10 ETHNOLOGY. 



can be ascertained? What are the oLjects of their worship? Have 

 they any idea of a Creator of all things ; and do they give any account 

 of the creation ? Do they worship the sun, fire, or the serpent ?' AYhat 

 becomes of men and animals after death ? Are there any persons of 

 the character of priests set apart for the performance of religious cei'- 

 emonies ? If so, how are they supported, and in what general esti- 

 mation are they held ? Have they a sacred fire, and is it kept per- 

 petually burning? 



Qovernment. — Is the tribe commanded by the same chief or chiefs 

 in peace and in war, or by different ones ? What is the extent of a 

 chief's authority ; and how does he acquire it, by birth or by the choice 

 of the people? What are the insignia of his oflice, and what his 

 privileges? Who are entitled to speak in the councils of the tribe ? 

 What laws have they ; for instance, what are the punishments for 

 theft, for adultery, for murder; and by Avhom are punishments inliict- 

 ed? 



Social life. — Is slavery known among them ? Is female chastity 

 prized ? What is the treatment of women by their husbands ; of 

 chiMren by their parents? What is the division of labor between 

 husband and wife ? Wliat festivals have they ? enumerate them b}) 

 their native names, and describe their import, and the manner in 

 which they are celebrated. AYhat ceremonies do they observe a1 

 births, marriages, and funerals ? Are women obliged to live apart 

 during their monthly terms, or after giving birth to a child ? At what 

 age do marriages take place, and what degrees of consanguinity are 

 prohibited ? May a man marry into the same band or tribe to which 

 be belongs, or must he go to another for a wife ? Do children belong- 

 to the tribe of the father or of the mother? Is polygamy practised ? 

 Do the several wives stand on a footing of equality, or is one superior 

 to the rest ; and if so, why ? How is the bodji disposed of after death ; 

 and what articles, if anj', are buried with it ? 



War. — Do the warriors array themselves in a peculiar attire and 

 join in the war-dance before setting out ? What are their weapons ? 

 What is their treatment of captives, especially if females? Do they 

 practise scalping, and shave their own heads, all but the scalp-lock ? 



Mi'diciiv'. — Are there any persons in the tribe whose profession it 

 is to practise the cure of diseases, or is this a part of the business of 

 the priest, or so-called "medicine-man?" What is their mode of 

 treating the principal complaints? Do they practise blood-letting, 

 tooth-pulling, or any other sui'gicul operations? What plants do they 

 ise as remedies, and for what complaints is each one a})plied ? It is 



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