.MTA0OA.Njk5MTI

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  96

wives of the prime counsellors), one from each clan, were then appointed to assist & to fast. Seven men were next nominated to cleanse the national Heptagon, and to exorcise with rods all the buildings within reach; ___ seven more, to hunt, ___ and seven others to seek seven different articles for purification. For all these, attendant, were assigned. Orders were also given to the maker of the holy fire to have new fire ready against the morning of the seventh day. This officer always retained six assistants. A special attendant was assigned to the Go, wah,-tee,-kah - naw, ghistee, __ the chaunter of the Go, wah Hymn, to dress and undress him for his ablutions and his official duty; and for each of these there was also an appointment of subordinates. ___ If the priest commissioned to chant the Go, wah Hymn had died during the preceding year, the seven prime counsellors created on this occasion a substitute, who retained the office for life.

    All appointments being made, the seven prime counsellors retired. On the next morning the Oole, stool, eeh; his right hand man; the seven prime Counsellors; the seven women, one of each clan; and the Go, wah, tee kahnaw, ghistee, and assistants, commenced fasting. They only tasted food for the six days previous to the commencement of the feast, once in twenty four hours; and then of the lightest sort and
                                                                                                                                  they