THE CODE OF HANDSOME LAKE 129 



N'Ow then this tree receives this tobacco. 



We ask that you watch over us and exercise your power to pro- 

 tect us from anything harmful. 



We hold in mind that you have ever done your duty in past times 

 and we ask that you continue [vigilant] henceforth. 



We use this tobacco when we ask favors of you for you are very 

 fond of this tobacco. 



Now your cane gets tobacco. The great pine tree to its top is 

 your cane. 



Now you, the husk faces, you get tobacco also. 



You have been associated with the false faces in times past. Now 

 you receive tobacco for you have done your duty. 



So it is finished. 



GAJl'^SASH0"0', THE HUSK-FACES 



This society seems rather loosely organized among the Seneca, 

 but its chief members act as water doctors. They endeavor to cure 

 certain diseases by spraying and sprinkling water on the patients. 

 Two Husk-faces are admitted with the False Faces in their mid- 

 winter long-house ceremony, and act as door-openers. As a com- 

 pany they also have a ceremony in which the Grandfather's Dance 

 is featured. The grandfather is attired in rags, and, holding a cane 

 stationary, dances in a circle about it, using the cane as a pivot. The 

 company dance is one in which all the members participate. Non- 

 members may partake of the medicine influence of the ceremony 

 by joining in the dance at the end of the line when the ceremony is 

 performed in the council house at the midwinter festival. 



That the foregoing so-called societies are in fact organizations, 

 and that their rites are not merely open ceremonies in which anyone 

 may engage, is apparent from the following considerations : 



1 The organizations have permanent officers for the various parts 

 of their rites. 



2 They have executive officers. 



3 They have certain objects and stand for specific purposes. 



4 They have stable and unchangeable rituals. 



5 Those who have not .undergone some form of an initiatory 

 rite are not allo\Ved to enter into their ceremonies. 



6 They have legends by which the origin and objects of the rites 

 are explained. 



7 It is not permissible to recite the rituals or to chant any of the 

 songs outside of the lodge to anyone who has not been inducted mto 

 the society. 



