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is a mystery from beginning to end, but there is no medicine used, as we view at all.

 The theory upon which the medicine man proceeds is this.   When one is sick he is possessed of evil spirits and to rid the patient of them is his care. and he resorts to every known means by noise of drum and cry. to expell the evil one "to frighten him away". and we do not understand how if this theory be rue the evil spirit could long remain and listen to the dismal [?] noise made by a Medicine man and his "tom tom."  However the Dakota indian seem to recognize that something beside the cry of he Medicine man and the thunk of his tom tom, and shaking of his rattle. are necessary to cure the sick. and they resort to the process of sweating. which in most cases prove effectual.  The sweat box. or as Rev. Cattin (plate 71. Vol I Collins Eight Year") calls it.   Indian Vapor Bath. is a device in common use among the Dakota tribes but we feel called upon to warn the reader of Rev Cattins book that the picture there given is very wide of the truth.  Two features are correct the fire at which the squaw is heating stones and the water near which the bath is set up.  all the rest is the work of imagination.   We cannot refrain from asking right  here "why cannot the [?] on indian subjects stick to the truth. it is Just as fascinating as the falsehood:  In the Cattin picture a large teepee is set up and inside is an indian crouching in a cage (probably made of wood) though it would be equally as correct if made of iron. or brass.) set upon pillars of stones piled one upon the other leaving a large space beneath the floor of the cage and the earth the floor of the cage seems perfectly flat and it is likely that is [?] made of a [?] of flat stone.   The picture is rediculous [sic].  The fact is that when it is deemed proper to give a patient a sweat bath. for any reason and we would say in summer  they indulge in them from [?]  A "wikiup". is made very low. and Just large enough to contain the party taking the bath.   It is made of willow or other saplings thrust in the ground. the ends arching over and being tied..  Over this frame is spread blankets and robes to enclose it    In the centre is a small hole in which when they are heated the attendant squaw puts some stones and on them is thrown water. as many indians as can huddle into this "wikiup" do so.  they are all nude and when the cage is full so to speak the cover is let down. and the occupants. are immersed in a bath of hot vapor. which they submit to till they are [?] with persperation and every pour [sic] is open. when they throw off the cover and plunge into the ajoining  water. which in the case of a patient kills or cures.  We have been told that the Dakotas ("Crows") will break the ice in winter and take the plunge.  this we doubt as we never saw it.