On pointing to this, and asking him what it meant, he said something, of which all that we understood was 'good,' and then stepped up to the painting, and took out his bow and quiver, which, with some other warlike instruments, were kept behind it.
"He then directed his wife to hand him his medicine-bag, from which he drew out fourteen forefingers, which he told us had belonged to the same number of his enemies, whom he had killed in fighting with the nations to the southeast, in which direction he pointed; alluding, no doubt, to the Snake Indians, the common enemy of the tribes on the Columbia.

This bag is usually about two feet in length, and contains roots, pounded dirt, etc., which only the Indians know how to appreciate.

It is suspended in the middle of the lodge; and it is considered as a species of sacrilege for any one but the owner to touch it.

It is an object of religious fear; and, from its supposed sanctity, is the chief place for depositing their medals and more valuable articles.

They have likewise small bags, which they preserve in their great medicine-bag, from whence they are taken, and worn around their waists and necks as amulets against any real or imaginary evils.