bags, moccasins, fan-shaped combs, and that pair of garters 
er artistically made. Besides, look at that decorated hide, 
those rawhide containers, ceremonial clubs and flutes. I wish 
that I had one of those fans that is made out of an eagle 
wing!” 
“You will be wishing that you were an Indian next!” 
“No, no, I am good enough an American as I am.” 
“But you would have the honor to say that you were a real 
American.” 
“Even so, I rather be that which I am than to have the honor 
of being an aboriginal.” 
“You win!” : 
“Now, let us go into the adjoining hall, which is concerning 
the Indian tribes of the Great Plains.” 
“I shall follow you, my guide; proceed.” : 
“Look at that arrow Straightener; this is the first time that 
have ever seen one. That is a peculiar looking collection 
of root and grass medicine of various kinds; that hammer of 
oval stone, with rawhide binding and covering for a handle, 
was used by the Indians to pound meat, cherries and berries.” 
“Ah,” said I, as we were walking, passing many cases, “the 
Thunder Ceremony, the sacrifice ot a captive maiden, the ani- 
mal dance of a medicine man, and the purification of the sacred 
bundles of the part of the Pawnee; what curious and infamous 
notions they had!” 
“Indians again; let us leave this hall, if you do not object. 
ave seen enough of Indians and their materials,” said Birtha, 
as we entered hall six, which has collections of the Indian 
tribes of California and Nomadic tribes of Arizona and New 
exico, 
_ “I agree with you; for we will see nothing but ornaments, 
implements, ceremonial costumes, dance skirts and a ons, 
weapons, baskets and blankets. Although, those two life-size 
figures of two Pomo medicine men, one conjuring seed, the 
other holding a ceremony over the deceased, Standing in the 
west entrance, are very interesting and realistic,” 
_ “The religious and ceremonial life of the Hopi of Arizona 
is brought out with great care and detail,” mentioned Birtha, 
woe were passing through hall seven. 
“Indians again!” 
“Ethnological and archaeological collections!” 
“Let your exclamations be in a lower tone, Lorenzo. That 
woman ape mar who just passed us looked at you somewhat 
in antly.” 
“Do not think that I am impudent, Birtha, but they had 
better look at what og have entered this building to see. 
Moreover, my goddess, I shall be rather cautious, hereafter.” 
44 
