46 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [VOL. Y. 



Looking through a telescope is expressed by holding the hands to the 

 eye, finger and thumb of each hand brought together at the tips, forming 

 a circle, the right hand being nearest the eye, and then looking through 

 them. 



An animal being shot and falling to the ground is shown by holding 

 the palms of both hands toward the ground, and throwing them d own a 

 few inches. 



Scalping. — The^left hand holding an imaginary scalp-lock, and the right 

 hand performing the act. 



War-cry. — The right hand held over the mouth, striking it quickly in 

 succession, at the same time uttering a most|unearthly cry, which is never 

 forgotten by those who have ever heard it. 



Surprise. — The palm of the right hand held over the mouth, while the 

 eyes express astonishment. Sham fights are engaged in during the Sun- 

 Dance, in which many of these gestures are used. There are a large 

 number of miscellaneous gestures, some of which can be explained in 

 words, but others cannot be accurately described except by actual re- 

 presentation with the hands. 



. Nistoa = I. — Is represented by placing the forefinger of the right hand 

 upon the nose, having the hand closed and turned toward the face. 



Moyis = A lodge. — The hands held upward as if in the attitude of 

 prayer, palms toward each other, and tips of fingers touching one an- 

 other. 



Aiksoo = // is finished. — The end of any work or contract, or the dis- 

 solution of a bargain, as much as to say, "there's an end of it." The 

 hands are closed, and held in front of the body, then brought together 

 until the thumbs touch each other, afterward separating them quickly, 

 resembling the motion of a shoemaker in sewing, 



Mis-amoi — A long time ago. — The left arm held out from the body, 

 and the forefinger of the right hand pointing toward the left arm, drawn 

 up the left hand toward the shoulder. 



Saiapetsio = He is speaking falsely. — The right hand held toward the 

 face with palm inward and open, the fingers pointing upward, and then a 

 quick motion from left to right as if trying to cut off the nose. Another 

 form of this expression is to bring the two forefingers of the left hand to 

 the mouth, separated in the shape of a V, and pointing outward to re- 

 present a forked or doubled-tongued person. A deceitful person is 

 represented by the right hand being held in front of the body palm open 

 and downward, and the hand tipped first to one side and then to the 



