compelled to give one, on account of gossip about her
conduct. Then it was in the nature of a challenge to the scandal-
mongers to prove their words! A similar feast was sometimes made
by the young men, for whom the rules were even more strict, since
no young man might attend this feast who had so much as spoken of
love to a maiden. It was considered a high honor among us to have
won some distinction in war and the chase, and above all to have
been invited to a seat in the council, before one had spoken to any
girl save his own sister.

It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness
to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if
allowed its way it will in time disturb the spiritual balance of
the man. Therefore the child must early learn the beauty of
generosity. He is taught to give what he prizes most, and that he
may taste the happiness of giving, he is made at an early age the
family almoner. If a child is inclined to be grasping, or to cling
to any of his little possessions, legends are related to him,
telling of the contempt and disgrace falling upon the ungenerous
and mean man.

Public giving is a part of every important ceremony. It
properly belongs to the celebration of birth, marriage, and death,
and is observed whenever it is desired to do special honor
to any person or event. Upon such occasions it is common to give
to the point of utter impoverishment. The Indian in his simplicity
literally gives away all that he has, to relatives, to guests of
another tribe or clan, but above all to the poor and the aged, from
whom he can hope for no return. Finally, the gift to the "Great
Mystery," the religious offering, may be of little value in itself,