[HALE] AN IROQUOIS CONDOLING COUNCIL 53 
matched pine boards, planed, but fortunately unpainted. A high fixed 
seat, raised one step, extends along the sides and ends. In front of this 
are many movable benches, so that a double—and if necessary a triple— 
row of spectators can be ranged around the walls. On the present occa- 
sion two of the corners, the northwest and the northeast, were reserved 
for the chiefs—the former for those of the elder and the latter for those 
of the junior nations. To accommodate each party and enable its mem- 
bers readily to consult together, the movable benches at each corner 
were turned face to face, with anfopen space between them, thus: 







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f senior nations | 
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The benches were hardly arranged when the people pressed in and 
filled them. At another season, I am told, particularly in the winter, 
the number in attendance would have been much larger; but just now 
the farmers are unwilling to lose a fine day from their hay harvest. As 
it was, however, the number—something over 200—was quite sufficient 
to fill the benches, and make the air of the hall uncomfortably close and 
warm, in spite of the open windows. The men and youths took one side 
of the room, the women and girls the other. The bright colours of the 
feminine ranks, row above row, made an agreeable contrast to the sombre 
lines of the opposite seats. Many of the women held babies, who were 
mostly as silent and, but for their black eyes, as motionless as dolls. As 
the long hours wore om; an occasional wail from some small parched lips 
was heard, but was quickly hushed by a prompt supply of their natural 
nutriment. Otherwise a grave and even solemn stillness seemed to hold 
the whole assemblage. 
The silence was interrupted by an elderly Cayuga chief, Jacob 
Silversmith (Teyothorehkonh, “ Doubly Cold”), who arose to begin the 
condoling chant—the great duty of the day. He was a tall man, of 
