36 INDIANS 01 THE PLAINS. 



remaining tribes, we lack data, hut it seems safe to 

 assume that they follow one or the other of these 

 methods. The three-pole foundation gives the pro- 

 jecting tops of the poles a spiral appearance while the 

 four-pole beginning tends to group them on the sides. 

 Thus, to a practised eye, the difference is plain. The 

 covers, ears, doors, etc., are quite similar throughout. 

 The shapes of tipis, however, show some differences. 

 Thus, the Cheyenne prefer a wide base in proportion 

 to the height while the Arapaho prefer a narrow base. 

 Again, the Crow use very long poles, the ends pro- 

 jecting out above like a great funnel. 



It is important to note that the use of the tipi is not 

 confined to the plains. The Ojibway along the Lakes 

 used it, but covered it with birchbark as did also many 

 of the Cree and tribes formerly established in eastern 

 Canada and New England. Even the Santee-Dakota 

 in early days used birchbark for tipi covers. A tipi-like 

 skin-covered tent was in general use among the Indians 

 of Labrador and westward throughout the entire 

 Mackenzie area of Canada. To the west, the Plains 

 tipi was found among the Xez Perce. Flathead, Cayuse, 

 and L^matilla; to the southwest, among the Apache. 

 It is well nigh impossible to determine what tribes first 

 originated this type of shelter, though a comparison 

 of the details of structure might give some definite 

 clues. Yet, one thing is clear; viz: that it was espe- 

 cially adapted to the roving life of the Plains tribes 

 when pursuing the buffalo. 



Earth Lodges. Before going further, we must needs 



