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144 p. 45 146 set it on benches. The people then all ate, together with the two right hand men. This was just before sunset. But the priest still continued alone in his house of sacrifice, -- put away his skins, cloth, beads etc. and after the others were done eating he went to them into the house, and the victuals which had been set aside for him, was brought. He then ate, but on such occasions, he could never eat till after sun set.

 The victuals having been put away, about dark, the drum began to beat, and the seven singers, as on the preceeding night commenced their music. The women also began their slow dance and continued it till day, or near day. No adult person was allowed to sleep during the night.
 In the morning all returned to their own houses, carrying with them the root they had taken from the table at the creek. Those roots they chewed frequently during the three months, and skirted the juice on their bodies, limbs etc. Each person endeavorured however to make the root last till another quarterly new moon. Before dismissing this subject it may be well to say that previous to this festival the priests right hand men appointed seven men to hunt, and seven men and seven women to fast seven days before as in the case of the green corn dance.

On the appearance of every intervening new moon, the people assembled, fetching the root above mentioned. While the priest was preparing some of this for them to drink he sang quite a lengthy hymn. The drink being prepared the priest poured it into a small gourd and handed it to the people. Of this they simply tasted, and then drank water. The priest then sang again as before, and ordered all to bathe, dipping seven times, as at other quarterly new moons.

The above ceremonies attending new moons are such as are practiced in modern times, even now some it is said observe them what the more current usages were I have not been informed.

The Hunters feast, which was probably held annually previous to a hunting expedition and another on returning I am unable, at present, to describe.