274 THE MENOMINI INDIANS [eth.ann.H 



as set. On the post marked in tlie above diagram is a short stick, to 

 the inner end of which is attached a cord strong enough to hold up the 

 fallen log, while at the other or outer end is another cord extending to 

 the peg marked 5. This cord has previously been soaked in brine, as has 

 also the string extending from the middle of the vertical cord across the 

 inside of the trap to the opposite peg (at 6). The latter string, being 

 salted, is a sufficient bait to tempt a hare or other rodent to gnaw the 

 string along its course to the upright cord, which latter, if gnawed in 

 twain, permits the fallen log to drop on the animal's back and thus 

 secure it without injury to the pelt. To prevent the animal from approach- 

 ing the trap from the side (at 5), stakes are driven into the ground, 

 as indicated by the small circles in the figure. 



Bear traps are composed of a sort of pen or corral, of upright posts, 

 leaving but oue entrance, through which the bear is compelled to pass 

 in order to reach the tempting morsel of meat with which the trap is 

 baited. The meat is attached to a cord, which is so arranged that the 

 slightest disarrangement of the meat will cause the dead-fall to drop. 

 This dead-fall consists of the trunk of a tree, weighted with stones 

 or timber sufficient to crush the animal. 



Women seldom participate in hunting, although both Ojibwa and 

 Menomini women devote special attention to ensnaring the lynx and 

 the wildcat. These animals are regarded by the Indians as very stupid, 

 because they are so easily taken. 



When a trail is discovered in the snow, indicating the course taken 

 by a lynx or a wildcat in leaving and returning to its lair, the woman 

 finding it will search for a spot where the trail passes near by a tree or 

 through a copse. She will then take a strong cord or a string of sinew 

 and, after tying an end to one side of the trail, will make a simple loop 

 8 or 10 inches in diameter, and tie the other end to a tree or post on the 

 other side of the trail. The loop is then set up by means of thin sticks 

 placed transversely across the trail, so as to be brought just high 

 enough for the head of the animal to pass through it. When the ani- 

 mal thus finds itself entangled in the noose, instead of backing away it 

 will push forward, causing the noose to tighten more and more until 

 death by strangulation results. 



Beaver traps are sometimes baited with certain vegetal substances 

 of which these animals are very fond, but to make the bait, or "medi- 

 cine," effectual, the substance is colored with vermilion, or other sacred 

 paint. This is then placed between two sticks, each about 2 inches 

 in length, laid crosswise, and then attached to a steel trap. 



BOWS AND ARROWS 



The weapons employed in former times consisted of axes, arrows, and 

 knives of stone, though knives of shell also were used. The manu- 

 facture of stone relics, says Shu'nieu, was discontinued about four gen- 

 erations ago. In those times hickory and ash were generally selected 



