203 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



acceptable to me," said the man. So the eagle wing-feathers were 

 then placed with the Flat-Pipe. 



Then said Garter-Snake (Henegei, At-the-Arrow), as he looked 

 up with tears in his eyes and with pitiable appearance: "Having 

 thought the former choices over and over, I cannot help but make 

 this plea, which I do hope may be pleasing and acceptable to all. 

 Furthermore, I am very low in spirit, and I desire to place myself away 

 from harm and violence. You may know that I am very innocent and 

 delicate in every way, I have a very faithful disposition and am ener- 

 getic in my ways and reverent toward my neighbors. So, on behalf 

 of these people, I want to make this proposition openly, and with a 

 view to the future welfare of all, that instead of fasting seven days 

 for thq. accomplishment, the time of fasting and offering of prayers be 

 limited to four days. Furthermore, it will be easier all around and 

 more care and greater respect will be paid to the Flat-Pipe. I also 

 request that 1 may be given what is necessary for all concerned, and 

 that I shall bear all things for the universe. I repeat again that I 

 desire to be located away from harm, and be a circumference of the 

 earth. Please accept my earnest plea, to the end that I may survive 

 through eternity," "All the people have heard the remarkable 

 request of Garter-Snake, relative to future prospects, which are good 

 and promising. They meet with my approval, for they contain bene- 

 ficial ideas and at the same time point to solid matters which eventu- 

 ally shall be our temporal blessings," said the man, as he took a good 

 glance at the earth and its people. Garter-Snake was then placed 

 with the Flat-Pipe. During the time that this young man, Garter- 

 Snake, was asking for future blessings, there was great silence, and 

 when he got through, they responded in unison, with prayers, asking 

 that his wishes be granted. The young man, Garter-Snake, had gone 

 for four days in search of land, and failed to get to it, but seeing that 

 this "fast" of seven days meant good things, he decided to request 

 the method, which was granted. 



"Now, people, I wish to tell you that I am quite finished with my 

 work, so I wish you would wait patiently until I get ready, so that you 

 can see for yourselves," said the man. So he took the corner wing- 

 feather of the eagle (hathii, onward, or chief weapon) and pointing it 

 toward the southeast he motioned it toward the west, thus forming 

 mountain ranges. "This is the way the rivers should run," said he. 

 He then motioned the feather several times to the east. He then 

 motioned again with the feather, making the rivers to run westward. 

 After this act, because of the mountains, there were beautiful land- 

 scapes, and because of the rivers, fertile valleys with trees having 



