542 SIGN LANGUAGE AMONG NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 
NOTES ON CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO SIGNALS. 
The following information was obtained from WaA-u™ (Bobtail), Mo- 
HI/-NUK-MA-HA’-IT (Big Horse), Cheyennes, and O-Qo-HIs/-sa (The Mare, 
better known as “ Little Raven”), and NA/-ware (Left Hand), Arapa- 
hos, chiefs and members of a delegation who visited Washington, D. C., 
in September, 1880, in the interest of their tribes dwelling in Indian 
Territory : 
A party of Indians going on the war-path leave camp, announcing 
their project to the remaining individuals and informing neighboring 
friends by sending runners. <A party is not systematically organized 
until several days away from its headquarters, unless circumstances 
should require immediate action. The pipe-bearers are appointed, who 
precede the party while on the march, carrying the pipes, and no one is 
allowed to cross ahead of these individuals, or to join the party by riding 
up before the head of the column, as it would endanger the success of 
the expedition. All new arrivals fall in from either side or the rear. 
Upon coming in sight of any elevations of land likely to afford a good 
view of the surrounding country the warriors come to a halt and secrete 
themselves as much as possible. The scouts who have already been 
selected, advance just before daybreak to within a moderate distance of 
the elevation to ascertain if any of the enemy has preceded them. This 
is only discovered by carefully watching the summit to see if any objects 
are in motion; if not, the flight of birds is observed, and if any should 
alight upon the hill or butte it would indicate the absence of anything 
that might ordinarily scare them away. Should a large bird, as araven, 
crow, or eagle, fly toward the hill-top and make a sudden swerve to 
either side and disappear, it would indicate the presence of something 
sufficient to require further examination. When itis learned that there 
is reason to suspect an enemy the scout, who has all the time been 
closely watched by the party in the rear, makes a signal for them to lie 
still, signifying danger or caution. It is made by grasping the blanket 
with the right hand and waving it earthward from a position in front of 
and as high as the shoulder. This is nearly the same as civilized Amer- 
icans use the hand for a similar purpose in battle or hunting to direct 
“lie quiet” ! 
Should the hill, however, be clear of any one, the Indian will ascend 
slowly, and under cover as much as possible, and gain a view of the 
country. If there is no one to be seen, the blanket is grasped and waved 
horizontally from right to left and back again repeatedly, showing a 
clear surface. If the enemy is discovered, the scout will give the alarm 
by running down the hill, upon a side visible to the watchers, in a zig- 
zag manner, which communicates the state of affairs. 
Should any expedition or advance be attempted at night, the same 
signals as are made with the blanket are made with a firebrand, which 
is constructed of a bunch of grass tied to a short pole. 
