SWAXTON) INDIAN THIUKS OF IIIK LOWKIt MISSISSIPPI VALLKV 113 



The li;ir\"('st fcasl is doscrilx'd as follows: 



Tliis toast is iiicoiitcsiMlily tlio most sol«'inn of nil. Kssontially it consists 

 ill e.itiiif,' in «*oiiiiiioii ami in a rolijii(»us niaiiiior lu-w corn wliidi lias boon sown 

 with tliis intention with snitabie cercnionios. 



When th(>y wisli to sow this corn they ehoose a new plot of earth, which within 

 the ineiiiory of man has never been enltivated. They cut the canes, the creepers, 

 the vine stalks, and all that makes a thick forest. They iieel the trees to the 

 wood from the base of the tree to the heifrht of 2 feet. All that wliicb is cut 

 and laid on the earth may cover it to a deplh of 2 feet. It is left thus for 

 lifteen days. Then they set fire to it, and it burns so hotly and rises so high 

 that it burns the tops of the trees, brings down the sap which may have gone 

 up, burns the roots of the canes and the rest of the underbrush, at least in 

 great part, so that it leaves only some green canes, the roots of which extend 

 so deeply into the earth that the tire is unable to damage them; but these die 

 during the year. 



All that concerns the working of this tield and the culture of this grain is 

 done only by the warriors from the time they have begun to cultivate it to the 

 moment of the feast, and the great war chief is always at their head. These 

 are not only the ones who cultivate the tield and put it in a condition to 

 receive seetl ; they are also those who sow the maize and weed it as many 

 times as are necessary. The smallest operations are not in the least unworthy 

 of their hands. It would be a profanation if any other should touch it, and 

 if it happened that a native other than a warrior put his hand on it, this 

 grain is so much respected and so sacred, it is believed that he would never 

 be able to go away from the field, but would perish there miserably. 



When the corn approaches maturity the warriors go to the placo where the 

 corn is going to be eaten and where it is eaten every year. At the edge of this 

 open siiace they make a kind of granary which they call Momo-aiaop. which 

 means valuable granary or venerable granary. This open space is fairly large. 

 It is, however, almost entirely shaded by the excessive height of the trees which 

 surround it. It is covered with a beautiful lawn, the grass of which is cut from 

 time to time, so that it may not get too high before the time of the feast. The 

 trees which inclose this place make a large grove without any underbrush. 

 Beneath is grass only as high as the knee around the open space, but farther 

 off it has a height as elsewhere of 4 or 5 feet. 



The granary which they make for storing this grain is of round shape, 

 raised 2 feet above the earth. It is furnished inside with cane mats. The 

 bottom is made of large whole canes; the outside is also provided with them, 

 because the teeth of rats, however good, are unable to make an opening in 

 them on account of the natural varnish which covers them. This also pre- 

 vents them from going up the sides of the granary in order to enter througli 

 the covering, which, owing to the manner in which it is made, protects this 

 grahi from the greatest storms. The French call this granary " the tun," on 

 account of its round shape. 



All things being thus disposed and prepared for the harvest, and the grain 

 being ripe, the warriors go to gather it. They put it in cane baskets and carry 

 it to the granary, where other warriors take it, climb the ladder, and throw 

 it into the granary, which has rather the shaiie of a tower than of a tun with 

 regard to its diameter and height. When this grain is entirely inclo.sed it is 

 well covered and left without fear of thieves. The sovereign is informed that 

 all is ready for the feast. He sets whatevet day pleases him for eating it in 

 common and in his presence. 



S3220— Bull. 43-10 8 



