over a long row of fires. The braves distribute these meats with admirable order, giving to each one his share. These portions disappear with truly wonderful celerity.
The Assiniboins have two kinds of dances for this feast. Most of them dance some rounds for amusement, and leave the circle when they choose; but a band of young men form the great religious dance, and make a vow to the thunder, or voice of the Great Spirit. Then they perform various dances, which last three whole days and nights, with only slight intervals, without their taking the least nourishment or refreshment. I have this from a credible eye-witness. This extraordinary act is penitential, or rather propitiatory, to obtain from the Great Spirit success in war. All the garments and articles prepared during the winter, from the embroidered leggin and moccasin to the eagle-plumed headpiece, adorn their bodies for the first time, and the whole assembly appears quite brilliant; the camp acquires a new
life. Those who are not at the moment occupied in the religious observances spend their time in games and often very
spirited conversation. The feast lasts about ten days. Before separating, each person tears or cuts the article which he sacrificed, so that no one can be tempted to take posses
sion of it. This last act performed, the different companies separate to their own hunting grounds.
They have some other religious practices and ceremonies, which I observed on my visit, and which are curious enough to be noticed here.
The sun is honored and worshipped by the greater number of the Indian tribes as the author of light and heat. The Assiniboins consider it likewise to be the favorite residence of the Master of Life. They evidence a great respect
and veneration for the sun, but rarely address it. On great occasions they offer it their prayers and supplications, but
only in a low tone. Whenever they light the calumet, they offer the sun the first whiffs of its smoke.
The Indians regard a solar eclipse as the forerunner of some great disaster; and if a juggler can ascertain from a