LANGUAGE. L31 



found individuals priding themselves in speaking one 

 or more languages. In former times, many Nez Perce, 

 Blackfoot, Gros Ventre, Dakota, and Mandan are said 

 to have known some of the Crow language which was in 

 consequence often used by traders. This, if true, was 

 no doubt due to the peculiar geographical position of 

 the Crow. The sign language, however, could be 

 used among all tribes familiar with it and must, there- 

 fore, be considered one of the striking peculiar traits of 

 the Plains and an important factor in the diffusion of 

 culture. 



