INDIAN TRIBES OF THE MISSOURI VALLEY. 431 
at distances corresponding with their different times of starting, and the judges award the 
victory to those who come out, by handing each a feather painted red, the first six winning 
the prize. These, on presenting the feathers to the judges at the starting-point, are 
handed the property staked against their own. ‘The first and second heats are seldom 
strongly contested, but on the third every nerve is strained, and great is the excitement 
of the spectators, who with yells and gestures, encourage their several friends and relations. 
The whole scene is highly interesting, and often continued for two or three days in succes- 
sion, to give every one an opportunity to display his abilities. Those who have shown 
great fleetness and powers of endurance, receive additional reward, in the form of praise 
by the public crier, who harangues their names through the village for many days after- 
wards. ‘This is a fine national amusement, and tends much to develope the great muscular 
strength for which they are remarkable. They also, immediately on finishing the race, 
in a profuse state of perspiration, throw themselves into the Missouri, and no instance is, 
known where this apparent rashness resulted in any illness. 
At all times in fine weather, the Mandan village presents a gay and lively appearance. 
Ball-playing, horse-racing, and gambling in various ways may be seen going on. These 
amusements are too numerous to be described in detail here. The dances are of the most 
brilliant character known among the Indians, displaying a great variety of costumes, adapted 
to the different occasions, and made of the most gay and costly materials. This is*the only 
nation in which the women are allowed to join the men in their dances. With other 
tribes, they never mingle, except in the scalp dance, though in one or two medicine cere- 
monies they perform alone. In admitting women as associates in their amusements, and 
otherwise treating them with respect, this nation has shown great kindness of disposition. 
Instead of regarding them in the light of slaves or property, as is the case with other 
tribes, they never abuse them or impose heavy burdens on them, and this course is re- 
warded by their usefulness, cheerfulness, and fidelity. Such a thing as divorcing a woman 
for illicit intercourse is unknown, or at least of very rare occurrence amongst them, and 
the disgrace and humiliating public ceremony to which female offenders in this way are 
subject, is worse than death. 
The Mandans are a very devotional people. No war excursion is entered upon, corn 
planted, eagles sought, or any important labors commenced, without propitiating the 
Great Spirit, in accordance with their traditional customs. Some of these rites consisted 
merely in sacrifices, accompanied with prayer and fasting, but when a young man is start- 
ing out on his first war expedition, or any great benefit is to be derived from supernatural 
power, they practise self-torturing ceremonies little less severe than those of Hindoo 
devotees. ‘The place where these religious performances are observed, is back of their 
village on the prairie, where a post is planted in the ground, and a circle of buffalo-skulls 
VOL. XI1.—5d5 
