326 THE NISHINAM. 
There is no regular secret organization like that described among the 
Konkau, but there are wandering prestidigitators who, for a gift, initiate 
young men into the mysteries of juggling described further along. There 
are also Indians who are versed in spiritualism, and who are scarcely inferior 
to the wonderful Fox sisters in their influence over the spirits of the vasty 
deep. More than that, they make practical use of the spirits to excellent — 
purpose. When an Indian gets troublesome to manage, the headmen 
invite him to the assembly-house some evening, a dance is held, then all the 
fires are extinguished, and the congregation sit profoundly still in the dark- 
ness. Presently the gates of hell yawn open, and there issues forth a spec- 
ter, who rustles his pinions and feathers, raps and ramps over the floor, and 
then addresses the company in the best English, ‘‘Good evening, gentle- 
men”. He speaks as many words in that language as he can command 
well, adds a little Spanish perhaps, then makes a long discourse in Indian, 
which always happens to fit excellently well upon the back of the offender. 
Most Indians are thoroughly convinced of the genuineness of these appari- 
tions, and that these grim familiars have the gift of tongues, also power to 
hang them by the neck in the apex of the lodge, or disembowel them 
instantly if they do not make presents to the chief and look well to their 
p’s and q’s. Americans are rigorously excluded from these proceedings, but 
aman named William Griffin, understanding, the language, overheard from 
the outside what was said and done. . 
There is a kind of assembly-house called the toad’-lam kim which is 
devoted exclusively to female occupation. Deputations of women from 
different sections meet together in it occasionally and engage in contests of 
vocal music. It is held that that band of women who are victorious: will 
thereby secure to their neighborhood the most abundant harvest of acorns. 
Of course, it is not to be supposed that these musical rivalries are decided 
in accordance with those principles of high art which would regulate the 
award in a German Liederkranz, but they are accounted triumphant whose 
song is loudest and longest. 
There is a social gathering which may be called the soup-party, answer- 
ing to our dinner-party or tea-party. The inhabitants of two or more vil- 
lages meet at a designated place in the open air, bringing acorn-flour (now- 
