£64 Cosmogojnj of the Iroquois, 



ject ; but the prevailing opinion was against him, under a 

 persuasion t!>at the air was not soHd enough to allow him 

 to attempt it with success. Then, the wood- ducks offered 

 their aid ; but it was objected tliat their backs were too nar- 

 row, and iheir strength too inconsiderable; it would be impos- 

 sible for them to keep afloat, and they must infaUii)ly die 

 by submersion. The beaver next signified his willingness 

 to perform the service; and a sentiment of approbation vv-as 

 on the point of being expressed, when a large tortoise made 

 his appearance, and raised his knobbed head and spreading 

 shell above the surface. 



" There was an instant decision that the tortoise uas the 

 fittest of ail the creatures for the purpose, and was en- 

 couraged to fix and balance himself to receive the approach- 

 ing phaenomenon. 



" The outcast from the upper world bv this time drew 

 very near. For the tortoise had no sooner made himself as 

 buoyant as he could, and brought his body to a poize, than 

 .she alighted upon his back. 



*' Luckily she catched upon her feet. The tortoise bore 

 the shock perfectly well. After the female visitant had re- 

 covered a little from reeling and staggering, she found her- 

 self in a short time almost overpowered by giddiness and 

 faintness. In this condition, she sat herself down cross- 

 legged upon the tortoise's back, and, leaning forward with 

 her head toward her knees, fell into a prolbund and re- 

 freshing sleep. It may be noted that, in commemoration 

 of this event, the Indian women to this day accustom them- 

 selves to sit cross-legged. 



" On awaking, she was surprised to find, instead of the 

 bare tortoise shell, a small circuit of e^rih, and sponta- 

 neously and miracujouslv outspread, and covered with 

 bushes, vines, and fruits. She extended her hands, and 

 gathered some of the blackberries, mandrakes, and grapes. 

 After eating her fill and drinking some water, she lay down 

 and slept again ; for now there was room enough for her to 

 stretch OMt her limbs at full length. 



" ^V'^htn she next awoke, she could see no water whatever. 

 The land, by a continuation of the miracle, had already 

 extended itself further than her sight could reach. Vege- 

 tables of every kind abounded on it ; as also did four-footed 

 animals After a while she arose, walked about, and prepared 

 for subsisting as comfortably as she could in her new and 

 solitary abode. 



" But, before she pas:>cd many moons in her terrestrial 



abode. 



