~ there: 
S the first account I could find of it was in the shape ofa 
bi 
424. Ancient Rock Inscriptions in Eastern Dakota. (May, 
resent human hands. For convenience of reference the separate 
characters are numbered on the diagram, and may be thus 
described. 
1 and 2. Represent hands placed in different positions. 
3. Shows two hands in combination. 
4. Is of a nondescript shape. 
5 and 6. Are undoubtedly meant for hands, as their outlines 
can be imitated in shadow on the wall by placing one’s own 
hands in the proper positions. 
7. Is another nondescript, though a portion of it represents a 
hand. 
The other rock is known as “ Thunder Bird’s Track’s Brother ” 
—that is, a brother to the “track ”—and is situated about two 
miles east of his elder, on the slope of a terrace bordering the 
valley of the Minnesota river. As will be seen on comparison, 
the diagrams illustrating the two rocks are entirely distinct from 
each other in respect to the shapes of the characters, and by no 
means bear out the close relationship between the localities im- 
plied by the names the Indians have given them. 
The inscriptions on both rocks are apparently very ancient, 
and it is extremely doubtful whether the present Indians or their 
immediate predecessors (the Cheyennes ?) had anything to do 
with carving them. 
I made inquiry as to any traditions that might be current 
among the Dakota Indians on the reserve concerning these rocks, 
and obtained certain mythological information now concisely 
stated. ; 
= Thunder Bird is said to have had his nest on a high mound, 
which was composed of sticks and brush, and was situated 
some ten miles north-west of the foot of Lake Travers, in the cen- 
ter of a deep wide gorge. One day there was a great storm which 
flooded tlie whole country. Thunder Bird, in his anger at having 
been driven from his nest by the rising waters, flew away and 
alighted on this rock—Wakiyan Oye—which was the only 
place not covered by water, and left the impression of his feet 
On subsequently looking for printed records of this rae 
snort. 
poem from the pen of an Indian trader of 1823, W. J. sae e 
(son of the military officer after whom Fort Snelling was name 
