28 



,.,.n,ior.n_|f VX.— RELIGION. :k>tim /, ,. . 



Some of the Indians have nature-gods, i. e. a god of the east, a god of the west, a god of the north, and a god of the south ; a god of rain, a god of 

 thunder, the sun, moon, stars, &c. As stated elsewhere, the greater number of their gods are animals— the progenitors or prototypes of the present 

 species. They also have dalmon gods, ;. e. the gods or presiding spirits of rivers, lakes, springs, mountains, corn, beans, &c. Many hero-gods are 

 worshiped— wonderful people of the long ago. The names of all such gods should be discovered and recorded when possible. 



On inquiring of the Indians about their gods the term "god" should not be used, for by this they understand the God of the white man. Their 

 generic or class-name for god is often a term signifying " the ancients"— those who lived long ago, or some equivalent expres.sion. Inquire then for 

 wonderful ancient people, wonderful ancient animals; the first people, the first animals. The .student of Indian languages can do royal service to 

 ethnology by stopping now and then in his linguistic work to record the interesting stories which the more intelligent Indians may be induced to 

 relate concerning the wonderful personages of their mythologj-. Nor should tliese stories be neglected because of their simplicity, inconsistency, or 

 vulgarity. 



Indian dances are generally of a religious chai-acter, and, with their names, a brief description should be given. A blank is left below for the 

 names of gods, dances, songs, &c. 



God. (The supreme ruler— tlie white man's God.) 



The gods i.com. noun) ^j 



The ancients— wonderful beings of the past -. 



The future world 



Shaman, (Medicine man) 



Ghost, (Departed spirit returned) 



