Rocky Mountains. 207 



in a peculiar manner, as a signal for a halt ; another dispo- 

 sition of the robe, intimates the proximity of an enemy ; and 

 if one of their party has been killed, two of the survivors 

 communicate the intelligence, by running towards each other 

 from a little distance, and on passing, one of them casts 

 himself upon the earth. 



On perceiving these latter signals, the warriors of the na- 

 tion cast the burdens from their horses, and with their mar- 

 tial weapons, ride in full speed to meet them, exhibiting 

 more the appearance of a race, than an ordinary advance to 

 mortal combat. 



The hunters after making the signal for bisons, to induce 

 the people to halt and encamp, return as expeditiously as 

 possible, and on their approach are received with some ce- 

 remony. The chiefs and magi are seated in front of their 

 people, puffing smoke from their pipes, and thanking the 

 Master of Life, with such expressions as "How-wa-con-da," 

 " Thanks master of Life," — M How-nin-e-shet-ta-wa-con-da- 



a-mah-pan-ne-nah-pa-e-wa-rat-a-cum-ba-ra," " Thank you, 



Master of Life, here is smoke, I am poor, hungry, and want 

 to eat." The hunters draw near^to the chiefs and magii, 

 and in a low tone of voice inform them of the discovery of 

 bisons. They are questioned as to the number, and reply 

 by holding up to the view some small sticks in a horizontal 

 position, and compare one herd at a stated distance with 

 this stick, and another with that, &c. 



It is then the business of some old man or crier, to ha- 

 rangue the people, informing them of the discovery, re- 

 questing the squaws to keep in good heart, telling them 

 they have endured many hardships with fortitude, that there 

 is now a termination to their difficulties for the present, and 

 that on the morrow the men will go in pursuit of the bisons, 

 and without doubt bring them plenty of meat. 



On all occasions of public rejoicings, festivals, dances, or 

 general hunts, a certain number of resolute warriors are pre- 



