508 TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI [ktii. ann. 46 



Places are reserved for strangers or visitors, and baggage, water, 

 cooking utensils, and provisions have each their space allotted. This 

 is not perceived immediately by casual observers, but would be realized 

 by a short residence. To present a more lucid idea of these locations 

 in the interior, we submit the drawings (pis. 74 and 75), with the ad- 

 ditional remark that the skin door "is locked on the inside on going to 

 bed by the mistress of the lodge to prevent the entrance of dogs and 

 other intruders. The fastening is made by a paddle of wood twisted 

 in a cord attached to each end of the transverse stick that forms the 

 support of the skin door ; the ends of the paddle are then thrust 

 through the poles of the lodge and secured by loops of cord for the 

 purpose. The whole is so constructed that any person acquainted 

 with it would have some trouble to shut or open the door, even in 

 the daytime. The form as represented in general, though, of course, 

 differs when the family circle is great or small, but the same correct 

 appointments of places are visible in all, be the inhabitants few or 

 many. Sometimes different families, yet some way related, in de- 

 fault of lodging are compelled to occupy the same lodge; in this case, 

 although they may be somewhat crowded, yet there is always a 

 delicacy of arrangement made to prevent the promiscuous location 

 of the different sexes. 



Camp Life 



In an Indian camp after one has become acquainted the very op- 

 posite of taciturnity presents itself. The evenings are devoted to 

 jests and amusing stories, and the days to gambling. "When not able 

 to raise amusement among themselves they will invite some old man 

 to relate fables and stories of the olden time. The soldiers' lodge 

 when not in session is the very theater of amusement and gaming 

 by the chiefs and soldiers, all sorts of jokes are passed, and obscene 

 stories told. Scarcely a woman in camp escapes their ribaldry, and 

 they, consequently, never go near there. Yet, when business is to 

 be attended to the reverse is the case, and one would not think 

 it was then occupied by the same set of people. Ordinarily during 

 the day in private families there is an evenness of temper, and great 

 cordiality exhibited, with much affection shown to their children. 

 These traits and amusements are not more observable when situated 

 in remote parts of the plains alone, than in a large camp, perhaps 

 not so much so for want of sufficient sources of amusement. The 

 Indian of the plains or real savage is not the stoio ordinarily repre- 

 sented. Dancing, feasting, gaming, singing, stories, jests, and merri- 

 ment occupy their leisure hours, and then all is fun and humor; 

 but when in pursuit of game, sitting in council, traveling, trading, 

 or war they are cautious, serious, quiet, and suspicious. 



