Every event had been a success; and, as
a matter of course, the old people were happy, for they largely profited
by these occasions. Within the circle formed by the general assembly sat
in a group the members of the common council. Blue Earth arose, and in a
few appropriate and courteous remarks assured his guests that it was
not selfishness that led his braves to carry off the honors of the last
event, but that this was a friendly contest in which each band must
assert its prowess. In memory of this victory, the boy would now receive
his name. A loud "Ho-o-o" of approbation reverberated from the edge of
the forest upon the Minnesota's bank.

Half frightened, the little fellow was now brought into the circle,
looking very much as if he were about to be executed. Cheer after cheer
went up for the awe-stricken boy. Chankpee-yuhah, the medicine man,
proceeded to confer the name.

"Ohiyesa (or Winner) shall be thy name henceforth. Be brave, be patient
and thou shalt always win! Thy name is Ohivesa."

II. AN INDIAN BOY'S TRAINING

IT is commonly supposed that there is no systematic education of their
children among the aborigines of this country. Nothing could be farther
from the truth. All the customs of this primitive people were held to
be divinely instituted, and those in connection with the training
of children were scrupulously adhered to and transmitted from one
generation to another.

The expectant parents conjointly bent all their efforts to the task
of giving the new-comer the best they could gather from a long line
of ancestors. A pregnant Indian woman would often choose one of the
greatest characters of her family and tribe as a model for her child.
This hero was daily called to mind. She would gather from tradition all
of his noted deeds and daring exploits, rehearsing them to herself when
alone. In order that the impression might be more distinct, she avoided
company. She isolated herself as much as possible, and wandered in
solitude, not thoughtlessly, but with an eye to the impress given by
grand and beautiful scenery.

The Indians believed, also, that certain kinds of animals would confer
peculiar gifts upon the unborn, while others would leave so strong an
adverse impression that the child might become a monstrosity. A case
of hare-lip was commonly attributed to the rabbit. It was said that a
rabbit had charmed the mother and given to the babe its own features.
Even the meat of certain animals