68 GAMES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS _[ETH. Ann. 24 
the opposing miti’’. The mitii’’ is not expected to be present at the ground during 
the night, because he is supposed to have the power to influence the sticks at 
any distance. 
Should one mitii’Y succeed in obtaining such necromantic power over the sticks 
as to carry them away from the ground—that is, to carry 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 mitii’Y does not 
succeed in catching the rival, on account of being outwitted or 
because of having insufficient power in overcoming him, then 
the pursuing mitii’’ 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. Sometimes, 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 [x1] 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 24 inches in diameter. The sticks [figure 752 
are made of hickory or ash, and about 3 feet long, the wood 
being shaved thinner and bent into a hoop or ring at least 4 
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. 
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 movement tends to prevent players of the oppos- 
ing 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.¢ . . 
Fig. 752. Racket; During the intervals of rest the players approach the place 
Menominee In-_ of the presents and smoke. The giver of the game also awards 
dians, Wiscon- : hi s 
Bin trouasHine to the successful players a’ part of the presents, the whole 
man. quantity being divided into four portions, so that equal por- 
tions are distributed at each of the intervals. 
The players frequently hang to the belt the tail of a deer, an antelope, or some 
other fleet animal, or the wings of swift-flying birds, with the idea that through 
these they are endowed with the swiftness of the animal. There are, however, no 
special preparations preceding a game, as feasting or fasting, dancing, ete.—addi- 
tional evidence that the game is not so highly regarded among the Ojibwa tribe. 
“See p. 564. 
