80 



fSENATt 



of cross pieces to determine its spread. Within the area, with the 

 exception of an opening for the toe, is woven a net work of deer 

 strings, with interstices about an inch square. The base of the foot is 

 lashed at the edge of this opening with thongs, which pass around the 

 heel for the support of the foot. The heel is left free to work up and 

 down, and the opening is designed to allow the toe of the boot to de- 

 scend below the surface of the shoe, as the heel is raised in the act of 

 walking. It is a very simple invention, but exactly adapted for its uses. 

 A person familiar with the snow shoe can walk as rapidly upon the 

 snow, as without it upon the ground. The Senecas affirm that they 

 can walk fifty miles per day upon the snow shoe, and with much greater 

 rapidity than without it, in consequence of the length and uniformity 

 of the step. In the bear hunt, especially, it is of the greatest service, 

 as the hunter can speedily overtake the bear, who, breaking through 

 the crust, is enabled to move but slowly. 



Ga-wa-sa, or Snow Snake. 



Side section 6 feet, ^ inch in thickness; bottom section | to ^ inch in width. 



Among the amusements of the winter season, in Indian life, is the 

 game with Snow Snakes. The snakes are made of hickory, and with 

 the most perfect precision and finish. They are from five to seven feet 

 in length, about a fourth of an inch in thickness, and gradually dimin- 

 ishing from about an inch in width at the head, to about half an inch 

 at the foot. The head is round, turned up slightly, and pointed with 

 lead. They are thrown with the hand, by placing the fore finger 

 against the foot, and skim along upon the snow crust nearly with the 

 speed of an arrow, and to a much greater distance. The game itself is 

 rendered exciting by the numbers engaged, and the amount wagered 

 upon the result. As in all Indian games, the people divide by tribes, 

 certain tribes playing against the others. A limited number are chosen 

 to play the game from each side. The snake which runs the farthest 

 wins, and a count is made by each snake which leads all upon the op- 

 posite side. A minute description is necessary, to a full understanding 

 of the game, but enough has been said to designate the uses of the 

 article. Specimens are furnished. 



