The Sioux, by drawing the lower edge of the hand across the throat; it is a gesture not unknown to us, but forms a truly ominous salutation, considering those by whom it is practised; hence the Sioux are called by the Yutas Hand-cutters.
The Hapsaroke, by imitating the flapping of the bird’s wings with the two hands, palms downwards, brought close to the shoulders.
The Kiowas, or Prairie-men, make the signs of the prairie, and of drinking water.
The Yutas, they who live on mountains, have a complicated sign which denotes “living in mountains.”
The Black-feet, called by the Yutas Paike or Goers, pass the right hand, bent spoon-fashion, from the heel to the little toe of the right foot.
The following are a few preliminaries indispensable to the prairie traveller:
Halt! Raise the hand, with the palm in front, and push it backward and forward several times, a gesture well known in the East.
I don’t know you. Move the raised hand, with the palm in front, slowly to the right and left.
I am angry. Close the fist, place it against the forehead, and turn it to and fro in that position.
Are you friendly? Raise both hands, grasped as if in the act of shaking hands, or lock the two forefingers together, while the hands are raised.