428. Ball-play of the Choctaws—ball up—one party painted white; each has two sticks with a web at their ends, in which they catch the ball and throw it—they all have tails of horse-hair or quills attached to their girdles or belts.
Each party has a limit or bye, beyond which it is their object to force the ball, which, if done, counts them one for game.
429. Ball-play—same as 428, excepting that the ball is down, which changes the scene.
430. Ball-play of the women, Prairie du Chien.—Calicoes and other presents are placed on a pole by the men—the women choose sides and play for them, to the great amusement of the men.
In this play there are two balls attached to the ends of a string eighteen inches in length: the women have a stick in each hand, on which they catch the string and throw it.
431. Game of “Tchung-kee” of the Mandans, the principal and most valued game of that tribe.
A beautiful athletic exercise, and one on which they often bet and risk all their personal goods and chattels.
432. Horse-Racing, Mandan, on a Race-Course back of the Village, in use on every fair-day.
433. Foot-Race, Mandans, on the same ground, and as often run.