324 



USES OF PLANTS BY THE CHIPPEWA INDIANS [eth. ann. 44 



strongest medicines in the accompanying series (Apocynum sp.) is 

 known as a "bear medicine." The roots of the "bear medicine" 

 were cut in pieces about 2 inches long and strung on a cord when 

 stored for use. Such a string of roots bore some resemblance to a 

 necklace of bear claws. In this connection we note that the bear was 

 highly esteemed by the Sioux medicine men, two of whom made 

 the following statements : 

 Two Shields said : 



" The bear is the only animal which is dreamed of as offering to 

 give, herbs for the healing of man. The bear is not afraid of either 

 animals or men and it is considered ill-tempered, and yet it is the 

 only animal which has shown us this kindness; therefore the medi- 

 cines received from the bear are supposed to be especially effective." 



In somewhat similar manner Siyaka said: 



" The bear is quick-tempered and is fierce in many ways, and yet 

 he pays attention to herbs which no other animal notices at all. The 

 bear digs these for his own use. The bear is the only animal which 

 eats roots from the earth and is also especially fond of acorns, June 

 berries, and cherries. These three are frequently compounded with 

 other herbs in making medicine, and if a person is fond of cherries 

 we say he is like a bear. We consider the bear as chief of all animals 

 in regard to herb medicine, and therefore it is understood that if a 

 man dreams of a bear he will be expert in the use of herbs for curing 

 illness. The bear is regarded as an animal well acquainted with herbs 

 because no other animal has such good claws for digging roots." 8 



The material in the following chapter was obtained from three 

 classes of informants: (1) Those who are active adherents of the 

 Mide but were willing to tell of its remedies in order that a record 

 of them might, be preserved for posterity; (2) those who have re- 

 nounced the Mide but continue to use its remedies either personally 

 or in treating sick persons; and (3) those who have never been mem- 

 bers of the Mide but have received a knowledge of its remedies from 

 relatives who were members of the society. Among the principal 

 informants on this subject at White Earth were Mrs. Brunett, Mrs. 

 Oagewin, and Mrs. Louisa Martin. (PI. 41.) 



In the old days a person would not transmit any facts concerning 

 medicines to even a member of his own family without compensation, 

 one reason for this restriction seeming to be a fear that the informa- 

 tion would not be treated with proper respect. So great was the 

 secrecy surrounding these remedies that names were seldom given 

 to plants, the person imparting the information showing the fresh 

 plant. It was difficult, if not impossible, to recognize a root after 

 it had been dried and rubbed into shreds, but medicine men frequently 



8 Bull. 61, Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 105. 



