[263] The bow-lance is a large bow, to one end of which the iron point of a lance is fastened. It serves only for show, and is never used in serious combat. It is very handsomely adorned with eagle's feathers, frequently with red cloth also, and, when completely decorated, is worth from 100 to 250 florins. It descends from father to son, and cannot be obtained except at a high price. Sometimes a horse or more must be given for it.—Maximilian.
[264] For a representation of this dance see Plate 28, in the accompanying atlas, our volume xxv.—Ed.
[265] See our volume xxii, p. 361, for illustrations of Mandan pipes.—Ed.
[266] For Indian music compare Bradbury's Travels, in our volume v, p. 116, and accompanying note.—Ed.
[267] See Dorsey's description of this game, op. cit., pp. 337, 338; Catlin also speaks of it as "Tchung-kee," and remarks upon the grace and agility developed by it. For a description of this game as practiced among the Pawnee, see our volume xv, pp. 214, 215.—Ed.
[268] See Plate 81, figure 14, in the accompanying atlas, our volume xxv.—Ed.
[269] See p. [285] for illustration of a child's dart of stag-horn.—Ed.
[270] The hoop and the stick are represented in Plate 81, figure 15, in the accompanying atlas, our volume xxv.—Ed.
[271] The North American Indians are conceded to have been in that state of religious or superstitious development known as "animism;" consult Farrand, Basis of American History, pp. 248-250; and E. B. Tylor, Primitive Culture (New York, 1871). For the primitive cults of the Mandan and Minitaree, Maximilian is an approved authority; consult on this subject, J. O. Dorsey, "Study of Siouan Cults," in United States Bureau of Ethnology Report, 1889-90, particularly chapter vi.—Ed.
[272] This conjecture is adopted by Dr. Edwin James, the learned author of Tanner's Life among the Indians, p. 357 of that work. I refer to this interesting book for the remarkable hieroglyphics of the people of the Algonquin tribe.—Maximilian.