Rocky Mountains. 337 



The women then assume their clothing, and return home, 

 being careful to deposit the fertilized seed with their stock, 

 after which they may proceed to planting as soon as they 

 please. 



We were informed that on some particular occasion, a 

 large inclosure was constructed in the village of the Minne* 

 tarees, which was covered with jerked meat, instead of skins. 

 The distinguished warriors who were concerned in the ce- 

 remony about to take place, deputed some of their party to 

 summons a certain number of the handsomest young married 

 squaws of the village, who immediately repaired to the meat 

 covered lodge, with the consent of their husbands. The 

 squaws were then disrobed in the midst of a considerable 

 number of the bravest of the Minnetaree warriors, and after 

 the conclusion of some ceremonies a brave entered, leading 

 by the halter a very fine horse. He selected a squaw, whose 

 beauty struck his fancy, and advancing to her, he laid the 

 cord of the halter in her hand. She accepted the present, and 

 immediately admitted him to her favour. Other warriors 

 appeared in succession, leading horses, all of which were 

 very readily disposed of in the same manner. This ceremony 

 occurred during the day, and in the presence of the whole 

 assembly. 



In the same nation a singular night dance is, it is said, 

 sometimes held. During this amusement an opportunity is 

 given to the squaws to select their favourites. A squaw, as 

 she dances, will advance to a person with whom she is cap- 

 tivated, either for his personal attractions, or for his renown 

 in arms, she taps him on the shoulder, and immediately runs 

 out of the lodge, and betakes herself to the bushes, followed 

 by the favourite. But if it should happen, that he has a par- 

 ticular preference for another, from whom he expects the 

 same favour, or if he is restrained by a vow, or is already 

 satiated with indulgence, he politely declines her offer, by 

 placing his hand in her bosom. On which they return to the 

 vol. i. 43 



