156 The Book of Woodcraft 



etc. When they come opposite the caribou, the first 

 hunter lets off a short "yelp." The caribou spring to the 

 opposite side of the ring, and then line up to defy this new 

 noise; but do not understand it, so gaze in fear. The 

 hunters draw their bows together, and make as though each 

 let fly an arrow, then slap their hands to make a loud 

 "crack." The first caribou drops, the others turn in fear 

 and run around about half of the ring, heads low, and not 

 dancing; then they dash for the timber. The hunters run 

 forward with yells. The leader holds up the horns. All 

 dance and yell around the fallen caribou and then drag it 

 off the scene. 



The Medicine Man says: "Behold, it never fails; the 

 Caribou dance brings the Caribou. It is great medicine. 

 Now there is meat in the lodge." 



For a large ring, the number of caribou might be doubled, 

 and variations introduced whenever we find some one who 

 can make good imitation of any animal or bird. 



THE DOG DANCE 



This is a Shoshoni celebration.* A procession is formed. 

 The leader carries a bucket, a stool, or a basket upside 

 down, for a low stand. The next one carries a dog's skull, 

 or something Hke one. We have used a loaf of bread, pro- 

 vided with eyes and teeth, or a big puff ball. The next has 

 a dish or a flat Indian basket or tray. The next two or 

 three have feathers, and the rest have crackers or candies. 

 The last is fixed up with a dog's mask and tail and runs on 

 all-fours. 



The procession comes in dancing and barking to a little 

 dance tune. Goes once around. 



For this I am chiefly indebted to Hamlin Garland. 



