in life. The most arduous mountains are scaled in these pilgrimages.[1]
This custom obtains among the Apaches. The young warrior attaining manhood and going upon the war-path for the first time makes a vow to abstain from certain foods, not to scratch his head with his fingers, and not to let water touch his lips. The last two stipulations are evaded most cunningly. He provides himself with a small stick with which to do the necessary scratching; and, with equal ingenuity, hollows out a reed through which to suck all the water wanted when thirsty.
There is no sign or semblance of the brutal and disgusting sun-dance which, with its attendant gashings and mutilations, is the prominent religious festival of the Indians of the Plains. The reasons for the absence of this rite are not easy to conjecture; most assuredly they cannot depend upon any squeamishness on the subject of blood-letting.
In two important points, the religious system of the Apache is at variance with that of the Pueblos nearest him—the Zunis and Moquis. It is simpler in form, as might be expected from the difference in surroundings: the Zunis and Moquis inhabit towns, the Apache is a nomad. His religious thought is practically identical with that of his neighbours, but its expression is less ceremonious and elaborate.
- ↑ Cloud Peak, the highest point in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming, is a congeries of bald granite pinnacles, rising far above timber-line, and for years considered inaccessible. Its ascent was attempted without success by a number of daring army officers and scouts. It was at length effected by Major Stanton, of the Engineer Corps, and Lieut. Steeven, 3rd Cavalry. They picked their way slowly, and on hands and feet, along a "knife-edge", which led almost to the apex. On each side they glanced with dread into yawning chasms, while the beetling crags confronting them gave no signs of occupancy save by the screaming, defiant eagle. And yet to this most gloomy and secluded spot a pious and foolhardy Sioux or Cheyenne had made his way to consult the spirits with singing and sacrifice.
