‘ 
18 NOTES TAKEN. 
the pride and energies of the Indians themselves, it creates a 
spirit of emulation among them, in this way, viz., a police 
force is organized, called the Light Horse, under pay from 
-the general government. Their duty is a general one, but 
particularly to seize and destroy all liquor introduced upon 
the reserve either for sale or private use. To be Captain of 
the Light Horse isa post of great honor, and is a source of 
much rivalry among the young men of the nation, thus 
thoroughly identifying them with this praiseworthy effort to 
remove a scourge from the red man, more terrible in its 
consequences to him than death. The same law is enforced, 
in regard to all Indians within the boundaries of the States 
and Territories, and though often evaded has had an infinite 
salutary effect in reducing crime and distress among them. 
The little town of Scullyville, where the agency is located, 
is a collection of log tenements, principally stores, where a 
large Indian trade i is done. It stands about a mile from an 
extensive prairie, the road to which, like that from our late 
encampment, ran over a succession of hills of sand and clay 
covered with low post oaks. 
Upon entering upon the prairie, we observed in the 
distance a crowd of natives in gay clothing, the brilliant 
colours blending with the verdure, and making at sunset a 
truly picturesque scene. Riding up, we witnessed a scene 
never to be forgotten. It was a ball-play. Described, ag 
this sport has been, by the able pencil of Catlin, description 
falls far short of reality. About six hundred men, women 
