CHAPTER Six.
NATIVE INDUSTRIES.
The Yosemites and other kindred or adjacent tribes have been branded as "Diggers," and are generally thought to be the lowest class of Indians in America, but in some lines of artistic work they excelled all other tribes.

For example, their basketry work, for domestic and sacred purposes, and their bows and arrows, were of very superior workmanship and fine finish.
BASKETRY AND BEAD WORK.
Many years ago the chief industry of the Indian women, aside from their other domestic duties, was the making of baskets.

They made a great variety of shapes and sizes for their common use, and also many of a more artistic design and finer finish for the sacred purpose of being burned or buried with their bodies, or that of some relative or dear friend, after death.

The baskets devoted to this special purpose are the finest made, but are very seldom seen by any white person, and are not for sale at any price.

This finest style of work seems to have been made a specialty by certain of the most artistic workers in each tribe.
[Illustration: MRS.