478 TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI [bth. ANN. 46 



their support. Invasion of a neighboring tribe's country would only 

 be the consequence of famine or scarcity of game in their own and 

 would be looked upon by them in the light of extending their hunting 

 after the buffalo (which is the property of all Indians) into another 

 part of the great plains intended by Wakoiida for their sup- 

 port, being aware at the same time that they risk their lives by so 

 doing. The foregoing are the outlines of the arguments they use. 

 It is because they are at war that their lands appear to be distinct 

 portions assigned to each nation, although between each there are 

 several hundred miles of neutral ground, the nature of their forces 

 not admitting of closer approximation. Were all at peace it would 

 present the feature of one great estate on which each would rove and 

 hunt when and where he pleased, and what is now neutral would be- 

 come hunting grounds. But as long as hunting was their sole occupa- 

 tion no claims would be set up by any man to a certain portion of 

 land. 



They must become stationary, acquire property, real estate, before 

 land becomes of any value in their estimation, further than the space 

 it affords to game of all kinds to live and increase for their benefit. 



Primogeniture 



There is no general or fixed law of primogeniture. The eldest 

 son is, however, mostly a favorite, and although the custom is not 

 universal we have known instances of legacies left. If the parent 

 be a chief he will, if time permits, present his eldest son with his 

 medal when he anticipates death, if his son is of sufficient age to 

 wear it. They are anxious to be succeeded in their office by some 

 of their children, and the eldest would soonest be of sufficient age 

 to take upon himself the responsibility. But unfortunately for the 

 wishes of the parent the office or station of chief does not depend 

 upon the law of primogeniture, or any other, but upon the will of 

 the greater part to be ruled by him who is thus designated, and the 

 capacities and standing of the applicant. The chief whose speech 

 is recorded on page 598 presented his medal to his eldest son when 

 on his death bed in the presence of 20 or 30 persons of his band, 

 intimating his desire that his son should take his place and " follow 

 in the footsteps of his father." The son not being the popular choice, 

 another was appointed and the medal was left in our possession, 

 where it yet remains, though his son was of age at his father's (la- 

 Chef-qui-parle) death six years ago, and is living yet, and has pro- 

 gressed no further than becoming a camp soldier. 



Most of these Indians die violent deaths, either by war, accidents 

 of the chase, or rapid diseases, and thus have no opportunity to 

 dispose of their property, yet even when they have time do not often 



