128 THE MENOMINI INDIANS [eth ann u 



away the power of the sticks — then it is the duty of the opposing mitii" 

 to follow him and bring them back. In case the pursuing inita' v does 

 not succeed iu catching the rival, on account of being outwitted or 

 because of having insufficient power in overcoming him, then the pur- 

 suing mita' T is killed by his rival's sorcery. It usually happens that 

 the pursuer compels the rival to restore the virtue or 

 power of the sticks before the day approaches." 



Four innings are played, and usually the presents, 

 consisting of pieces of cloth, are divided into four parts, 

 one part being given to the victor of each inning. Some- 

 times, however, the presents are renewed until the end 

 of the game. 



The frames from which the presents are suspended are 

 near the middle of the ground, but off toward the eastern 

 side, the tobacco-tray and other accessories being placed 

 on the ground between them and toward the center of 

 the ball ground. The two horizontal parallel poles 

 forming the upper part of the framework are used for 

 the calico and blankets; before them, on the ground, 

 a cloth is spread, and on this are placed tobacco, pipes, 

 and matches, to which all the participants are at lib- 

 erty to help themselves. 



The accompanying plate xni represents the players 

 during a run for the ball. The latter is made of thongs 

 of buckskin tightly wrapped and covered with buckskin 

 or leather, and measures about 2i iuches in diameter. 

 The sticks are made of hickory or ash, about 3 feet 

 long, the wood being shaved thinner and bent into a 

 hoop or ring at least ± inches in diameter. Four or five 

 thongs pass through holes in the hoop and cross in the 

 center, forming a netted pocket in which the ball may 

 rest half hidden (figure 19). 



When the ball is caught, the runner carries the stick 

 almost horizontally before him, moving it rapidly from 

 side to side and at the same time turning the stick so 

 as to keep the ball always in front and retained by 

 the pocket. This constant swinging and twisting 

 is. i9— Bali stick. movemen j; tends to prevent players of the opposing 

 side from knocking the ball out or dislodging it by hitting the stick. 



The manner of preparing for and playing the game is like that of the 

 Ojibwa of northern Minnesota, which I have already described, and of 

 which an abstract may be presented: 



After selecting a level piece of ground, if a regular ball ground does not already 

 exist, the goals are erected about one- third of a mile apart. These consist of two 

 upright poles or saplings about 20 feet high. The best players of either side 

 gather at the center of the ground. The poorer players arrange themselves around 



