I'Z EXPEDITION TO THE 



in the brain of animals, which gives it the requisite de- 

 gree of softness. In order to qualify it for exposure to 

 moisture, the skin is sometimes smoked, but this deprives 

 it of its natural white appearance. When the skin has 

 been prepared with care, but not smoked, the shirt and 

 leggings made from it, with broad edges, left without the 

 seam, and cut into fringe, form a very handsome dress. 

 Instead of the brains of animals, strong soap-suds could be 

 used in the dressing of the skin, and we have it upon the 

 authority of Lawson, that " young Indian corn, beaten to a 

 pulp, will effect the same as the brains."* 



We observed that Wanotan, used the common Sioux 

 bow, not exceeding four feet in length ; the arrows were 

 proportional. At Wapasha's some of the party observed 

 a bow of from five to six feet, which he was engaged in 

 rasping ; but perhaps it was intended to be cut off to the 

 usual size. 



Our I'oute that day led us near to Sioux river; for 

 some distance we had on our right a ridge of about thirty 

 or forty feet in height, which as we advanced inclined to 

 the north-east and soon disappeared. By the Dacotas, 

 Sioux river is called K^ntdko, from a thicket of plum 

 bushes near its head. A few insulated patches of wood 

 seen scattered over the prairie form the " Isles des Bois" of 

 the voyagers. We were shown, at a distance, on the west 

 bank of the river, an elevation, called by the Indians 

 the Thunder's Nest; at its base there are a number of salt 

 ponds. 



As we were travelling along the prairie that morning, 

 we were delighted to see our former companion, Lieut. 

 Scott, from whom we had been separated for upwards of 



* Lawson's New Voyage to North Carolina, ut supra, p. 209. 



