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103 P.26. 105 Deep in the ground, equa distant from each other, so as to form seven equal sides, though generally the roof, where it touches the ground is entirely round. Seven very long beams are planted on the above seven posts in such a manner that one end rests on the ground, or periphery, raised with earth two or three feet, while the other end extends high in the air, meeting the upper end of the other six beams at a point directly over the centre of the intended floor of the house. Other pieces of timber were fastened to the above seven; and then split pieces put over transversely, answering for ribs, (on?) which long grass was placed in the manner of thatching. The thatch was then covered with dirt, and that again with grass to carry off the water. Thus the whole building appears to a spectator on approaching it very much like an immense coal pit in which the wood is set end wise. And when there is a fire in the house, the smoke issues through the roof as through the covering of a coal pit, and has a similar smell. There are, however, openings on the roof, generally, through which the smoke can pass. It seldom, if ever, settles as low as the heads of persons inside. Of late years, these houses have been covered with bark. The fire is in the centre, unclear holy fire, that was at first handed down from above, was kept burning in the national council house, till the house and fire were destroyed by their enemies, or rather, as some say, the house was destroyed, & the fire descended, or remained hid, under ground, where it is to the present day. That fire being lost, they have since been obliged to make new, or ho..? fire by rubbing pieces of dry wood together. The door is always on the east side, directly toward the rising sun, with a portal before it. The seven posts which support the house are so set that one stands directly west of the door in the west end of the house. This was considered sacred. It was painted white and had pins & shelves attached to it on which were hung, or laid all the holy things connected with their worship or warfare. Immediately before this, toward the door, was the centre of the white semi circular seat, or seats, occupied by the civil and religious counsellors. And immediately before this centre, was the white seat of the U ku & his right hand man and on the right and left of this were the two white seats occupied by his seven counsellors and speaker, four sitting on each seat. These three seats had banks, extending up to a beam? in the house, painted white and ornamented by various figures. These seats, & in short this part of the house, was peculiarly sacred?. No common person must come to it. But in case of a war