with white clay, and in one hand they
hold a stalk of the corn, while with the other they grasp the rattle. As
they move around the fire, they chant a weird song of thanksgiving,
taking particular pains to remind the Great Spirit that they are doing
all this in his honor, and restraining their appetites that he may be
pleased, and propitiated, to the extent of furnishing them with a
bountiful supply during the ensuing season.

Whilst the medicine men are performing in this manner, a number of
others form in a circle, outside of the inner one, and with stalks of
corn in each hand, go through a somewhat similar ceremony. Wooden bowls
are placed on the ground immediately under a tripod, formed by joining
together three poles, of about twelve feet in length, which are also
ornamented with ears of corn. In each of the bowls is placed a spoon,
made of the horn of the buffalo, or mountain sheep, in which the feast
is to be served. The dance is continued until the chiefs decide the corn
is sufficiently boiled; when, at a given signal, the dance is stopped
for a few minutes, and again resumed, this time to a different tune.
Then the master of ceremonies removes the smoking vegetable and places
it upon a small scaffold of sticks, which they erect over the fire.

Having done this, the _first_ fire is removed, and the ashes are
gathered and buried. A new fire is then made in the place occupied by
the old one. The new one is started by a very painful process.

Three men seat themselves on the ground, facing each other, and
procuring a hard block of wood, commence drilling violently with a
stick, by rolling it between the palms of the hand. Each one catches it
in turn from the other, without allowing the motion to stop, until
smoke, and at last, a spark of fire is seen, and caught in a piece of
punk, whereat there is great rejoicing among the bystanders. When this
fire is kindled, the kettle is again placed over the fire, and refilled
with the vegetable.

Now the feast begins, an onslaught is made on the contents of the pot,
and the Indians rush off in all directions to devour the corn. Soon
fires are blazing in every lodge, and all are indulging in the grossest
gluttony. This feast lasts until the corn is exhausted, or becomes too
hard to eat with any degree of comfort. When an Indian has gorged
himself to the fullest capacity, he has recourse to his _asceola_, and
is soon in a condition to recommence with as much vigor as at fir