This ceremony continues four days and nights in succession, in commemoration of the subsiding of the _flood_; and also for the purpose of conducting all the young men, as they arrive at manhood, through an ordeal of _voluntary torture_, which, when endured, entitles them to the respect of the chiefs, and also to the privileges of going on war-parties, and gaining reputation in war. The floor and sides of the lodge are ornamented with green willow-boughs. The young men who are to do penance, by being tortured, are seen lying around the sides of the lodge, their bodies covered with clay of different colours, and their respective shields and weapons hanging over their heads. In the middle of the lodge lies the old _Medicine-man_, who has charge of the lodge: he cries to the Great Spirit all the time, and watches these young men, who are here to fast and thirst for four days and nights, preparatory to the torture. Behind him, on the floor, is seen a scalping-knife and a bunch of splints, which are to be passed through the flesh; and over their heads are seen also the cords let down from the top of the lodge, with which they are to be hung up by the flesh. On the ground, and in front of the picture, are four sacks (containing several gallons each of water), made of the skin of the buffalo's neck, in form of a large tortoise, lying on its back. These are objects of veneration, and have the appearance of great antiquity. By the side of them are two _she-she-quoi_, or rattles, which are used, as well as the others, as a part of the music for the dance in the next picture. 505. This picture, which is a continuation of the ceremonies, is a representation of the Buffalo Dance, which they call _Bel-lohck-nah-pick_ (the Bull Dance).