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the mode pursued in all songs where dancing is performed. In a short time these are joined by one or two women, who have the shells of terrapins, (land turtles,) with small pebbles in them, fastened to their legs. the clatter made by these in stamping, completes the concert.
Stamping with one or both feet at a time, in quick succession, constitutes the Cherokee mode of dancing. Any person wishing to dance, may now fall in ranks. Generally, an equal number of males & females are engaged at the same time; but strict regularity is not considered necessary.
The men and women do not dance alongside, or fronting, each other; but invariably preserve 'Indian file.' The rear is commonly filled up with boys and girls, who are thus initiated into the art at an early age. The leader generally sings extempore: the air is a combination of high and low sounds, used in quick succession, with but few variations, which renders it disagreable and monotonous. He relates his love adventures,-- misfortunes or triumphs;-- boasts of his manhood, influence with the fair sex, and dexterity in various performances. If he be an old man, he