ORDER II. BIMANA. 371 
axe or hoe is considered beneath the dignity of the male sex. It belongs to 
the females to plant corn, to make and mend garments and moccasons, to 
build, to pitch tents, cut wood, bring water, to tend horses and dogs, and, 
ona march, to carry the baggage. The women do not murmur at this, but 
consider it a natural and equitable distribution of family cares. But they 
are regarded as an inferior race, and often transferred as property. Polyg- 
amy is general. Every man has as many wives as he can support, and, in 
marriages, the will of the bride is seldom or never consulted. A man ad- 
dresses himself, indirectly to the parents of his intended wife, and her fate 
depends on their will. The custom of dowry is reversed among Indians. 
The man makes certain presents to the parents of his wife, instead of receiv- 
ing a portion with her. The marriage ceremony is always very simple, and 
in most tribes there is none at all. Adultery is punished by cutting off the 
nose, or otherwise mutilating the offending female; sometimes, though 
rarely, with death. In some tribes, this crime is regarded as a venial fault, 
and, in very many, the husband lends his wife to a friend, without opposition 
on her part. Divorces are frequent, and at the pleasure of the contracting 
parties. In such cases, the wife is usually left to provide for the children as 
she may. It is no uncommon thing to see an Indian woman who has been 
five or six times repudiated before she finally settles in life. In some tribes, 
especially those of Dahcotah origin, it is held the duty of each man to marry 
all the sisters of a family, and to have as many wives as he can support. In 
most tribes, and we believe in all, incest is held in abhorrence. Instances 
of devoted attachment are not uncommon. All Indians, of whom we have 
any knowledge, believe in one Supreme God, and the immortality of the 
soul. They attribute all good and all power to the Supreme Being. Many 
tribes also believe in the existence of an intelligent evil principle, whose ill 
offices they endeavor to avert by prayer and sacrifice. They never ask the 
Supreme for anything, but merely return thanks for benefits received, 
saying that he is the best judge of what is for their advantage. They be- 
lieve in many subordinate deities, two of whom reside in the sun and moon. 
They attribute supernatural powers to all serpents, especially rattlesnakes, 
and will kill no animal of the genus. Even the eel escapes on account of 
his resemblance. They pay religious honors to rocks and venerable objects. 
They believe that brutes have immortal souls as well as men; and, in short, 
that all animated nature teems with spirits. In their belief, sorcery is 
blended with the healing art, and their priests are also physicians and jug- 
glers. These priests practise feats of sleight of hand with all their religious 
ceremonies ; but, with a few exceptions, they have no power or influence 
over the multitude. The future state of the Indians is a material paradise, 
where they will follow the same occupations, and enjoy the same delights, 
