bushnell: the chitimacha Indians 307 



Formerly the cane was split, the joints hollowed out and the 

 inside smoothed, then the two pieces were bound together. 

 More recently a piece of wire has been used to burn the joints. 

 The darts were wrapped for a distance of about two inches with 

 cotton or frayed cloth. Bows and arrows were used by the 

 "old people," but not since they have been able to obtain guns 

 and powder from the whites. Fish are secured by spearing them 

 from a dugout, usually when the sun is shining brightly. Traps 

 for catching fish are unknown to my informant, but nets are 

 known to have been used. 



Little could be learned respecting the social culture of these 

 people, the native names of people and places having been 

 forgotten. The myths and legends are no longer remembered, 

 although several very old persons, now living east of the bayou 

 near the coast, may retain some knowledge of their ancient 

 tribal organization. All will soon be lost. 



