434 SINGLE-HEADED DRUM OF THE NASKOPIE INDIANS. 



sprinkled, by a dexterous flip of the fingers, on the head or membrane, 

 in order to relax it, lest in its tense, dry condition it may burst under 

 the severity of the blow. 



The measure of the beat is two-fourths (f ), or one two, one two, one 

 two, the accent upon the latter. 



The beating is always accompanied by words, either a monotonous 

 chant of two syllables or else a disconnected recital of events; usually 

 in relation to some particular occurrence, pertaining to the actions of 

 man or beast. 



The drum is used at all ceremonies, however insignificant may be the 

 purpose for which it is beaten. 



The conjurer employs it to succor the afflicted ; to terrify the baneful 

 spirits creating disquiet of mind ; to regain the aid of rebellious spirits; 

 to relieve the distress of want ; to express his sorrow or joy. Scarcely 

 a purpose, engendered for personal gratification, butit may be furthered 

 by recourse to the drum. 



When the hunters have been fortunate in the chase, good-will and 

 plenty cheer the hearts of those people. The older men visit from tent 

 to tent and recouut the exploits of their younger days to the group of 

 younger men who straggle in and become wrapt listeners to the recitals 

 of the ciders; good cheer is promoted by the drum enlivening the re- 

 citals interspersed with songs, and not until the gleam of the eastern 

 dawn discloses the light of day do the listeners depart, one by one, to 

 their places, while yet the drum beats long after slumber has fastened 

 itself upon all but the narrator, who finds himself without an audience. 



