COUNCILS AND CEREMONIES OF ADOPTION OF NEW YORK INDIANS 419 



third time there is not obedience, then the child must be thrust 

 into the water. But if the child cries for mercy she must have it, 

 and the woman must not thrust the child into the water. If she 

 does the sin is upon her. 



So they said, and he said it. 



The above transcript is literal and closely follows the native text. 

 In the concluding- section of the Gai-wiu the fourth angel is evidently 

 represented as Jesus Christ. 



Nation councils 



In Ancient Society Mr Morgan gives an imaginary account of 

 an early council, unlike any historic relation which the writer has 

 seen. Supposing it to be at Onondaga the chiefs there would send 

 messengers to the other nations, giving the time and purpose. The 

 nearest nation sends the message to the one beyond. The sachems 

 summoned come, each with a bundle of white cedar if the purpose 

 is peace, or of red cedar if it is war. They come a day or two 

 before the council, encamping near the town, being formally re- 

 ceived at sunrise.. In separate processions each nation marches 

 from its camp to the council grove, every sachem bearing his skin 

 robe and bundle of fagots. There the Onondaga sachems await 

 them and a circle is formed. The Onondaga master of ceremonies 

 stands on the east of the circle toward the rising sun. On a given 

 signal they march around the circle, moving by north. The north 

 side is o-to-wa-ga, cold side; the west ha-ga-kwas-gwa, side toward 

 the setting sun; the south en-de-ih-kwa, side of the high sun; the 

 east t'ka-gwit-kas-gwa, side of the rising sun. After marching 

 round the circle three times in single file and the head and foot 

 of the column being joined, the leader stops on the east side and 

 lays down his bundle of fagots. He is followed in this by the 

 others, one at a time, thus forming an inner circle of fagots. Then 

 each sachem spreads his robe in the same order, and sits cross- 

 legged on it, behind his bundle of cedar, his assistant sachem stand- 

 ing behind him. 



The master of ceremonies then rises, takes from his pouch two 

 dry sticks and a piece of punk, and produces fire by friction. Then 

 he steps within the circle, sets fire to his own bundle and to the 

 others in the order in which they are laid. When all are burning 

 well, he gives a signal, the sachems rise and march thrice around 



