May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 201 



low creature. Nevertheless, I desire to be used by him as a cleaning 

 or packing stick, for my whole body is solid, even at my joints. I 

 wish to say further, I am very quiet and amicable in company; besides, 

 I am very genial and good-natured." "All of you people have heard 

 of the desire of Otter- Weed. You have heard his remarks, which are 

 very good and acceptable to me," said the man. So Otter-Weed was 

 then placed with the Flat-Pipe. 



Now Cat-Tail, or Tallow-Weed, said: "Well, how about me? You 

 may know that my entire body is solid and of a healthy glow, besides 

 bearing a soft and generous heart. I am very fond of company and 

 ready to take the last of everything (that is the reason why the cat- 

 tail stands a little distance from the spring), and in all, kind to 

 others." "All you people have heard Cat-tail's remarks, which are 

 very good and acceptable to me. Although there is one already, it 

 can be permitted for good," said the man. So Tallow-Weed was then 

 placed together with Otter-Weed.' 



Then said White-Buffalo: "Well, I cannot help but show myself, 

 for I am meek and humble. Please take and accept my request that 

 I may live long in happiness and prosperity. You may know that I 

 am very quiet and peaceable, besides, have a benevolent disposition. 

 Now in order that I may never be forgotten — and furthermore, I desire 

 to be useful in every way — I want to ask that my body may be utilized 

 as a robe; that in urgent cases I desire to be provident; that if people 

 should take my body for sacrifice they rnay be pleased to remember 

 me, and give four hills of life; that my body can at any time be used 

 in making a cap, belt, arm bands, knee-bands, pairs of moccasins; 

 and above all, I wish that I may be used on all occasions." (This 

 animal made a good selection or choice for the future, and since that 

 time, its body has become quite useful among the Indians.) "You all 

 have heard distinctly the kindly remarks of White-Buffalo. As far as 

 I can see, his desires are very good and acceptable to me," said the 

 man, looking at his Flat-Pipe. So the white-buffalo robe was then 

 placed with the Flat-Pipe. 



Said the eagle: "Well, I wish to be included in this affair, for 

 which I come to give to the Flat-Pipe two of my wing-feathers — the 

 very last one at the shoulder — and hope sincerely that they will be 

 accepted. You see yourself, man, that my body (feathers) is pure and 

 holy. Therefore, I desire that my two corner wing-feathers be used 

 as 'combs,' so that my father (Flat-Pipe) can scratch his head with 

 them instead of with his fingers," said the eagle. "All of you have 

 heard those wise remarks of the eagle, which are good and plain, and 



' This explains why there are two messengers at the Rabbit-tipi and at other lodges. 



