MALLERY.] SIGNALS: BUFFALO—DISCOVERY. 533 
tor “ Attention.” This signal can also be made with a blanket, properly 
grasped so as to form a long narrow roll. Perhaps this signal would 
more properly belong under “ Caution,” as lt would be used to denote 
the presence of a dangerous beast or snake, and not that of a human 
enemy. (Dakota 1.) 
Passing and repassing one another, either on foot or mounted, 
is used as a war-signal; which is expressed in the Hidatsa—makimaka/da- 
halidié. (Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 
DIRECTION. 
Pass around that place. 
Point the folded blanket in the direction of the object or place to be 
avoided, then draw it near the body, and wave it rapidly several times 
in front of the body only, and then throwing it out toward the side on 
which you wish the person to approach you, and repeat a sufficient 
number of times for the signal to be understood. (Dakota I.) 
DISCOVERY. 
The discovery of enemies, game, or anything else, is announced by 
riding rapidly to and fro, or in a circle. The idea that there is a differ- 
ence in the signification of these two directions of riding appears, accord- 
ing to many of the Dakota Indians of the Missouri Valley, to be errone- 
ous. Parties away from their regular encampment are generally in 
search of some special object, such as game, or of another party, either 
friendly or hostile, which is generally understood, and when that object 
is found, the announcement is made to their companions in either of 
the above ways. The reason that a horseman may ride from side to 
side is, that the party to whom he desires to communicate may be at a 
particular locality, and his movement—at right angles to the direction 
to the party—would be perfectly clear. Should the party be separated 
into smaller bands, or have flankers or scouts at various points, the 
only way in which the rider’s signal could be recognized as a motion 
from side to side, by all the persons to whom the signal was directed, 
would be for him to ride in a circle, which he naturally does. (Dakota 
VI, VU, V1.) Fig. 338. 
The latter was noticed by Dr. Hoffman in 1873, on the Yellowstone 
River, while attached to the Stanley Expedition. The Indians had 
again concentrated after their first repulse by General Custer, and taken 
possession of the woods and bluffs on the opposite side of the river. 
As the column came up, one Indian was seen upon a high bluff to ride 
rapidly round in a circle, occasionally firing off his revolver. The signal 
announced the discovery of the advancing force, which had been expect- 
ed, and he could be distinctly seen from the surrounding region. As 
many of the enemy were still scattered over the neighborhood, some of 
them would not have been able to recognize this signal had he ridden 
to and from an observer, but the circle produced a lateral movement 
visible from any point. 
