The Press., 1898-08-18

feathers, a string of sleigh bells, and enough red paint to cover a good-sized barn.
 One in whom I took great deal of in- terest was John Greyface, a former Sioux chief, who is pleasant old fellow and a general favorite at the agency. The Sioux City Journal, about one year ago, published a very interesting item on Grey face, telling about his deeds of bravery during the wars between the tribes. He was known as the "white mans friend" and scalped great many Indians to pro- tect the white settlers. GIeyface is now a very earnest member of the church.
 The Indian names were of a great deal of interest to me, and a visitor at the agency should not fail to look at the gov- ernment register. Among those we saw were Charles Crowdog, Iron Hawk, Fly ing Hawk, Feather-in-the-ear, who is the present chief of the Siouxs, and who be- came famous among his people by steal ing thirty spotted ponies, and Abraham Four-Generations, who is a particular friend of Lieut.. Leitner's. Mrs. Johns ton, the matron at St. Paul's, is known as Wiuntauka (big woman), and Lieut.. Leitner was was always called Wiuntauka Hoksina (big woman's boy), while I was introduced as ''The boy from Connecticut, long way off" The longest name heard was "The-man-who-b bored a-hole-in-the- log-with- -his-nose." The Indians often name a white person by some deformity or from personal appearance, and are not at all delicate about alluding to either in the presence of the one who received the name.
 had been very anxious since my ar rival on the reservation to see genuine Indian dance, and when we started for the camp in the evening to witness grass dance was, as the lieutenant described it. "Crazy to see them make fools of inside a circle made by sticking boughs in the ground, with space left for the entrance and exit of the dancers. Around this circle sat the performers and the suuaws. The costumes were varied, some of them being very much abbreviated. Most of the dancers wore nothing but
 .breech cloth," 8 few beads, feathers, moccasins, sleigh bells and a "coat of many colors," made of paint. In the cen- ter sat the orchestra, the only musical instrument being drum or "tom-tom." Suddenly heard a low growl or grunt, and the music began. At the same time three or four bucks arose and began to dance. These were soon followed by others, till at last they formed com plete ring. The dancing consists in hop ping from one foet to the other, and twisting and turning the body with every beat of the "tom-tom," each dancer yell ing "hi-yi" at the top of his voice. Soon there was pause, followed by series of loud yells. We were here informed by an old Indian standing near us that they Then came the presentation of gifts. As soon as an Indian becomes excited he wishes to give away something. One buck gave away his squaw and pony during the dance, and several presented their friends with moccasins, beads, pipes, etc. Finally the orchestra resumed, and the same dancers began their contortions. This they keep up all night. The Indian story teller is in great demand at these dances, and usually tells of his own brav- cry, and as rule his stories contain very little truth.
 Presently one of the party inquired if had seen enough, and as assured her my curiosity had been fully satisfied, we left the camp for the mission. The next day
 we spent in looking about the agency and old Indian burying ground, and started home Wednesday, the 9th, making the journey in three days. The trip was 8 very pleasant one, full of interesting and
 amusing experiences, and one that shall never forget, although my idea of Indians is not quite.as exalted as before my visit to the agency. Yours truly,
 RICHARD W. ELLIS.