438 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



but without its visible emblems, and to the sight were but as before. 

 While this was true of the Iroquois, with their acknowledged power, 

 it seems probable that weaker tribes and men affected distinctions 

 and display on smaller foundations. 



The old custom of shaking hands at the end of a council seems 

 now laid aside, but nearly 40 years ago (1867) the writer has seen a 

 long row of men file past him for this friendly greeting. It was 

 sometimes mentioned in early records. The last formal wayside 

 reception of white men at Onondaga was in 1873, when Bishop 

 Huntington, with a score of clergymen and many others, halted for 

 over an hour on the road, while Captain George leisurely prepared 

 to welcome his visitors, address and lead them on their way. The 

 Oneidas went in long processions to escort Bishop Hobart, but re- 

 ceptions are very informal now, and even an important council may 

 be like a quiet gathering of old farmers, attended with very little 

 ceremony. Though many early features are retained in the con- 

 dolence, no ceremonial dress now appears, but an adoption often 

 has picturesque features. The one who sings the song in this 

 usually has a distinctive dress, and sometimes dances accompany 

 the ceremony, while the feast is a frequent feature. The recipient 

 of the honor shakes hands with his new relations, as in earlier davs. 



