STEVENSON] ARTS AND INDUSTRIES 357 



until the lake was reached. Not u livino- thiiio- was to ))e seen; all was 

 soniber gvay except a patch of grass here and there and the salt lake 

 with its clear waters and the two peaks reflected therein/' Two circular 

 walls, about 5 feet high and 15 inches thick, with an aperture in each, 

 stand in the lake. These walls are composed of the blue clay of the 

 lake bed and are respectively the houses of the rain priests and 

 Ko'yemshi. As but little time is required for these walls to wear 

 away, they must be rebuilt when occasion requires. Similar struc- 

 tures in the southwestern portion of the lake are the proi)ei-ty of 

 the Hopi Indians, and are used ])y them when they visit the hike to 

 collect salt.'' 



It has been said that the Zunis claim the salt lake exclusively and 

 demand tribute from the other tribes, but such is not the case. In fact, 

 the records tend to show that this locality has been from time inmiemo- 

 rial the great source of salt supply for the Indians near and far. The 

 writer has made careful inquiries on several occasions when the Hopi . 

 caravan stopped at Zufii on their return from the salt lake. The 

 Zunis made no demands upon the Hopis whatever, but on the contrary 

 treated them as distinguished guests. The Xavahos and Apaches also 

 collect salt here, each tribe being accorded complete freedom in col- 

 lecting the salt, although the lake is claimed as the special mother of 

 each of the various tribes. 



The place is neutral ground, and in times of war one was safe from 

 the attacks of the enemy so long as one remained within the recognized 

 limits of the lake. Many thrilling stories are told by the Zunis of 

 their etiorts in the past to anticipate the hated Navahos in reaching 

 the lake, knowing that by so doing they would be preserved from 



harm. 



The volcanic peaks which rise 150 or 2(MI feet aliove the waters of 

 the lake are quite symmetrical. The interior of the cone of one 

 descends at an angle of 15- to an elliptical basin. 150 by 200 feet 

 in diameter, tilled with saline water of a l)rilliantly green hue and 

 bordered by a footpath of red lava, partly formed l)y debris from tiic 

 slopes, but carefully remodeled by the Zunis into a narrow, even path 

 about 5 feet wide^' (see plate lxxxix). The outer and inner sides of 

 the peak are so covered with volcanic cinders that i t is diffic ult to 



\on a subsequent visit in 1902 there was found quite a Me'^^i^^iT^ement. earning a livelihood by 



dealing in salt. The apparatus used in seeur.ng the salt from the lake bed is ..f the erudest type. 

 Tin 1902 there was no evidence of these stn.eture.s. The presenee of Mex.eans at the lake prevents 



the ceremonies which were previously enacted within these walls. „,.„,,„ whilo 



-Though a number of soundings have been made, the depth of this lake is s ill "1^ ">« • ^^ f « 



the temperature of the water is cold, the bather often finds hnnself over jel.. of hot ^^"'^ ■ ' '^ 

 mpossi We for him to sink. There is a peculiar charm in the waters, and they are <'o>';'<l- - " 

 pedfie for rheumatism bv the few who have toted them. Were it not for the scareuy ot driukable 



water this most .acred spot of the Indians would become a resort of the white man from near and 



;ir. on the occasion of a visit in 1902 two improvised dressing rooms made of stone were found on 



the shores of the lake. 



