.MTM1OA.MTE1MDY1

295

was brought in by our white friend. It is not allowable that I should very often arise and speak of tobacco. I merely wish to announce that it is the tobacco that was presented by our visitor. that has come from no short distance to see us. He has different ways as a white man in paying his respects to the one that has given him his life. but it is only one and the same that is over us all. and the one that we now encircle. (the drum.) and he must have already accepted of his gift and allowed for life. his life in the future world. and I wish that the Great Spirit will also give him a good long and happy life.. The chief will now arise and distribute the tobacco that you may all smoke in his behalf." The chief referred to is the pipe bearer. With each [?] a pipe in which to smoke the ceremonial tobacco. form part of the furnature. [sic] and this with the drum is in the [?] of the keeper of the drum. The pipe bearer is the man (or chief as he is called) appointed to light and carry the pipe from one to the other. allowing each to have a draw at the pipe. The pipe is always carried around the circle from left to right. commencing with the chief Speaker. At this dance then near their drummer that is their were three [?] in circuit. Two were visiting drums. one the deputation from Bad River. the other Chief "Nanguele" from the other side of the Lake. hence there were three Pipe bearers of "Sa ha.a pwa gow. e we ni ni way".. "Men that light pipes." at the dance. In passing the pipe the order of ceremony is to pass it to the drummers. after the chief Speaker. then the encircling choir of squaws. and last the audience. A fire is kept burning out side the floor. at which the head of the drum is heated when it gets to slack to tighten it up. for this purpose drum heaters are appointed. and when necessary they two at a time lift the drum from the legs and carry it out the east door to the fire and place it upon an "Anakon" mat beside the fire resting upon the edge. when sufficiently tense. the drum is carried in to the floor through the west door. and placed upon the legs. A doorkeeper watches the doors and has charge of the floor. sweeping it and keeping any obsticle off of it. while the dance lasts.

  When a dance is to be given two runners are sent out in advance. carrying. with them the tobacco and announcing the ceremony of the dancers. they are usually two or three days in advance of the rest.
  The officials of the dance are many. and the ceremonyis conducte with great precision.