420 TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI [ETH. ANN. 46 



Although the computation could thus be carried on to a million 

 yet the Indian would not appreciate the number. We think that 

 after 5,000, or at the utmost 10,000, their ideas fail them; that is, 

 they can not realize in thought more than that amount, yet are able 

 mechanically to count it. This is evident, as they have no distinct 

 name for a million, but are obliged to call it ten hundred thousand, 

 and were they requested to go further would proceed eleven, twelve, 

 thirteen hundred thousand, etc., but not comprehending the great 

 number as a body. They can not multiply or subtract uneven sums 

 without the aid of small sticks or some other mark. Thus to add 40 

 to 60 would be done by the fingers, shutting down one for each suc- 

 ceeding ten, naming 70, 80, 90, 100. But to add 37 to 94 would re- 

 quire some time; most Indians would count 37 small sticks and 

 beginning with 94, lay one down for each succeeding number, nam- 

 ing the same until all were counted. Now tell them to add 76 to 47 

 and substract 28. In addition to the first process, and counting the 

 whole number of sticks, he would withdraw 28 and recount the 

 remainder. They are easily confused when counting and consider 

 the knowledge of figures one of the most astonishing things the 

 whites do. 



In counting with the hand, an Indian invariably begins with the 

 little finger of the left, shutting it down forcibly with the thumb 

 of the right; when the five fingers are thus shut he commences on the 

 thumb of the right, shutting it with the left fist. When wishing to 

 telegraph by signs a certain number less than 10 he holds up that num- 

 ber of fingers, beginning with the little finger of the left hand and 

 keeping the others shut. Should the number be 7, then all the 

 fingers of the left and thumb and finger of the right would be ex- 

 tended, holding up his hands, the rest of the fingers closed. Tens are 

 counted by shutting and opening both hands; thus, 100 would be 

 indicated by shutting and opening both hands 10 times in succes- 

 sion. The number 7 has two names, shakkowee and enshand (the 

 odd number). They count fast enough in continuation from 1 to 100 

 but must not be interrupted. 



Coin. — There is not now nor have we any reason to suppose there 

 ever has been among them any coin, shells, wampum, or any other 

 thing constituting a standard of exchange, neither are they ac- 

 quainted with American money. Were a guinea and a button pre- 

 sented there is no question but the Indian would take the latter. 

 They barter their furs for goods which have fixed prices, and are 

 well acquainted with these prices, as also of the value of their robes 

 and furs as a means of purchasing merchandise. 



Keeping Accounts. — The Indians themselves keep no accounts. 

 The manner in which accounts are kept by whites with them is as 

 follows. We are not exactly acquainted with the minor operations 



