unding country, and of the
creeks, islands, &c. 82

CHAPTER V.

Council held with the Mandans. A prairie on fire,
and a singular instance of preservation. Peace
established between the Mandans and Ricaras. The
party encamp for the winter. Indian mode of catching
goats. Beautiful appearance of northern lights.
Friendly character of the Indians. Some account of
the Mandans. The Anahaways and the Minnetarees. The
party acquire the confidence of the Mandans by
taking part in their controversy with the Sioux.
Religion of the Mandans, and their singular
conception of the term medicine. Their tradition.
The sufferings of the party from the severity of the
season. Indian game of billiards described.
Character of the Missouri, of the surrounding
country, and of the rivers, creeks, islands, &c. 118

CHAPTER VI.

The party increase in the favour of the Mandans.
Description of a buffaloe dance. Medicine dance. The
fortitude with which the Indians bear the severity
of the season. Distress of the party for want of
provisions. The great importance of the blacksmith
in procuring it. Depredations of the Sioux. The
homage paid to the medicine stone. Summary act of
justice among the Minnetarees. The process by which
the Mandans and Ricaras make beads. Character of the
Missouri, of the surrounding country, and of the
rivers, creeks, islands, &c. 148

CHAPTER VII.

Indian method of attacking the buffaloe on the ice.
An enumeration of the presents sent to the president
of the United States. The party are visited by a
Ricara chief. They leave their encampment, and
proceed on their journey. Description of the Little
Missouri. Some account of the Assiniboins. Their
mode of burying the dead. Whiteearth river
described. Great quantity of salt discovered on its
banks. Yellowstone river described. A particular
account of the country at the confluence of the
Yellowstone and Missouri. Description of the