32 The Book of Woodcraft 



faculty for mirth. This phase of their character is well under- 

 stood by those whose fortune or misfortune it has been to live 

 among them, day in and day out, at their homes. I don't 

 believe I ever heard a real hearty laugh away from the Indians' 

 fireside. I have often spent an entire evening in laughter with 

 them, until I could laugh no more. There are evenings when 

 the recognized wit or story-teller of the village gives a free 

 entertainment which keeps the rest of the community in a 

 convulsive state until he leaves them. However, Indian humor 

 consists as much in the gestures and inflections of the voice, as 

 in words, and is really untranslatable. " (" Indian Boyhood, " p, 

 267.) 



And, again, Grinnell: 



"The common belief that the Indian is stoical, stolid, and 

 sullen, is altogether erroneous. They are really a merry people, 

 good-natured and jocular, usually ready to laugh at an amusing 

 incident or a joke, with a simple mirth that reminds one of 

 children. " (" Ind. To-day, " p. 9.) 



There is, however, an explanation of our widespread mis- 

 conception. Many a time in Indian camp or village, I have 

 approached some noisy group of children or hilarious ring of 

 those more grown. My purpose was wholly sympathetic, but 

 my presence acted as a wet-blanket. The children were hushed 

 or went away. I saw shy faces, furtive glances, or looks of dis- 

 trust. They hate us; they do not want us near. Our presence 

 is an evil influence in their joy. Can we wonder? 



OBEDIENCE — REVERENCE FOR THEIR PARENTS AND FOR 



THE AGED 



We cannot, short of the Jews or the Chinese, perhaps, find 

 more complete respect for their parents than among the 

 Indians. Catlin says: 



"To each other I have found these people kind and honorable, 

 and endowed with every feeling of parental, of filial, and con- 



