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131 p. 40 133 parties continued till night. The men then repaired to a river and washed. They then returned and ate of old fruit, having fasted all day, except as they drank of the water above mentioned or the Black drink, which was more of the Button snake root. They then spent the night in dancing. This fast they continued thus four days. During this time they must not go to their houses, nor have any intercourse with their wives. Each day was spent in dancing, and drinking the purifying water and Black drink, till near night, when they repaired to the water, - washed, - returned & partook of food of old corn, and again spent the night in dancing. Thus, they not only denied themselves of food during the day, but also of sleep during the night, for four nights successively. On the morning of the fourth night of the fast and the fifth of the festival, the women brought new corn & cooked, and went down near the sacred square. The men then, for the last time repaired to the water and washed. Being now considered clean from all past impurities, they partook of new fruit, and the feast closed.

  The Natchez Indians used to observe the feast of first fruits as follows. Anciently they had no corn, but a certain kind of rye,  which got ripe in June. In that month therefore they celebrated this feast. The official name of their priest signified one who prays. He appointed the time for the feast, and sent a messenger to notify the people and direct them to bring their first fruits on the morning of the seventh day. At the time appointed all assembled at the council house. The rye was put into six large wooden vessels provided for the purpose, and these were filled with water. Cane leaves were also put in with the rye. The priest then prayed; and as he ceased all the people gave thanks to God. He again prayed, and again the people gave thanks. By this time the rye had become swolen, and half the company ate half of it, and then the other half consumed the rest. Men women and children partook together. But of this interesting tribe I can learn but little. They are now few in number and live with the Creeks. --