ncroachments of their enemies and habitual liability to attacks
compels them to be at all times upon the alert. Even during profound
peace they guard their herds both night and day, while scouts are often
patrolling upon the surrounding heights to give notice of the approach
of strangers, and enable them to secure their animals and take a
defensive attitude.

When one of these people conceives himself injured his thirst for
revenge is insatiable. Grave and dignified in his outward bearing, and
priding himself upon never exhibiting curiosity, joy, or anger, yet
when once roused he evinces the implacable dispositions of his race;
the affront is laid up and cherished in his breast, and nothing can
efface it from his mind until ample reparation is made. The insult must
be atoned for by presents, or be washed out with blood.

WAR EXPEDITIONS.

When a chief desires to organize a war-party, he provides himself with
a long pole, attaches a red flag to the end of it, and trims the top
with eagle feathers. He then mounts his horse in his war-costume, and
rides around through the camp singing the war-song. Those who are
disposed to join the expedition mount their horses and fall into the
procession; after parading about for a time, all dismount, and the
war-dance is performed. This ceremony is continued from day to day
until a sufficient number of volunteers are found to accomplish the
objects desired, when they set out for the theatre of their intended
exploits.

As they proceed upon their expedition, it sometimes happens that the
chief with whom it originated, and who invariably assumes the command,
becomes discouraged at not finding an opportunity of displaying his
warlike abilities, and abandons the enterprise; in which event, if
others of the party desire to proceed farther, they select another
leader and push on, and thus so long as any one of the party holds out.

A war-party is sometimes absent for a great length of time, and for
days, weeks, and months their friends at home anxiously await their
return, until, suddenly, from afar, the shrill war-cry of an _avant
courier_ is heard proclaiming the approach of the victorious warriors.
The camp is in an instant alive with excitement and commotion. Men,
women, and children swarm out to meet the advancing party. Their white
horses are painted and decked out in the most fantastic style, and led
in advance of the triumphal procession; and, as they pass around
through the