o6S EXPEDITION TO THK 



(lers, as ornaments. We observed that one, who appeared 

 to be a man of some note among them, had a live sparrow- 

 hawk on his head, by way of distinction; this man wore 

 also a buffalo robe, on which eight bear tracks were paint- 

 ed. Some of them were mounted on horseback, and 

 were constantly drumming upon the sides of their horses 

 wdth their heels, being destitute both of whip and spur. 

 Many of them came and shook hands with us, while the 

 rest were riding all round us in different directions. They 

 belonged, as we were told, to the Walikpdtoaii, one of the 

 tribes of the Dacotas. Their chief being absent, the prin- 

 cipal man among them told us that they had thirty lodges 

 of their people at the lower end of the lake, and invited us 

 to visit them, which invitation was accepted. These In- 

 dians demonstrated the greatest friendship and satisfaction 

 at seeing us. As we rode towards their lodges, we were 

 met by a large party of squaws and children, w4io formed 

 a very motley group. These squaws had no ornament, 

 nor did they seem to value themselves upon their per- 

 sonal appearance. We observed that both they and the men 

 had very handsome small feet and hands. The moccassins, 

 which they usually wear, prevent their feet from spread- 

 ing, as is the case with those w'ho walk unrestrained by 

 any kind of shoe. From the use of these, as probably also 

 from the habit of walking with caution, their feet retained 

 a beautiful arched form. The dress of the women consist- 

 ed of a long wrapper, with short sleeves, of dark calico ; 

 this covered them from the shoulders to the Avaist; a piece 

 of blue broadcloth wound two or three times round the 

 waist, and its end tucked in, extended to the knee. They 

 also wore leggings of blue or scarlet cloth. Their forms 

 were rather clumsy ; their waists not very delicate ; they 

 exhibited a great breadth of hips. Their motions were not 



