I46 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



the ice and continue at intervals until harvest time." He also men- 

 tions the fact that the arms and legs of the players were frequent- 

 ly broken, some crippled for life, and that many were killed in the 

 contest. A death in this game was more often the result of ob- 

 stinacy than lack of skill, the dead man having held his ball too 

 long and inviting death, and his body was carried to his cabin 

 in disgrace. 



When injured, the sufferer made no complaint, attributing his 

 mishap to the chances of the game, and harboring no ill will. If 

 a person not in the game nor betting on the result should throw 

 the ball to the advantage of either side, he would be punished 

 with death if not relieved of intent by a council of the chiefs. 



In 1636, Father Broebeuf, a missionary among the Hurons, notes 

 the game as " Bagga-tie-way," or " le jeu de la crosse." 



La Potherie mentioned a game in which the number of players 

 engaged was estimated at 2000. 



La Honton says, " village being pitted against village, the lacrosse 

 is commonly played in large companies of three or four hundred 

 players." 



When a famine or epidemic threatened the people, the medicine 

 men would order a game of lacrosse to be played to propitiate 

 the spirits. In this game all the players participated, engaging 

 in religious dances and ceremonies at the end of each game. 



It was necessary that all the people, young and old, women and 

 men, should attend this game. Some were chosen to personate the 

 evil spirits and receive punishment, and should a death ensue it 

 was deemed a favorable omen. 



Lacrosse figured prominently on all occasions of importance, 

 and was the proper courtesy in all ceremonies attending the enter- 

 tainment of distinguished guests. 



In 1667, Perrot, then the agent of the French government, was 

 received with very formal ceremony by the Maumi Indians, lo- 

 cated near Sault Ste Marie, and lacrosse was played by the entire 

 tribe. 



Great rivalry existed throughout the various tribes. The game 

 for championship was an exciting event and was introduced with 

 much formality. 



For days preceding the play, the people engaged in prayers to the 

 Great Spirit, invoking his aid, and the players fasted the last day and 

 night. 



To inure the young warriors to the fatigue of battle, the frequent 

 playing of the game was an enforced exercise, which also taught 

 them the tactics of attack and defense. 



