PRKFACE TO SECOND ]:DITI0N. 



Since the pviblication ol tlie first edition of this l^ook the autlior 

 has spent considerable time among the Seminole Indian,, in Florida, 

 and has learned much of their manners and customs, especially 

 regarding their tribal organizations and ceremonies. 



In former years, all attempts to question them closely about their 

 so-called " gens " or family clans proved comparatively unsuccessful. 

 They returned evasive answers and showed an evident disinclination 

 to continue the conversation. Naturally, information obtained under 

 such circumstances was not entirely trustworthy. Last year, how- 

 ever, several of the older Indians talked freely with me and readily 

 answered my questions. I am, therefore, now able to correct several 

 errors in my previous account of the " Busk," or Green Corn Dance, 

 and to give a little information regarding their '' gens." 



GREEN CORN DANCE. 



The great Indian Festival, known as the Green Corn Dance, or 

 " Busk," is usually held at the Big Cypress Camp, where the great 

 medicine man, Otaliola, now lives. It takes place during the second 

 week in June, or during the " little moon in June," as it is described 

 by the Indians. 



Two weeks previous to the day of the dance, notice is sent In- 

 Indian runners to the different villages and isolated families giving 

 the day of the ceremony. An account is kept of the days which 

 intervene by hanging up a number of small sticks, one being taken 

 down each day. When the last one is throwai away they repair to 

 the point selected for the festival. 



The first day the people devote to building their temporary camps, 

 usually a rough shelter being erected in the form of tents or palmetto 

 shacks. In the afternoon the men play ball, and in tlie evening 



