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[illustration caption] Dakota Love flute. Wyman Coll (Haupt del) length 25 inches diameter 1 1/4 " length of reed 2 1/2 " length of head 8 3/4 " diameter of " 1 3/4 " Spread of bill 1 3/4 "

Courtship among the Dakotas is a wierd and peculiar cerimony. When a "buck", young indians have among the [unclear] [ranchmen?] [named?] the subriquet of "Buck" and it is much more common to hear an indian spoken of as a "buck". than any thing else. when [unclear] a buck becomes enamored of a maiden. he should be be sufficiently skillful [unclear] a flute with which to serenade his sweetheart. and if he cannot make one will [procure?] it by barter or exchange from some one who has one or can make it. With such a flute the love sick [swain?] will creep out at night wrapped in his blanket or robe covered head and all in the [folds?] of the robe and as usual with lovers had chosen the moon light, approaching the abode of his adored seats himself on the ground in [obscurity?] and pours out his heart in as a matter of fact heart rending strain such as few even the average heart can resist. The music which these bucks produce is something that we cannot describe. it is low and plaintive. and at a distance not unmusical. The effect usually is that the damsel is over come by it and leaving the protection of the parental teepee and seeks the embrace