followed1 and that what seemed an avenging spirit was pursuing his fellow worshipper4 ,dodge behind a tree6 ,run your best2 he is almost upon you6 he shouted4 ,but the nearest tree hung upon the verge of the precipice4 ,if the man missed his footing1 he must go down to death4 ,there was no time to consider4 ,around the tree he flew and disappeared like a passing shadow4 ,at his heels the desperate grizzly1 who had prolonged his unwilling fast upon the butte for days1 not daring to attempt the descent1 lunged heavily against the swaying cedar to save himself from falling headlong4 ,he was half a second too late6 ,feared-by-the-,bear had not yet been discovered4 ,he clutched his long pipe and still pointed it toward the starry sky in silent supplication4 ,indeed1 he had now more immediate cause for prayer4 ,waugh6 uttered the hungry bear1 and approached him with wide-open mouth4 ,the dizzy shelf on which the brave stood had been an eagle's nest for ages1 but was just now unoccupied4 ,old ,mato1 the bear1 seemed reluctant to advance1 for on either side the sheer rock descended to a great distance4 ,the warrior merely turned toward him the filled pipe which he had been offering to the ,great ,mystery4 ,to your spirit1 ,o ,bear6 ,i offer this peace pipe1 the same ,i have just offered to the ,maker of us both4 ,will you partake of it1 and commission me to be as brave and strong as yourself8 ,thus speaking1 and without showing any nervousness1 he pointed the long stem of the pipe directly at the bear1 upon which ,mato growled ungraciously1 but did not offer to come nearer4 ,on the other hand1 he showed no intention of leaving1 and the way to escape was blocked4 ,feared-by-the-,bear lighted his pipe with the fire maker1 and smoked deliberately4 ,then he kindled a little fire in the dry twigs of the old eagle's nest4 ,this seemed to disturb the bear1 whereupon he boldly threw a firebrand at him4 ,the dry leaves caught and blazed fiercely4 ,mato ran for his life1 and with this new fright behind him1 found no serious difficulty in getting down the trail4 ,in due time1 the faster left his position with all dignity1 and approached the leaning cedar tree behind which his friend1 as he supposed1 had leaped to death4 ,his first shuddering look over the brink showed him that the young man still hung suspended by his hands from a large branch4 ,with much difficulty he was dragged up to solid rock1 and his involuntary ordeal brought to a close4 ,this event established the names and reputations of ,overcliff and ,feared-by-the-,bear4 ,,xxv--,,etiquette ,,of ,,the ,,wigwam ,the natural life of the ,indian is saved from rudeness and disorder by certain well-understood rules and conventions which are invariably followed4 ,simple as these rules may seem1 they have stood the test of time1 and are universally respected4 ,you may be able to adapt some of them to the government of your camp4 ,each band has its chief1 or leader1 who governs through his council1 and a herald to announce their decisions4 ,scouts and soldiers are appointed by the council4 ,when several bands camp together1 all know that there will be no change in the general order1 aside from a few special and temporary rules4 ,the clans simply enforce the usual codes conjointly1 though any special service necessarily carries with it greater honor1 because of serving a larger community4 ,if a member of any band commits an offence against one of another band1 all the chiefs constitute the grand jury4 ,their verdict is attested by the grand council1 while the two persons affected have no voice in the matter1 except as they may be called upon to testify of what they know4 ,the punishment decreed is strictly carried out without prejudice or favoritism4 ,no boy or man can flee from the voice and hand of justice4 ,where can he go and be at peace with his own conscience8 ,i have said elsewhere that the tents are pitched in a circle1 or group of circles4 ,in case of a large band1 their position in the circle is determined by their relative strength and reputation4 ,the strongest band takes its place on the right of the entrance1 and the next strongest takes the left4 ,opposite the entrance is the post of honor1 which is accorded to the greatest chief or temporary head of the large camp4 ,now the family circle in the wigwam is arranged on the same principle4 ,the circle is symbolic of life1 also symbolic of the day's journey4 ,woman rules the lodge2 therefore on the right of the entrance is the position of the grandmother1 if there is one4 ,next her are her granddaughters1 the youngest nearest her4 ,then comes the grandfather1 and next him the grown sons1 if any2 then the father1 and between him and the mother1 who occupies the first seat on the left of the entrance1 are one or two of the smallest children4 ,the guest is seated opposite the entrance4 ,it is a rule of the ,indian home that the grandfather is master of ceremonies at all times4 ,he is spokesman for the family if a stranger enters4 ,if he is absent1 the father or the husband speaks2 all others may only smile in greeting4 ,if both men are absent1 the grandmother is spokes-woman2 if she is away1 the mother or the wife speaks1 with as much dignity as modesty4 ,if no older person is at home1 the eldest son or daughter greets the guest1 but if they have no brother to speak for them1 and an entire stranger enters1 the girls may properly observe silence4 ,the stranger should explain the cause of his intrusion4 ,in the presence of a guest1 promiscuous laughing or a careless attitude are not permitted4 ,rigid decorum and respectful silence are observed1 and if any children are present1 they must not stare at the stranger4 ,all noisy play and merriment must be kept within familiar family circles1 except on the occasion of certain games and dances4 ,in the matter of greetings1 the men alone greet each other with ,how6 ,no woman may use this greeting4 ,indians do not usually say ,thank you6 but acknowledge a gift or favor by using some appropriate term of relationship1 as grandmother1 little sister1 cousin1 etc4 ,hi1 hi6 or ,thank you6 is occasionally used1 but only when one is especially grateful4 ,you should always address everybody in the clan by the regular term of relationship1 rather than by name4 ,if too distant1 the word ,klah1 or friend1 may be used4 ,perhaps a prettier word for the ,boy ,scouts to adopt is ,kechwah1 or comrade4 ,the serving of food is always orderly and polite4 ,guests are offered food1 at whatever hour of the day they may appear1 as1 in the wilderness life1 it is safe to assume that they are hungry4 ,the mother of the family serves first the guest1 if any1 then her father1 her husband1 her mother1 the children in order of age1 and1 of course1 herself last of all4 ,each returns his empty dish to her with the proper term of relationship as a sign of thanks4 ,silence1 we believe1 is the basis of order and decorum1 and the peace and dignity of the camp must be maintained at all costs4 ,thus any emergency is quickly made known and is met with calmness and decision4 ,all formal announcements are made by the mouth of the camp herald or crier4 ,our ,indian ,boy ,scouts are the immediate and unofficial guardians of our safety4 ,if any one approaches1 they quickly pass the unspoken signal from boy to boy1 without letting the stranger know that he is discovered2 and if there is any doubt as to his identity and character1 that1 too1 is indicated1 so that the experienced may see to it before he comes too near4 ,the reports of the returning hunters are given by means of certain calls1 so that the home folks may be prepared to receive them4 ,for instance1 when a bear is killed1 the boys announce it with the peculiar call1 ,wah1 wah1 wah6 in chorus4 ,if it is a deer1 they cry3 ,woo koo hoo6 woo koo hoo6 ,in welcoming the buffalo hunters1 the boys hold one another by the shoulders and imitate the lowing of the herds1 finishing off with a shrill whistle4 ,possibly your college and class yells were founded upon the ,indian game signals4 ,,xxvi--,,training ,,for ,,service ,one must have a trained mind1 if only in order to reach the height of one's physical possibilities1 and all-round efficiency depends much upon the kind of training described in the foregoing talks4 ,the ,school of ,savagery is no haphazard thing1 but a system of education which has been long in the building1 and which produces results4 ,ingenuity1 faithfulness1 and self-reliance will accomplish wonderful things in civilized life as well as in wild life1 but1 to my mind1 individuality and initiative are more successfully developed in the out-of-door man4 ,where the other man is regarded more than self1 duty is sweeter and more inspiring1 patriotism more sacred1 and friendship is a true and eternal bond4 ,the ,indian is trained in the natural way1 which means that he is kept in close contact with the natural world4 ,incidentally1 he finds himself1 and is conscious of his relation to all life4 ,the spiritual world is real to him4 ,the splendor of life stands out pre-eminently1 while beyond all1 and in all1 dwells the ,great ,mystery1 unsolved and unsolvable1 except in those things which it is good for his own spirit to know4 ,the good things of earth are not his to hold against his brothers1 but they are his to use and enjoy together with his fellows1 to whom it is his privilege to bring them4 ,in seeking thus1 he develops a wholesome1 vigorous body and mind1 to which all exertion seems play1 rather than painful toil for possession's sake4 ,happy1 rollicking1 boy man6 ,gallant1 patriotic1 public-spirited--in the ,indian is the lusty youth of humanity4 ,he is always ready to undertake the impossible1 or to impoverish himself to please his friend4 ,most of all he values the opportunity of being a minute-man--a ,scout6 ,every boy1 from the very beginning of his training1 is an embryo public servant4 ,he puts into daily practice the lessons that in this way become part of himself4 ,there are no salaries1 no tips1 no prizes to work for4 ,he takes his pay in the recognition of the community and the consciousness of unselfish service4 ,let us have more of this spirit of the ,american ,indian1 the ,boy ,scout's prototype1 to leaven the brilliant selfishness of our modern civilization6 ,,the ,,end ,,books ,,for ,,children ,,by ,,charles ,a4 and ,,elaine ,g4 ,,eastman ,,wigwam ,,evenings ,illustrated by ,e4 ,w4 ,deming4 #abmo4 #a4bj net4 ,dr4 ,eastman is a full-blooded ,sioux who spent much of his youth in a wigwam1 so that these twenty-seven ,indian myths have the great merit of being told at first hand4 ,the stories are charming in their simplicity and faithfulness1 and are told by writers who are familiar and sympathetic with ,indian thought4--,philadelphia ,public ,ledger4 ,,yellow ,,star ,fully illustrated4 #abmo4 #a4bj net4 ,the appealing story of an ,indian girl who came to live in a ,new-,england village and who became one of the most popular of girls1 leading in scholarship1 quickness1 and resourcefulness4 ,woven incidents of school and play1 swift successions of interesting things to do1 all natural and lifelike1 and a persuasive out-of-doors atmosphere1 brighten the story from first to last4--,washington ,star4 ,,indian ,,scout ,,talks ,with frontispiece4 #abmo4 #hj cents net4 ,this book represents the actual experiences of its author1 and should be an admirable guide for ,boy ,scouts and ,camp-fire ,girls4 ,,little1 ,,brown ,,co41 ,publishers #cd ,,beacon ,,street1 ,,boston