The Purpose and Laws of the Woodcraft Indians
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III. The Purpose and Laws of the Woodcraft Indians
The Redman's Way
Thus have I shown forth the ways of the great Redmen. And their high code I would here set down for the growth and guidance of all young people, for the building up of their bodies and the helping and strengthening of their souls. That they may go forth with the seeing eye, the steady hand and muscles that fail not; and learn to know the pleasant ways of the woods, and be in all-wise masters of themselves. That no manner of stress or ill-fortune or hardship or wounding of the spirit may come, but they shall face it without flinching. Yea, with the calm fortitude of the Proven Minisino, rather rejoicing that the Great Spirit has been pleased to send them so noble an occasion to show forth how fully each one, by his will, is ruler of a great soul in its worthy tabernacle.
This is, indeed, the thought in our Nation and in the Lodge of Vigil:
Our watchword is “Blue Sky.” For under the blue sky, in the sunlight, we seek to live our lives; and our thoughts are of “blue sky,” for that means “cheer”; and when there are clouds, we know that the blue sky is ever behind them, and will come again.
Our totem is the white horned-shield, with horns of blue.94) The horns are given to fight, and the shield to ward off. In these, we symbolize that we are ready for all manner of trial.
Our war-cry is “How Kola! How Kola! How Kola! Shunka meneetu Yaooooooo!” (which is the “Hail! Brother,” and the wolf, and the howl of the wolf).
Our sign is the closed hand held up, with little finger and thumb out as horns; and raising the hand, so held palm forward to the head, and down, is both a courteous salute and a sign that we are of the Brotherhood. Some also in salute add the word “How,” or “Haw.”
THE LAWS
1. Obedience. Obedience is the foundation of all law; therefore, at all times; obey the law and the Chief and the Council of your Tribe, without evil-speaking or resentment or delay.
2. Courage. The greatest of all gifts is courage, and the meanest of faults is fear. In the words of Quonab, “My father taught me there is nothing that can shame a man but being afraid.”
3. Cleanliness. There is no strength without cleanliness. While the Redmen took an ice-cold morning plunge95)each day, from snow around again to snow, there were none on earth to match them in their strength. But when they fell from this high estate, and forgot the old way, their strength went from them, because with dirt came in disease, and they became its prey; for foul disease is ever the child of dirt, be it in person, in camp, in speech, or in mind.
4. Smoking. Let no one use tobacco till he be a fullgrown man of eighteen snows; and then only as a burnt sacrifice to the Great Spirit. In the child or the young brave, it saps the strength; but in the man it may be a helper of prayer and meditation.
5. Fire-water. No Fire-water in camp. Should we drink of destruction, or surrender to an enemy that will wreck our bodies and turn our wisdom into folly?
6. Wild-life. The Great Spirit made all things, and we have no right to unmake them, except we know it be to preserve ourselves. Therefore, protect all song-birds and harmless squirrels. Keep the game-laws, and do no harm to the beauty of the landscape.
7. Wild-fire. The forest is the father of the rivers and the game. There can be no good thing without the forest. The enemy of the forest is wild-fire. Therefore, at all times, be sure to fight it, and leave no camp fire unguarded, lest it should become wild-fire.
8. Kindness. Above all others, the great Tecumseh was kind to every man and to the beasts. And his kindness came again to him. It caused him no loss; no, not the value of a hair, and it gave him power over all men. Let each one strive to do at least one act of kindness every day, for thereby he becomes kinder, and his kindness comes to him again.
9. Play Fair. Play no game except according to the96)rules of the game. Loyalty is playing fair; foul play is treachery.
10. Silence. Do not hasten to speak before your elders. Keep silence in youth, then it may be your older thoughts will be worth the telling.
11. Reverence. Respect all worship of the Great Spirit; and show deference to those that are your elders.
12. Word of Honor. Word of honor is sacred.
THE RULERS OF THE NATION
The whole Nation is ruled by The Great Council, to which all our Head Chiefs, Rulers, Nobles, and Medicine Men may belong, if the Council itself invite them. They are many. They meet once a year, and elect in person:
The High Council of Guidance, which shall be made up of fifteen leaders of the Nation and the Head Chief of all the Medicine Lodges.
They meet as often as they need, and in them is power to make change and enforce all laws. These sixteen shall elect their own Chief, one of themselves. Seven shall be a sufficient and lawful meeting if duly heralded.
The whole Nation is divided into three Lodges:
The Little Lodge, for the very young (all under 15).
The Big Lodge, for the young men (of 15 years and all above).
The Medicine Lodge of the Old Guides and the Medicine Men (for those who have reached the years of manhood, even 21).
Tribe. Each of the first two Lodges is further divided into Tribes numbering from 20 to 100 members in each.
Band. And, again, each Tribe into Bands of 5 to 10 members each.
The Medicine Lodge, or Lodge of the Old Guides. This is97)open to all men of ripe years, who have shown a right spirit within, and loving the ways of the woods are willing to help; and who also are voted worthy by the Council of their Medicine Lodge. Nevertheless, the High Council of Guidance may withhold its consent, so the election becomes void.
If besides being Old Guides, they take also the degrees of Camper, Camp Cook, Camp Doctor, and Gleeman, or Herald, they may become Medicine Men of the Lodge, and for those who would follow further, there is the Inmost or Red Lodge of Power whose secrets are known only to the Head Chief of the Lodge and to certain others, but are not to be set down on paper, or given to the people at large.
In the Medicine Lodge, each Medicine Man has two votes, whereas each Old Guide has but one.
In every Tribe is at least one Old Guide or Medicine Man, who presides over their search for wisdom, and their Councils, in time of difficulty, helping with his experience and riper knowledge. Four times in every Moon, he should hold Council with his Tribe, from snow around again to snow.
THE INITIATION OF A BRAVE
All who would learn the life, and take on the vows of the other Lodges, must pass through three stages of: (1) Indian Boy; (2) Young Brave; and (3) Minisino or Tried Warrior.
Before being admitted as an Indian Boy, he must:
- (1) Know the laws of the Lodge.
- (2) Have slept out three nights without a roof overhead (tents allowed).
- (3) Be proposed, seconded, posted, for one Moon, if not in camp, or for seven suns when in camp; and then voted into a Band by that Band (one blackball to exclude).
After this, he faces some trial of his fortitude, and, if found worthy, may take the vow in this wise:98) Standing before the Old Guide or Medicine Man in open Council, he shall be questioned and instructed, so he shall; know more fully of the sacred purpose of the Order. Then,the Medicine Man shall say to him:
“Is it your serious wish to become a member of the Order of Woodcraft Indians?”
Ans. “It is.”
“Can any here testify that you have fully qualified, by learning the law of the Lodge, by sleeping out for three nights, and by being found acceptable to the Band you wish to join?”
Ans. (by the officer who knows): “Yes, O Chief, I can vouch for him.”
“You know our laws; we shall take them one by one.
(1) “Do you promise obedience to the Council?”
Ans. “I do.”
(And so, through the twelve laws, whereby he is bound to obedience, courage, cleanliness, abstinence from fire- water, tobacco; and to cherish the Great Spirit's gifts; and to kindness, fair-play, loyalty, silence, reverence, honor.) The Medicine Man then says: "Raise your right hand and say after me : '7 give my word of honor that I will obey the Chief and Council and the laws of my Tribe, and if at any time I fail in my duty, I will appear before the Council, when ordered, and submit without murmuring to its decision. ' " Now, the Medicine Man pins the badge over the candi- date's heart, takes him by the hand, and says: "I receive you into our Order, and, by this badge, I confer on you the degree of Indian Boy in the Band, and declare your instal- ation complete, as a member of ... . Band in the fLittle Lodgel iBig Lodge.") Thus he enters the Tribe and the Order by joining a Band.99)Purpose and Laws 67 THE LITTLE LODGE (For those under 15 years old.) Having thus entered the Little Lodge as Indian Boy, the next step is Young Brave. To become a Young Brave, the Indian Boy must: (i) Have served one month at least in his low degree. (2) Know fifty signs of the Sign Language. (3) Know ten forest trees. (4) Walk a mile in fifteen minutes. (5) Swim fifty yards. (6) Follow a trail a quarter of a mile (no snow) in one hour. (7) Know the Dipper and the Pole Star. (8) Light five successive fires with one match each, in different places; wildwood material only. (9) Have slept out twelve nights (it need not be in succession). Minisino or Tried Warrior, To become a Minisino the Young Brave must: (i) Know elementary first aid. (2) Know twenty forest trees; fruit, leaf and trunk. (3) Know one hundred signs of the Sign Language. (4) Light ten successive campfires with ten matches (with wildwood material). (5) Tie five standard knots in a rope. (6) Swim one hundred yards. (7) Walk three miles in one hour. (8) Know the Pole Star, the two Dippers, and at least three of the other constellations. (9) Have slept out thirty nights. (10) Be sunburnt to the waist. (11) Have cooked nine digestible meals by the campfire. (i 2) Have a good record in keeping the Laws of the Order.100)68 The Book of Woodcraft THE BIG LODGE (For those 15 years of age, and over.) To become an Indian Boy in the Big Lodge, the quali- fication is the same as in the Little Lodge, excepting that the candidate must be fifteen or over. If he is a graduate of the Little Lodge, he may take his Second Degree without waiting a month. Young Brave. To become a Young Brave, the Indian Boy must: Have had one month's service as Boy, and take the same tests as in the Little Lodge are required to quahfy for Minisino or Tried Warrior. Minisino. To become a Minisino, the Young Brave must: (i) Have a thorough course in first aid. (2) Know two hundred signs of the Sign Language. (3) Know ten constellations. (4) Know twenty-five native wild birds. (5) Know fifteen native wild quadrupeds. (6) Know thirty forest trees. (7) Know twenty wild flowers. (8) Swim one hundred yards in three minutes. (9) Make a rubbing-stick fire %vith tools made by himself. (10) Light fifteen successive fires with fifteen matches all in different places and with wildwood stuff. (11) Single-paddle a canoe one mile in twenty minutes, (i 2) Tie ten standard knots in a rope. (13) Make an Indian bed, or else a serviceable bow an(j arrow. (14) Dance any good campfire dance. (15) Walk four miles in one hour. I101)Purpose and Laws 69 (16) Set up a two-man tent, single-handed. (17) Be able to make a comfortable, rainproof shelter, and a dry, comfortable bed, also light a fire and cook a meal, including roast meat, boiled potatoes, and fresh bread, with no tools or utensils but a hatchet and what he can make with it. THE LAWS FOR THE RULING OF THE TRIBE I, NAME This Brotherhood shall be called " The (any local Indian name) Tribe of the < L. ^>Lodge of Woodcraft Indians." II. PURPOSE The true purpose of this Tribe in its Councils shall be to learn of the great Redmen, and to seek out and follow such things as they teach in the outdoor life and the pleasures of woodcraft, and help us to work actively for the preser- vation of wild-life and landscape, and cherish the spirit of Brotherhood, and, above all, see the Beautiful in all things, and through all these achieve a high manhood. III. WHO MAY ENTER Those who would enter must show themselves worthy, according to the established initiation. The number in the Tribe may not exceed 50 (or other number, as agreed). Those who would enter must be admitted to a Band, which is already part of the Tribe, or is afterward made such. The Indian Boy has no vote in the Tribe, nor can he hold102)yo The Book of Woodcraft office; he must first become a Young Brave. Young Braves and Minisino have each a vote, and may hold office. IV. COUNCILS A Council of the Tribe should be held in the first part of each Moon. The yearly Council for the election of officers shall be held on the first sun of the Crow Moon (March) or as soon after as possible. The moons are: Snow (Jan.), Hunger (Feb.), Crow or Wakening (March), Grass (April), Planting (May), Rose (June), Thunder (July), Red (Aug.), Hunting (Sep.), Leaf-falling (Oct.), Mad (Nov.), Long-night (Dec). Special Councils may be called by the Chief, and must be called by him upon the written request of one fourth of the Council, or one third of the Tribe. A quarter of the whole number shall be a quorum of the Council or Tribe. Seven suns' notice must be given before each Council. A Brave or Minisino may vote at any Council of the Tribe, by proxy in his own handwriting. V. THE RULERS OF THE TRIBE Head Chief, elected by the whole Tribe. He should be strong and acceptable, for he is the leader and must enforce the laws. He is Head of the Council and of the Tribe and has charge of the standard which bears the totem of the Tribe. The Second Chief takes the Head Chief's place in his absence; otherwise, he is merely a Councilor. He is elected by the whole Tribe. So, also, the elected Third Chief is leader, only when the other two are away.103)Purpose and Laws 71 Wampum Chief or Keeper. He is not elected, but appointed for one year by the Chief. He is charged with keeping the money and public property of the Tribe, except the records. He ought to have a lock-box or small trunk to keep valuables in. Chief of the Painted Robe or Feather Tally. He is not elected, but appointed for one year by the Chief. He keeps the tribal records, including the Book of Laws, the Roster or Roll, the Winter Count or Record of Camps and Seasons, and the Feather Tally, or Record of Honors and Exploits. He enters nothing except as commanded by the Council. He should be an artist. Sometimes one Councilor or Chief holds more than one office. The Old Guide or Medicine Man is elected and appointed by the whole Tribe. He is a member of the Council with- out election. Add to these the Chief of each Band or Clan in the Tribe, and all the Sachems and Sagamores (see page 74); pro- vided always that that number of non-elective members shall not exceed the number of elective members. These officers and Councilors form the governing body. (If there are too many Nobles, omit those who were latest raised to rank.) All disputes, etc., are settled by the Chief and the Coun- cil. The Council makes the laws and fixes the dues. The Chief enforces the laws. All rulers are elected or appointed for one year, or until their successors are chosen. The election to take place on, or as soon as possible after, Spring Day, which is the first Sun of the Crow Moon (March ist). Each year an Honorary Life Member may be elected. {Whenever in doubt, follow the National Constitution.)104)72 The Book of Woodcraft Vow of the Head Chief. (To be signed with his name and totem in the Tally Book.) I give my word of honor that I will maintain the Laws, see fair play in all the doings of the Tribe, and protect the weak. Vow of each Brave. {To he signed with the name and totem of each in the Tally Book) I give my word of honor that I will obey the Chief and Council of my Tribe, and if I fail in my duty, I will appear before the Council, when ordered, and submit without murmuring to their decision. VI. CHANGES OF THE LAW Changes of this code may be in harmony with the National laws made at any Council by a two-thirds vote of all the Tribe. Notice of proposed amendments shall be made public for at least seven suns before the meeting. VII. DUES Dues shall be, first a year; second, all assessments made by the Council for Tribal property; and, third, when necessary, the Council shall assess those taking part in camp. The initiation fee for new Braves shall be which shall include the first year's dues, but this shall not include assessments. VIII. SECRET It is charged that all keep secret the doings in Council. IX. LAWS AND PUNISHMENTS The laws are as already given on pages 62-64. Punishments are meted out by the Chief and Council, after a hearing of the case. They consist of:105)Purpose and Laws 73 Exclusion from the games or boats for a time. Reduction in rank, or of fines, etc. The extreme penalty is death; that is, banishment from the Tribe. THE BAND OR CLAN Each Band or Clan of not less than five or more than ten members, elects its Chief for one year, or until his successor is elected. The Chief appoints his own Second Chief, to act in his absence, and also a Tally Keeper, who should be an artist, for it is his office to keep the records, the Winter Count, and the Tally Robe of his Band, and it is his glory to embellish them in all ways. A Wampum Keeper, also, is needed, and may be appointed by the Chief, though he, himself may act, unless otherwise arranged. The other members, even those of lowest degree, sit in the Council without election. Two to fifteen, or even twenty, Bands, unite to form a Tribe. Every member of the Band is a member of the Tribe, because the tests are the same; and he may use the Tribal Totem and War Cry. But the Band has also a Totem and a War Cry of its own. The Band keeps its own Tally, and raises what dues it pleases. But it also pays dues to the Tribe and is repre- sented in the Tribal Council by its Chief and Nobles (if any) and such Tribal Councillors as it can elect. One Medicine Man or Old Guide may serve for the whole Tribe. COSTUMES The costume of the Little Lodge is a coat of oHve-green khaki, with knee breeches of the same. Across the back from shoulder to shoulder, a Une of fringe one inch deep. The costume of the Big Lodge, of the Old Guide, and of106)74 The Book of Woodcraft the Medicine Man, is the same, with fringe on the shoulders but not across the back; and may have on the trousers, down the outer seam, from the knee to the bottom, a fringe which begins at a quarter-inch deep, and widens gradually till it ends an inch deep at the bottom. On great occasions, much regaha and gorgeous Indian costumes are worn, but the badges are the same. TITLES OF NOBLES When a Brave has won 24 honors in either Lodge, accord- ing to the Standard of Honors, he may claim the title of Sagamore* He that has won 24 grand honors becomes a Grand Saga- more. He that has won 48 honors becomes a Sachem. He that has won 48 grand honors becomes a Grand Sachem. All Sachems and Sagamores sit in the Council of their Tribe without election, and by right of their honors. But the Lodges do not mingle; that is, a member of the Little Lodge cannot sit by right in a Council of the Big Lodge.
- During the ten years since the Order was founded only ten have won
the Sagamore's Crown, viz: Sagamore Plenty-Coups, 1905. (Douglas A. Miller, of Greenwich, Conn.) " Deerfoot, 1906. (Loraine M. Wood, of Rutherford, N.J.) " Deerslayer, 1906. (Willis R. Monroe, of Cos Cob, Conn.) " Silver-Fox, 1908. (S. Miller Jordan, of Rutherford, N. J.) " Kingbird, 19 10. (Jas. F. Gilkinson, of Middletown, Conn.) " Eagle-eye, 191 1. (Geo. L. White, of Cos Cob, Conn.) " Little Thunder, 191 2. (Albert E. Finiels, of Cos Cob, Conn.) " Little Beaver, 191 2. (Richard L. Burdsall, of Port Chester, N. Y.) " Karonawa, 191 2. (Paul Cecil Spofford, of Port Chester, N. Y.) " Ningonit, 191 2. (Edward D. Graber, of Greenwich, Conn.)107) BADGES OF RANK
The badge of the Indian Boy in the Little Lodge is a green ribbon, fastened on with a green pin bearing the blue horned white shield of the Woodcraft Indians.
The badge for the Young Brave in the Little Lodge is a blue ribbon, pinned on with the horned-shield pin. It is worn on the breast, but may be repeated, with the symbol cut out of cloth, and sewn on the arm.
INDIAN BOY (Little Lodge)
YOUNG BRAVE (Little Lodge)
MINISINO (Little Lodge)
(Big Lodge)
The badge for the Minisino or Tried Warrior in the Little Lodge is the same, but with red ribbon.
The badge of the Chief in either Lodge is a head-band with two horns on it, worn in addition to his other badge.
The badges for the Big Lodge are the same as for the Little Lodge, excepting that behind the emblem is a triangle or "Big Lodge" of yellow cloth. This is not seen in the badge of the Little Lodge, for the reason that the "Lodge" is so small, it is surely hidden behind the shield.
The titles, Sagamore, Grand Sagamore, Sachem, and Grand Sachem, also may be won by those of the Big Lodge, taking, however, the standards proper for their age.
On entering the Big Lodge, he does not carry with him the108)The Book of Woodcraft titles won in the Little Lodge, but begins again in his new degree. The badge of the Old Guide is the horned-shield on a broad blue band which goes around the left arm. The badge of the Medicine Man is the same, but with a red band, and on the shield are two eyes, to signify that he is a Seer, whereas, others move in blind- ness. The badge of the Sagamore is a black and white warbonnet. The badge of the Grand Sag- amore is a black and white, tuf- ted warbonnet. The badge of the Sachem is a black and white warbonnet with tail. The badge of the Grand Sachem is a black and white tufted warbonnet with two tails. All are worn on the spear arm, or on the breast. GRAND SACHEM THE STANDARD The standard of the Tribe or Band is a staff about eight feet long, painted red, and bearing a shield on which is the totem of the Tribe or Band. A small shield on top is white with blue horns, to typify the whole nation. The standard is carried around when a proclamation is being made. If the Chief deputes another to be Herald, he also gives him the standard to carry as a badge of authority. «109)Purpose and Laws
Some carry a banner standard instead of a shield stand- ard in which case the. banner is hung on a cross piece. When not in use, it is stuck in the ground, near the Chief's teepee or place in Council. TOTEMS The Totem of the whole Nation of BANNER STANDARDS. Woodcraft Indians is the White Buffalo head, symbolized by the Horned White Shield. This is used chiefly on Totem poles and on publications. Each Tribe, of course, has a special Totem. This is selected by the Council, and should be something easy to draw. So, also, each Band has its totem and, finally, each Brave adds a private Totem of his own, usually a drawing of his Indian name, if he wins one. The first of these Tribes took as its Totem a Blue Buffalo, and so became the Blue Buffalo Tribe ; and Deerf oot , the Chief, uses the Blue Buffalo Totem, with his own added underneath. ^110)78 The Book of Woodcraft As soon as organized, the Tribe or Band should select a Totem and a Call. Take one out of the accompanying Hst, or a modification of one of them; or take any one that is suggested by them. Thus, you might take the "Wild Cat," but wish to have it of some other color. This you are free to do. Take one, two, three, or even four colors if you like, but two are most convenient. When the book says "purple on green," that means the Totem is in purple; all the rest of the flag is green. Do not be afraid to select other colors, but always keep them as flat tints; avoid mere pictures on the flag. Lines are easily put in with black paint, when they are needed, which is not often. Any bird, animal, tree, or flower, will do for To- tem, but it is all the better if it have some special reason. One Tribe set out on a long journey to look for a Totem. They agreed to take the first living wild thing that they saw and knew the name of. They traveled all one day and saw nothing to suit, but next day, in a swamp, they startled a blue heron. It went off with a harsh cry. So they be- came the "Blue Herons," and adopted as a war cry the croak of the bird and its name — "Hrrrrr — Blue Heron. " Another Band may have the Wolf Totem. The Snap- ping Turtles were formed because their camp was on a lake that was the haunt of a huge snapper. The Flying Eagles had organized, but were sitting in Council waiting for a sign to guide them in choice of a name. A bald eagle came from the lake, flew over the camp, then went back on the lake. This was accepted as the sign, and the Tribe became the Flying Eagle Band of New Jersey111)Purpose and Laws 79 ORDER OF DOINGS IN COUNCIL The Head Chief, or the Herald he may appoint, walks around with the standard, announcing that a Council is to be held, and all must come to Council. The form used among the Ogallala is Neetah Kolah nahoonpo omneechee-yay nee-chopi. (My friends, give ear, a Council we hold.) For "assent" or "approval" we say How, for "dissent" or "no" we say Wah. Opening Council with Omaha Tribal Prayer. (See page 145) Roll Call. Tally of last Council and report of Tally Chief. Report of Wampum Chief. Reports of Scouts. Left-over business. Complaints. Honors awarded. New braves. New business. Challenges, etc. Social doings, songs, dances, stories. Closing Council. HOW TO BEGIN Suppose that you have a lot of fellows that want to form a Band of Woodcraft Indians. They ought to be a gang that usually goes together, not less than five or more than ten, between 8 and 15, or 15 and 18 years of age. They should live near each other. It is no use taking in fellows that live in another town. With these you organize a Band. This is how to go about it: Get a copy of the "Book of Woodcraft" from your local book-seller or from Doubleday,112)8o The Book of Woodcraft Page & Co., Garden City, L. I., N. Y., and read or tell them the first few pages, the Laws of the Lodges, and the Life of Tecumseh. Talk it over and see if all are fully inspired with the idea. If they take to it, get some suitable man to act as your Old Guide, which means he is a man of good character and able and willing to give the time. He must begin by breaking you in as Indian Boys. For this you quaUfy as follows: Know the Indian laws, signs, and salute. Have slept out three nights without a roof overhead. Be proposed, recorded, posted for one Moon, if not in camp, or for Seven Suns when in camp, and then voted into the Band by that band (one blackball to exclude). Unless this is the foundation of a new band in which case it is enough if all are willing to accept the candidate as a founder without waiting. Each then takes the pledge as given on pages 65-6, is enrolled as an Indian Boy, and is invested with the green badge. While the fellows are preparing, it is well to think on what name the band is to bear. Turn to the pages given Totems and Calls for suggestions. You should use some animal or object that is easy to draw and not already used by a band in your region, preferably one or something, that belongs to your country. Do not hesitate to make Uttle changes in the color, etc., of the design if you can make it more acceptable. Thus you may wish to use the Wolf Totem because some of your fellows are good at howling, or the Hoot Owl be- cause your leader has had some good lessons in hooting; but you cannot take them as they stand because there is already a Wolf and Hoot Owl Band in your region. All you need to do is to change the color, and make it the Black Wolf, Red Hoot Owl, etc., as you please.113)Purpose and Laws 8i For colors take two, three or four if you like, but two is the best combination. Having got the Band together let them elect for one year a Chief, one of their number, the natural leader of the gang. Let this leader get a blank book about 7x9, with about 200 pages in it, to be the Tally Book of the band. This he should either keep himself or appoint one of his band to keep. He should also appoint a Wampum Keeper or else take the office himself. THE TALLY BOOK AND HOW TO KEEP IT The Tally Book is the record of the Band's doings. It should be kept Uke the proceedings of any other society. The Tally Keeper who is an artist has a great advantage, as a few sketches and photographs thrown in make a most interesting variation. Some of these Tally Books are beautifully illustrated with colored drawings and are highly prized. In some cases each member has added his thumb mark in printer's ink opposite his name when first entered. The first page of the Tally Book should bear an inscrip- tion thus: The Tally Book of the Thunder Band (or whatever it is) of Woodcraft Indians For Example. The next page should say for example: On the First day of the Snow Moon (January) of 1910, the following assembled at No. 139 Tenth Avenue, to form a Band of Indians.114)82 The Book of Woodcraft Jas. Cameron as their Old Guide, John Smith Peter Petro Jas. O'Brien Sam Selig Patrick Keenan John June Robert Junk (The address of each added,) It was agreed that the regular order of business should be followed in all business meetings: The Old Guide takes the chair, or in his absence, or at his request, the Chief of the Band takes the chair and the meeting goes as follows: Roll Call New Braves Read the Tally of the last New business meeting Studies Report of Scouts Social doings, songs, dances, Left-over business stories Complaints Adjournment. Honors th Sun Snow Moon, 1910. Second meeting of Band. The Band assembled at 1149 East 9th St., the home of Sam Selig. At 7 o'clock the meeting was opened with Guide Cameron in the chair. The following also present: Smith, O'Brien, Keenan, Junk, Petro, and June. First the Old Guide announced that the Mohawks of Manhattan were not willing to take us in as a Band of their Tribe, as they had already 50 members. Next the following were examined, passed and duly sworn in as Indian Boys: Smith, O'Brien, Keenan, Junk, and June. This took in all the Band except two. It was decided therefore to go ahead and complete the organi- zation. After discussion it was agreed to call this the THUNDER BAND OF MANHATTAN (unattached),"115)Purpose and Laws 83 its Totem and colors to be a red thunder-bolt on a black circle in the middle of the white flag; our War Cry is to be: Rumble, Rumble, Thunder, Bang, Crash-sh-sh, begin- ning low and rising higher and stronger to the Bang then dying away on the sh-sh. A resolution to call it the "Bowery Pirates" was voted down, as was the suggestion to call it the "Yellow Dogs" — in spite of the fact that O'Brien could lead with a fine imi- tation of a small dog in deep trouble. Keenan said it was better than the dog could do it. Smith was elected Chief for one year. He appointed Keenan as his Second and Petro as his Tally Keeper. The rest of the time was spent teaching the laws to the other two and in taking the first lesson in Sign Language. The Old Guide gave us the Laws in a shorter form: The Indian Laws in Brief Obedience is the brave's first duty. Courage is the brave's highest gift. Keep yourself and your camp Clean. No Smoking till you are eighteen. No Alcohol in Camp. Take care of all harmless Wild-life. Ever guard against Wild-fire. Do at least one Kindness every day. . Play Fair. Foul play is treachery. . Keep Silence before your elders, unless duty bids you speak. . Respect all Worship of the Great Spirit. . Word of Honor is sacred. An assessment of loc each was made to buy badges and cover postage.116)84 The Book of Woodcraft An application was made by three fellows on Fourth Avenue for membership, but was refused as the Band was full. But they were invited to join the meetings as outside Scouts or visitors until they had enough to form a new Band under the same Guide. It was arranged to hold the next meeting at Keenan's, iioo Fifth Avenue. Meeting adjourned at 9 o'clock. th Sun Snow Moon, 1910. Third meeting of the Thunder Band. Held at Selig's as arranged. Old Guide Cameron in the chair. Etc., etc., etc. ist Sun Hunger Moon, 1910. Fifth meeting, etc. At this meeting Smith, the Chief, was able to qualify as a Young Brave, and so the Old Guide has sent for the badge. Two others expect to qualify before a month. The Thunder Band was sent into another room while the Old Guide organized the new band of six members. They are now THE SCREECH OWLS because two of them can screech so loud; but they wouldn't tell us how they did it, or what their War Cry is. Now we had two Bands, we agreed to unite and form a tribe, keeping our own Band just the same. The name decided on was the TRIBE OF THUNDER-ROLLERS OF THE LITTLE LODGE. So each puts a smaU Thunder Bird under the Totem of his Band. Nomina- tions were made at once for Tribal officers. The election came seven suns later. The Thunder Band got their Chief in as Head Chief. The other officers were about divided. Whenever we can, we have Tribal meetings, but Band meetings where only one Band is represented are easier to arrange. We have one about once a week.117)Purpose and Laws 85 The Guide says he will take us out camping next summer if we all pass as Young Braves. We are trying hard and mean to go. Our Guide says The Indian Brave must be like Tecumseh; besides a great master of Woodcraft he was H — onorable. O — bedient. W — ild-fire fighter. K — ind. O — pposed to foul play. L — over of wild life. A — Icohol hater. B — rave. R — everent. A — nti-smoker. V — ery modest. E — ver clean. Which, reading down the initials, gives us the greeting of our Tribes — How, Kola, Brave. WAR CRY OF THE BAND The Call or War Cry is something to be carefully con- sidered. It is a great help if you get it right. The howl of a wolf as suggested by " Yow-w-w" is not the same as the howl suggested by the wolf itself. Go to some zoo where they have a lot of wolves and wait till you hear a real howl. Oftentimes one can start them by howling. If you cannot get a wolf to show you, listen to some big dog doing it; it is pretty much the same. Remember the Call was used as a signal when in the enemy's country. If it is done exactly right, the enemy think it is done by the animal not by the Scout. The friends of the Scout know it is he that calls because he gives it the right number of times or at the right118)86 The Book of Woodcraft intervals. Thus perhaps the Barred Owl Call is given three times and the reply to that is arranged to be the cry but once. If the answer is given three times to the three-times Call that would mean that the one answering was not. a friend — it is either an enemy or the owl itself. It is such a great help to get the Call just right that cer- tain patrols have decided on a given Call, because that was one which they knew or could do. For these reasons it is well to avoid foreign animals, etc. Nevertheless those who have taken such as "Kangaroo," "Cockatoo," and "Rhino," need not change them but rather adopt some call that will serve their purpose in our own country. When it comes to such things as "Blue-Moon," "Echo," "Horseshoe," "Red-hand," etc., the Band can of course decide on any good yell, howl, whistle, squeak noise or call they like, only make it something pecuKar and far-reaching. They should practise it only among themselves. Out- siders are not supposed to know it. Remember then that the Calls and Totems given here are mere suggestions, you can take one of these (if it is not already in use in your town) or take any other bird, reptile, lish, animal or object that commends itself to you and is easy to draw. In many of the Totems suggested no Call or War Cry is given. To supply this use any local yell or cry that your fellows can do or invent or make with two sticks, stones, or other apparatus.119)Purpose and Laws BLUE BUFFALO. . On white ground. HORNED KINGBIRDS. . Black and white on pale red. AHMEEKS. . Black on red. A loud "slap-plong.' FLYING EAGLES. . Black and white on red. "Yek-yek-yek." MOON BAND. S. Yellow on blue. SINAWA. . Black on red. SILVER FOXES. . Black on white. OWENOKES. . Red with black lines on pale blue.
BLUE HERONS . Blue on green. "Hrrrrr." BLACKBEARS. . Black on red. RED TRAILERS. IQ03. Red on pale yellow. OWENOKES. V"^ MOON BAND. ,„„. V BLAZING ARROW. Red on pale yellow.120)88 The Book of Woodcraft RAVEN. Black on red. Hroo-Hroo. HOOT OWL. Black and yellow on green. Wa-ha-hoo-hoo. SCREECH OWL. Dark red, white face oo purple ground. Whil-il-il-loo A soft quavering cry. WOLF. Black on red for Wolves Brown on yellow for Brown Wolves. Red on pale blue for Red Wo'ves, etc., etc. Yew-w-w. WILD CAT. Gray or brown on tea green. Yah-row-roiu BLACK WOLF. Black on yellow or LOBO BAND; Gray on pink. Ya-hoooooo, Yow-woiv-wow. OKOKOHOO or CAT OWL. Red and white on purple. Eoo-lwo-hoo. ^ BLACK CAT. Black with yellow eyes oa yellow ground. Me-ow. FOX. Red on yellow for Red Foxes. Silver on gold tor Silver Foxes. Yap-yurrr. WILD CAT GRIZZLY. LITTLE BEAR. • brown on tea green. Brown. Black or brown on pale Yah-row-row Grr-woof. Woof-woof.121)Purpose and Laws
FIREBOAT. Dark blue on pale green. A long whistle. FLYING BLACK HAWK. Black on orange or red. THUNDER CANOE. Black or dark gray on pale blue. A whistle then a bang. % BLACK HAWK. Black on red. Kek-kek-kek. BALD EAGLE. White and brown on yellow. Krek-krek-kay. LOON. Black and white for Red Loon, Amber Loon, etc., on blue ground. A tremulous wkeoo. r"^ MUSTANG. Black Mustang, Red Mus- tang, and Wild Horse; on yellow ground. A long neigh. Y BUCKHORN. Black buck, etc., on pale green ground. A shrill, hissing whistle. BLUEHAWK. Blue on blood red. Indian ivarwhoop. NIGHT-BIRD. Brown andwhiteon pale blue- green. Peabody-peahody-peabody whistled. V JiH. A. FORKED LIGHTNING. Red or yellow on blue-green. Fizz-bang. .>=^v^ THUNDER. BUCK. SEABIRD. Orange on black. Purple on blue. Black and white. Bang-rumble-boom. A shrill whistle. Kee-way-u.122)90 The Book of Woodcraft SILENT BEAVER. Brown on blue. No mouth — no cry. RED-GODS. Red on pale blue. SHUNKA-REELA. (running fox) Yellow and black on pale blue. Yap-yahoo. STING RAY. Green with black marks oi pale red ground. BADGER. White and black on yellow ground. A rattling whistle. BLAZING STAR. Yellow star — red tail — oi blue. WHOOPING CRANE White on blue ground — black ^ij,g WOLVERINE. BLUE MOON. XaA-roo, a trumpeted croak. Black and pale brown on Pale blue on deep green, vhite. Any known night song. Garoooo. RED-GODS. COUGAR. Red with black lines on pale Dark brown on pale blue. blue. An awful yell. ECHO BAND. Pale on dark blue. Ek-ko.123)Purpose and Laws
BUGLING ELK. Dark brown on rose red. MOOSE. Black on pale green. A long smooth bellow. i ^H^ M^ FIRE-MOUNTAIN BAND. ^^I^^Kl^ ^ Blue mountain, red flames ^^^ on black. COYOTE. Yip-yip-yahoo-bang. Brown and white on yellow. Yoop-yoop-yah-yov) in as- cending side like a coyote's SyX^ WHITE MOUNTAINS CAT-IN-THE-NIGHT. Gray on black. Prow-row, THUNDERBIRD, Dark blue on yellow, white head. Lightning comestfrom his eye. FLYING EAGLE. White and brown on pale blue. Kek-Kek-Kek, WHITE MOUNTAINS or SNOW PEAK BAND. White on dark blue. Rutnble-shshsh. ARROW-FOOT. Red on blue field. SUNRISE BAND. Yellow on pale blue. Call a loud Yo-ho, yo-ho, yo- ho on ascending notes. f.^i MOHAWK. Black and red on olive green Indian whoop. COON. Gray with black marks on a SUNSET BAND, red ground. Red or yellow on blue-green A high pitched quavering or pink. Hoo-oo-oo-oo. A long descending whistle.124)92 The Book of Woodcraft LIGHT HEART. Red on pale blue. SHINING MOUNTAIN. Dark blue semi-circle with white mountain. KINGSNAKE. ^^^ q^ILL. YeUow with red spots. ^.^^ j^^^^^^ j,,^^^ ^.^ ^^j ground pale green. ^^^ ^^^^_ ^^ yg,j„^ ARROWHEADS. Turquoise blue arrow on dark brown. Ping. BLUE SKY Large blue circle on white. OJIBWA. Orange on pale blue. Peace Whoop. RED ARROW. Red on white. Zip-zip. BLACKFOOT. Black and red War Whoop. FLYING PATROL or FLEET FOOT or WINGED HEEL. White on red. YELLOW QUILL. All yellow with black tip on pale green.
o o O O <? THE SEVEN STARS. Pale pink on dark blue. / DEERFOOT. Yellow and black on blue- green. Pat-Pat-Pat RED-HAND. Red hand on gray. Eo.
HORSESHOE. Blue on pale yellow. Clink-Clank. SNAPPER BAND. Red on turquoise. Snap-ouch,
