BUSHNELL] VILLAGES WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI 133 
is often enclosed with a ledge of stones. The fuel is laid, in moder- 
ately thick pieces, on the external edge of the hearth, crossing each 
other in the middle, when it is kindled, and the pieces gradually 
pushed in as they burn away. The Indians are not fond of large 
fires. The inmates sit round it, on low seats, made of peeled osiers, 
-eovered with buffalo or bear skin. Round the inner circumference 
of the hut lie or hang the baggage, the furniture, and other property, 
in leather bags, the painted parchment travelling bags, and the 
harness of the horses; and on separate stages there are arms, sledges, 
and snow-shoes, while meat and maize, piled up, complete the motley 
assemblage.” (Maximilian, (1), pp. 342-344.) 
Among the many interesting paintings made by Bodmer during 
his journey with Maximilian is one of the large Mandan village, 
Fic. 6.—Typical earth lodges. 
plate 39, looking down the Missouri, showing the cluster of earth 
lodges on the summit of the cliff which terminates abruptly at the 
river. <A structure rather lower than the others, on the immediate 
edge of the level area, is probably the “bastion,” as represented in 
the plan, figure 4, pointing out over the cliff. Beyond the village, 
* but evidently screened from view by the high cliff upon which the 
latter stood, was Fort Clark, near the mouth of a small stream which 
flowed into the Missouri. 
In these large circular structures the beds stood against the wall 
and the single opening faced inward. These were described by Catlin 
and clearly indicated in his drawing of an interior of a lodge, plate 
38, a. In Maximilian’s work (p. 344) is a sketch of such a bed which 
shows it as a unit, not attached to the wall, and capable of being 
moved about. The sketch is reproduced in figure 7. These were so 
formed and inclosed in skins as to protect the occupants from the 
cold blasts of air which must have circulated about in the interior of 
the lodge during certain seasons of the year. And as additional 
