INDIAN GAMKS. 109 



and all came up of the same color, the throw counted 

 five.*'* If five of them were of the same color it counted 

 one. Any lower number failed to count. If the caster 

 was unsuccessful he gave place to another, but so long 

 as he continued to win his side would retain him in that 

 position.*^ 



The game was often ushered in with singing. Like la- 

 crosse it was prescribed as a remedy for sickness or in 

 consequence of dreams, and the sufferer in whose behalf 

 the game was played was borne to the cabin in which it 

 was to take place. Preliminary fasting and continence 

 were observed, and every efi()rt made that superstition 

 could suggest to discover who would be the lucky thrower 

 and who could aid the caster by his presence at the con- 

 test. Old men, unable to walk thither, were brought up 

 on the shoulders of the young men that their presence 

 might be propitious to the chances of the game.*^ The 

 excitement which attended one of these games of chance 

 was intense, especially Avhen the game reached a critical 

 point and some particular throw was likely to terminate 

 it. Charlevoix says the games often lasted for five or six 

 days^'* and oftentimes the spectators concerned in the 

 game, "are in such an agitation as to be transported out 

 of themselves to such a degree that they quarrel and fight, 

 which never happens to the Hurons, except on these occa- 

 sions or when they are drunk." 



Perhaps rum was responsil)lc also for these quarrels ; 

 for in the early accounts wc are told that losses were phil- 

 osophically accepted. Father Brebeuf tells of a party 



<' Amoti)? the Delawares it rcquircil eiplit counts of five to win. History of tlie 

 Mission of the United Bretliren among the Indians, etc., G. H. Losliiel. Translated 

 by C. I. Latrobc. Part i, Cli. viii, p. IOC. 



<• Charlevoix, Vol. in. p. 201. <' Jbid. p. 202. 



*'Loi.kiel (p. lOr.) saw a frame between two Iroquois towns which lasted eight 

 days. Sacrifices for hick were oflereil by the side.^ each night. 



