Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003521287 ThIe Book of Woodcraft AndIndmnLokm Wi'fh OverSOODmnin^s By the Author ERNESTlkOMPSON^EJON AumoR 07 WildAnimalsIHave Known, Jiolfin the ^hodsiJlheForesters'Manual Head Chiefqfthe Woodcrajt Indians. Garden City ffebu VorK 'Doubteday, Ta^e (^ Company 1913 Copyright, 191 2, by Ernest Thompson Setdn All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, including the' Scandinavian PREFACE For over twenty-five years I have been giving the talks and demonstrations that are gathered together in this book. Many of them have appeared in magazines or in the "Birch-Bark Roll" thait has come out annually for ten years. But this is the first time in which a comprehensive collection has been made of the activities, customs, laws, and amusements that have been developed in my camps. Some of the related subjects I have treated at too great length for enclosure in one book. Of this class are the "Life Histories of Northern Animals," "Animal Stories," "Sign Language" and "Forestry," which appear as separate works. All are merely parts of a scheme that I have always considered my life work, namely, the development or revival of Woodcraft as a schocrf for Manhood. By Woodcraft I mean outdoor life in its broadest sense and the plan has ever been with me since boyhood. Woodcraft is the first of all the sciences. It was Woodcraft that made man out of brutish material, and Woodcraft in its highest form may save him from decay. As the model for outdoor life in this country I took the Indian, and have thus been obliged to defend him against the caliunnies of those who coveted his possessions. In giving these few historical extracts to show the Indian character, it must be remembered that I could give himdreds, and that prac- tically all the travelers who saw with their own eyes are of one mind in the matter. Commissioner Robert G. Valentine, of the Indian Bureau, the first Indian Commissioner we have ever had who knew and sjrmpathized with the Indians, writes after reading my manu- script: " Preface "On the question of the character of the Indians I am in absolute accord with you on everything that I beUeve any one would consider a basic point. In speech after speech I have fought the idea that Indians were cruel or lazy or vicious, and dwelt on their positive virtues — among these their sense of humor, and their deep reverence."* The portions of the manuscript called "Spartans of the West, and " Campfire Stories of Indian Character, " have been sub- mitted to George Bird Grinnell, of New York, whose life has been largely spent among the Indians, and have received from him a complete endorsement. In a similar vein I have heard from Dr. Charles A. Eastman, and from nearly all of the many who have seen the manuscript. Some of my friends at the Smithsonian Institution take excep- tion to certain details, but no one denies the main contentions in regard to the character of the Indian, or the historical ac- curacy of the "Campfire Stories." Gen. Nelson A. Miles, for example, writes me: "History can show no parallel to the heroism and fortitude of the American Indians in the two hundred years' fight during which they contested inch by inch the possession of their country against a foe infinitely better equipped with inexhaustible resources, and in overwhelming numbers. Had they even been equal in numbers, history might have had a very different story to tell." I was taught to glorify the names of Xenophon, Leonidas, Spartacus, the Founders of the Dutch Republic or the Noble Six Hundred at Balaclava, as the ideals of human courage and self-sacrifice, and yet I know of nothing in all history that will compare with the story of Dull Knife as a narrative of magnificent heroism and human fortitude. While I set out only to justify the Indian as a model for our *The great racial defects of the Indians were revengefulness and disunion, and, latterly, proneness to strong drink. They taught the duty of revenge; so that it was easy to begin a feud, but hard to end one. Instead of a nation, they were a multitude of factions, each ready to join an outsider for revenge on its rival neighbor. This incapacity for team play pre-i vented the development of their civilization and proved their ruin. Preface boys in camp, I am not without hope that this may lead to a measure of long-delayed justice being accorded him. He asks only the same rights as are allowed without question to all other men in America — the protection of the courts, the right to select his own religion, dress, amusements, and the equal right to the pursuit of happiness so long as his methods do not conflict with the greater law of the land. This book is really the eleventh edition of the "Birch-Bark Roll," which I have published yearly and expanded yearly since 1902. On the first day of July that year I founded the first band of Woodcraft Indians. Since then the growth of the movement has called for constant revision and expansion. In the present volume, for the first time, I have fully set forth a justification of my Indian Ideal. I am deeply indebted to my friend, Edgar Beecher Bronson, for permission to include the History of Chief Dull Knife's March, which appeared in his "Reminiscences of a Ranch- man." It is a story that should be known to all the world. I have also to express my obligations to Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons for permission to quote from Capt. J. O. Bourke's writings, to J. W. Schultz for the use of his charming story of "No-Heart," to Messrs. The Fleming H. Revell Co., for permis- sion to quote F. W. Calkins' story of the "Two Wilderness Voyagers," to Miss Alice C. Fletcher for the use of two Indian songs from her book "Indian Story and Song," as noted, to Edward S. Curtis for the use of Sittmg Bull's "War Song," to Miller Jordan and Geo. L. White for help in revising the parts on organization and honors, to Dr. Clinton L. Bagg for help m the "First Aid," to Dr. C. C. Curtis for the identi- fication of toadstools, to Dr. Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa) for general criticism and for special assistance in the chapters on "The Indian's Creed," " Teepee Etiquette, " and the " Teachings of Wabasha I." Also to Robert G. Valentine (Indian Commissioner) and George Bird Grinnell of New York for critical reading of the historical parts of the book. «ii Preface When I was a b(^ I hungered beyond expression ^01 just such iriformation as I have tried herein to impart. It would be a great joy to me if I could reach and help a considerable number of such heart-hungry boys tormented with an insatiate instinct for the woods, and if I fail of this, I shall at least have the lasting pleastires of having lived throu^ these things myself and of having written about them. VlU CONTENTS PAGE Preface v Table of the Seventeen Sections: I. Principles of Scouting Nine Important Principles 3 Recreation 4 Camp-life 4 Self-government, with Adult Guidance . 4 The Magic of the Campfire .... 4 Woodcraft Pursuits 5 Honors by Standards 6 Personal Decoration for Personal Achieve- ments 6 A Heroic Ideal 6 Picturesqueness in Everything .... 7 The Ideal 7 II. The Spartans of the West The Indian Way 9 The Indian's Creed 11 The Dark Side 13 The Bright Side 18 Reverence 20 Cleanliness 24 Chastity 27 Bravery 28 Thrift and Providence 29 Cheerfulness or the Merry Indian . 31 Obedience 32 Kindness 34 Hospitality 36 Treatment of Their Women .... 37 Coxurtesy and Polite Behavior ... 41 Honesty 43 ix Contents The Spartans of the West—Continued Truthfulness and Honor 45 Temperance and Sobriety 47 Physique 49 In General 51 Summary SS Standard Indian Books 59 III. The Purpose and Laws of the Woodcraft Indians The Redman's Way 61 Watchword 61 Totem 61 War-cry 62 Sign 62 The Laws 62 The Rulers of the Nation 64 The Great Council 64 The High Council of Guidance ... 64 The Medicine Lodge or Lodge of the Old Guides 64 The Initiation of a Brave 65 The Little Lodge 67 The Big Lodge 68 The Laws for the Ruling of the Tribe . 69 1. Name 69 2. Purpose 69 3. Who May Enter 69 4. Councils 70 5. The Rulers of the Tribe .... 70 The Vow of the Head Chief ... 72 The Vow of Each Brave .... 72 6. Changes of the Law 72 7. Dues 72 8. Secret 72 9. Laws and Punishments 72 The Band or Clan 73 Costumes 73 Titles of Nobles 74 Badges of Rank 75 The Standard 76 Totems 77 X 1 Contents PtnrfosE AND Laws of the Woodcraft Indians—CoMto'M«e(f Order of Doings in Council 7 How to Begin 7 The Tally Book and How to Keep It . 8 For Example 8 The Indian Laws in Brief 8 The War-cry of the Band 8 IV. Honors and Degrees and Indian Names: Honors g Decorations for Individual Honors . g Decorations for Group Honors or Degrees . g Standards of Honors ....... g Red Honors: Heroism g Riding g General Athletics g Athletic Specialties ic Water Sports and Travel ic Mountain Climbing .....