208 THE MENOMINI INDIANS [eth.ann.14 



against all the manitous and precipitated an infinite number of tbeui 

 into the deepest abyss. He then wept, disfigured bis person, and cov- 

 ered his head as a sign of Ins grief during six years, pronouncing from 

 time to time in sad and mournful tones, the name of the unhappy 

 Chipiapoos. 



" While this truce continued, the manitous consulted upon the means 

 best calculated to appease the anger of Nanaboojoo, without, however, 

 coming to any conclusion; when four of the oldest and wisest, who had 

 had no hand in the death of Chipiapoos, offered to accomplish the dim- 

 cult task. They built a lodge close to that of Nanaboojoo, prepared an 

 excellent repast, and tilled a calumet with the most exquisite tobacco. 

 They journeyed in silence towards their redoubted enemy, each carrying 

 under his arm a bag. formed of the entire skin of some animal — an otter, 

 a lynx, or a beaver — well provided with the most precious medicines (to 

 which, in their superstitious practices, they attach a supernatural 

 power). With many kind expressions they begged that he would con- 

 descend to accompany them. He arose immediately, uncovered his 

 head, washed himself, and followed them. When arrived at their lodge, 

 they ottered him a cup containing a dose of their medicine, preparatory 

 to his initiation. Nauaboojoo swallowed the contents at a single draft, 

 and found himself completely restored. They then commenced their 

 dances and their songs; they also applied their medicine bags, which, 

 after gently blowing them at him, they would then cast on the ground. 

 At each fall of the medicine bag, Nanaboojoo perceived that his melan- 

 choly, sadness, hatred, and anger disappeared, and affectious of au 

 opposite nature took possession of his soul. They all joined in the 

 dance and song — they ate and smoked together. Nauaboojoo thanked 

 them for having initiated him into the mysteries of their grand medicine. 



" The manitous brought back the lost Chipiapoos, but it was forbid- 

 den him to enter the lodge. He received, through a chink, a burning 

 coal, and was ordered to go and preside over the region of souls, and 

 there, for the happiness of his uncles and aunts — that is, for all men and 

 women who should repair thither — kindle with this coal a fire which 

 should never be extinguished. 



".Nanaboojoo then redescended upon earth, and, by order of the 

 Great Spirit, initiated all his family in the mysteries of the grand 

 medicine. He procured for each of them a bag well furnished with 

 medicines, giving them strict orders to perpetuate these ceremonies 

 among their descendants, adding at the same time, that these practices, 

 religiously observed, would cure their maladies, procure them abun- 

 dance in the chase, and give them complete victory over their enemies. 

 (All their religion consists in these superstitious practices, dances, and 

 songs; they have the most implicit faith in these strange reveries.) 



"Nanaboojoo is our principal intercessor with the Great Spirit. He 

 it was that obtained for us the creation of animals for our food and 

 raiment. He has caused to grow those roots and herbs which are 



