These nations have the virtues of savage life--a sense of honor, according to their perceptions of duty, mutual fidelity among individuals, a fortitude which mocks at the most cruel torments, and a devotedness to their own tribe which makes self-immolation in its defense easy. On the other hand, they treat their wives brutally, and their children with indifference. The apathy under the good and ill of life which the Stoic affected is the grand element of the Indian’s character. Gloomy, stern and severe, he is, it would seem, a stranger to mirth and laughter; yet, in their legends, frequent reference is made to laughter. All outward expressions of pain or pleasure he regards as a weakness; and the only feeling to which he ever yields is the boisterous joy which he manifests in the moment of victory, or under the excitement of intoxication. He is capable of great exertions in war or the chase, but has an unconquerable aversion to regular labor. He is extremely improvident; eats enormously while he has an abundance of food, without thinking of the famine which may follow; and, when liquors are supplied to him, will continue drunk for days. Corresponding to the priests among other peoples, the Indians have “Medicine Men;” they believe that these possess great power, and they trust implicitly in all their directions. THE GREAT SPIRIT. Most of the Indians of North America believe in the existence of a supreme being, whom they call the Great Spirit; and of a subordinate one, whose nature is evil and hostile to man. To the latter their worship is principally addressed; the Good Spirit, in their opinion, needing no prayers to induce him to aid and protect His creatures. They generally believe in a future state, in which the souls of brave warriors and chaste wives enjoy a tranquil and happy existence with their ancestors and friends, spending their time in those exercises in which they delighted when on earth. The Dakotas believe that the road to these “villages of the dead” leads over a rock with an edge as sharp as a knife, on which only the good are able to keep their footing. The wicked fall off and descend to the region of the Evil Spirit, where they are hard-worked, and often flogged by their relentless master. [Illustration: INDIAN MEDICINE MEN.] Showing the hideous costumes and decorations they sometimes assume in their incantations.] WORSHIP OF ANCESTORS.