DBNio] THE ASSINIB01N 485 



the time by other moles, who in their turn will be thrown clown. 

 They think Wakoncla causes a new moon to grow when the 

 old one has been destroyed. The moon is not supposed to be an 

 abiding place for beings, but is worshipped and sacrificed to on 

 account of its affording light by which to travel at night. They take 

 the dark part of the face of the moon to be a large light Man holding 

 a kettle in each hand. Stars are other bodies of fire far off, which 

 they admit may be the residences of spirits or beings, though no great 

 stress is laid on the idea. They are not regarded as parts of a system. 

 Except the Polar Star and the Ursa Major, but few of the planets, if 

 any, are known. 



Parental Affection 



The Indians show great veneration for their parents and affection 

 among brothers and sisters; more, perhaps, to their parents than 

 the others; but this only continues as long as they are vigorous 

 enough to hunt, travel, and follow the camp. When old age and 

 helplessness come on they are neglected. In proportion as age ad- 

 vances, veneration diminishes, and when parents become a burden 

 they are left in some encampment with a small supply of provisions, 

 which being exhausted, they perish. Age is under no circumstances 

 the object of veneration ; the fate of very old brothers and sisters is 

 the same. They excuse themselves from this unnatural act by saying 

 they are unable to transport them and that they are of no more use; 

 also that it is the request of the old persons. This may be true, and 

 it is likely that the life they lead in camp or in traveling, exposed 

 to all weather and hardship, renders death desirable. There are 

 very few very old Indians. They are not a long-lived people, and 

 this is the reason these acts are not of more frequent occurrence. We 

 do not know that the striking of a parent would be deemed a crime; 

 at least no punishment would follow from others, but it is not cus- 

 tomary and would be considered disgraceful. Eight years since this 

 period we were present when an Indian shot his father dead for 

 striking his mother, but this is the only instance of the kind we ever 

 saw or heard of, and the person is despised by all, besides being 

 since that afflicted by an incurable disease resembling scrofula. Indian 

 priests, doctors, or conjurors are not more venerated on account of 

 their supposed supernatural powers, but are somewhat feared, and 

 sometimes persecuted or killed for supposed inflictions of diseases 

 by sorcery. This fear is general but secret, and these men are neither 

 venerated nor associated with as much as ordinary persons. If 

 their services be required they are paid, and afterwards let alone, at 

 least not trifled with nor loved. We can not by close inquiry find 

 that any of these Indians ever killed by stoning a person, though 

 enemies are tortured in almost every other way. if taken alive. 



