200 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



performing this work, he would raise his hand in the air with his finger 

 spread and pray with it (rub it on his forehead). Thus the earth was 

 made. 



He then sat down on the dry land and carefully laid his Flat-Pipe 

 on the ground, facing the sunrise. The placing of the clay at the 

 fifth time was made by the Flat-Pipe, and that is when he sat down. 



After the earth was made with every living creature, there was 

 great rejoicing and thanksgiving for some time. So great was the 

 Flat-Pipe that all kinds of birds and animals came to it and saw it. 

 This man who preated the earth sat silently by his Flat-Pipe, and in 

 deep thought. 



At this time, this man awaitfcd with his Flat-Pipe to complete the 

 creation. So Turtle stepped up before him and said, "Since there is 

 no one that will make the first choice, please take and accept me. I 

 want to tell you that I am a harmless creature, slow to anger, have a 

 quiet disposition, and am very charitable. Again, may I tell you that 

 I want to represent the earth in such a way, and also that my name 

 will mean, to cleanse the sick, to comfort the bereaved, and to paint." 

 (The Arapaho term for turtle is, to paint — blood-egg, or blood-stain). 

 All the others heard that the turtle had made the best choice of life, 

 and this perhaps set them to thinking. Then said the man, "All you 

 people have heard Turtle's remarks to-day, and I am glad that he has 

 made a wise choice; it is very acceptable to me. And in view of the 

 facts brought out for our benefit, his whole body shall represent the 

 creation or earth with all things; that is to say, the markings on 

 the back of Turtle shall represent a path, its four legs typifying the four 

 Old Men or Watchmen ; its legs or feet shall be somewhat red ; by its 

 shield are represented mountain ranges and rivers. Look at Turtle 

 closely, and you will see that it contains the fulfillment of the desires 

 requested." So the turtle was placed with Flat-Pipe. 



Then said Kit-Fox, standing conspicuous in solemn attitude: 

 "Since I am very pretty and charming, and have very quick actions, 

 and since my fur is soft, I desire to place myself next to Flat-Pipe — 

 may it be acceptable to you. I wish to live long on the earth, and 

 that people may respect and honor me. If the people should take my 

 body and offer it for their sacrifices to you, I request that, if it be 

 pleasing to you, you may look upon them and give them four hills or 

 divides of life." "All of you people have heard Kit- Fox's choice, 

 and it is a very good one and touching," said the man. So the body 

 was placed along the side of the Flat-Pipe. 



Said Otter-Weed (Yiayanakshi, Fourth-Day-Lodge): "Well, I 

 am very anxious to be a partner with the Flat-Pipe, although I am a 



