262 INDIAN COUNCIL. 



which the animal indulges in as frequently and in 

 the same manner as the horse. 



Indians hunt these creatures for their flesh and 

 skin, and when the business of planting maize and 

 beans, pumpkins and corn, is over, the chiefs assemble 

 in council; a feast is then proposed, and one of the 

 most distinguished chiefs is requested to prepare it 

 in his hut. The individual thus honoured, imme- 

 diately returns home and requests his wives to 

 " have pity on him, to clear and adjust the apartment, 

 to spread abroad the mats, to collect wood, and 

 bring water for cooking. He further asks them to 

 provide three or four large kettles, to prepare the 

 maize, and to kill their fattest dog for a feast." The 

 squaws generally murmur at this last proposal, being 

 reluctant to sacrifice one of their favourites, which 

 are serviceable in carrying burdens, like the dogs of 

 the wandering Tartars, but when informed of the 

 honour that awaits them, they undertake the prepa- 

 rations with equal pride and pleasure. All being at 

 length ready, the cheerful squaws give notice to 

 their husband, who summons two or three public 

 criers from the village, seats them by his side, and 

 after the ceremony of smoking, sends them forth to 

 summon the bidden to the feast. " Speak in a loud 

 voice," says he, " and tell them to bring their bowls 

 and spoons." 



When the guests are all assembled, the chief rises, 

 and, extending his hand towards each in succession, 

 thanks them for the favour of their company, and 

 ^opens the council by inquiring whether the quantity 

 of provisions will justify them in continuing longer 

 to weed their maize; or if it be decided to depart, 



