260 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. ans. 37 



of prey hovering around the hill and he felt certain that they were 

 there so that they could devour him as soon as he was dead. How- 

 ever, the birds told him they had come to cure not to devour him. 

 Many carnivorous birds and man}- wolves were there. The turtle 

 also came because he was the owner of some medicines. 



Then the animals who had gathered on the hill began to doctor 

 him. Tlie raven began first. He ejaculated e-he-a! e-he-a! gave him 

 some medicine and began to exert his powers until he felt better. 

 Then the wolf began. He walked around ejaculating certain sounds 

 and spitting medicine on him. The man became much better. 

 He was almost completely restored to health. Then the turtle began 

 to exert his powers, ejaculating at the same time aJii! ahi! ahi! alii! 

 and walking around the man and giving him some boiled medicine 

 to drink. Now he was abnost entirely cured. Finally a black 

 hawk began to doctor the man. He put some medicine on the place 

 where the man's pains seemed to be situated and he was immediately 

 cured. Then all those who liad cured him said, "Human! In a 

 similar way you sliall cure your fellowTnen." They then gave him 

 as much medicine as lie would need. The raven gave him his ' 'medi- 

 cine chest," consisting of a fiute and a gourd. With these things 

 he blessed him. He also gave him a song which he was to sing. 

 Then the wolf gave liim his medicine chest, consisting of a gourd 

 and a flute, and told him that he would not fail to cure any sick 

 person he treated and that if the sick people offered the proper 

 amount of tobacco, red eagle feathers, and food, no matter how 

 serious their disease was he would be able to cure it. Then he told 

 the man that Eartlunaker had placed him in charge of these things 

 and that he in turn would bless him with them for all eternity. As 

 long as any of his posterity was left they would enjoy the benefit of 

 these blessings. 



And this is true, for even to the present day his descendants use 

 this medicine. 



Then Black Hawk said, "I, also, bless you. Earthmaker placed me 

 in charge of some medicines and with these I bless you. If you are 

 careful in offering tobacco and food to these medicines they will 

 always help you to the utmost of their power. Whatever you ask 

 thoy will accomplish for you. They will be able to understand you. 

 So, if anyone is sick, you wUl be able to help him. In this way I 

 bless you. If you are ever in any difhculty, think of me and I will 

 help you." (Wliat he meant is that if he ever was in any difficulty, 

 he shoidd think of the medicines with which Black Hawk had blessed 

 him, and that that would be the same as if ho thought of him.) 



Then the Buffalo said, "My grandson, Earthmaker placed me in 

 charge of certain medicines. Wliy should you then wish to die? 

 Your condition is 'pitiable,' and therefore I want to bless you. 



