286 INDIAN TELEGRAPHS. 
signs’ has become the general medium of 
communication between the different nations. 
This system of signs has been brought to such 
perfection among them, that the ‘most intri- 
cate correspondence seems to be intelligibly 
conducted by such as have ate a profi- 
ciency in this ‘dumb lan e.” 
Their systems of higiebhn are very pecu- 
liar, and though they might seem impractica- 
ble at first, yet so thoroughly are they under- 
stood by the savages, that it is availed of fre- 
quently to immense advantage. The most 
remarkable is by raising smokes, by which 
many important facts are communicated to a 
considerable distance—and made intelligible 
by the manner, size, number or repetition of 
the smokes, which are commonly raised by 
firing spots of dry grass. When travelling, 
they will also pile heaps of stones upon 
mounds or conspicuous points, so arranged 
as to be understood by their passing com- 
rades ; and sometimes they set up the bleach- 
ed buffalo heads, which are everywhere scat- 
tered over those plains, to indicate the direc- 
tion of their march, and many other facts 
which may be communicated by those simple 
signs. 
Almost every tribe has some peculiarity in 
the construction of their lodges or wigwams, 
in the manner of arranging their camps, and 
in the different items of dress, by any or all 
which peculiarities the experienced traveller 
is able to recognize the tribe of their cy | 
If a moccasin, or other article of apparel be 
