202 Expedition to the 



awaits them, of feasting all the distinguished men, they un- 

 dertake their duties with pride and satisfaction. 



When they have performed their part, the squaws give 

 notice to the husband, who then calls two or three old pub- 

 lic criers to his lodge ; he invites them to be seated near 

 him, and after the ceremony of smoking, he addresses them 

 in a low voice, directing them to pass through the village, 

 and invite the individuals whom he names to them, to ho- 

 nour him by their presence at the feast, which is now pre- 

 pared, " speak in a loud voice," says he, " and tell them to 

 bring their bowls and spoons." The criers having thus re- 

 ceived their instructions, sally out together, and in concerc 

 sing aloud as they pass, in various directions, through the 

 village. In this song of invitation, the names of all the 

 elect are mentioned. Having performed this duty, they re- 

 turn to the lodge, and are soon followed by the chiefs and 

 warriors. 



The host seats himself in the back part of the lodge fa- 

 cing the entrance, where he remains during the ceremony. 



If the host is invested with the dignity of chief, he directs 

 those who enter, where to seat themselves, so that the chiefs 

 may be arranged on one side, and the warriors on the other ; 

 if he is a warrior, he seats the principal chief of the village 

 by his side, who whispers in his ear the situation which 

 those who enter ought to occupy ; this intimation is repeat- 

 ed aloud by the host. 



When the guests are all arranged, the pipe is lighted, and 

 the indispensable ceremony of smoking succeeds. 



The principal chief Ongpatonga then rises, and extend- 

 ing his expanded hand towards each in succession, (See 

 language of signs, No. 43.) gives thanks to them individual- 

 ly by name, for the honour of their company, and requests 

 their patient attention to what he is about to say. He then 

 proceeds somewhat in the following manner. " Friends and 

 Relatives: we are assembled here, for the purpose of con- 



