SOME DESERT INDIAN LORE 73 



applied to their ancient wells, now non-existent, to 

 which one descended by steps cut in the earth, we 

 have an example of natural language-building. The 

 Cahuilla word for a water- jar (Spanish, olla) is 

 ka'-wo-mal, and that for earth or ground, te'-mal. 

 Hence the well was te'-ma-ka'-wo-mal, or eatth-olla, 

 neatly enough. » 



Making fire by friction of dry sticks is an art not 

 often practised in these days, but two Palm Springs 

 Indians with whom I once camped were experts at 

 the game. Two pieces of dry palm-fruit stem were 

 the tools, one an inch or so broad, length immaterial, 

 the other less than half as thick, about a foot long, 

 and perfectly straight. A few dead leaves were placed 

 in a little heap : the larger stick was laid beside them 

 and held in place by one of the men, a hollow having 

 first been made in the surface of the wood, with a 

 little groove leading from it to the leaves. Then the 

 smaller stick, trimmed to a blunt point, was put to 

 the hollow, and rapidly revolved by rolling between 

 the open hands of the other Indian. His hands moved 

 down as he rolled, returning again and again to the 

 top. The friction sent a fine stream of wood powder 

 down the groove upon the leaves. In less than two 

 minutes smoke showed at the point of friction, then 

 sparks began to fall on the tinder, and finally a flame 

 was started by blowing. Less than three minutes 

 sufficed for the operation. It was hard work while it 

 lasted, for the fire was endangered by the perspira- 

 tion caused in kindling it. 



An Indian woman, one whose industry, dignity, 

 and general high character I admire, when on her 



