This chain of flowers should make, as they dance, interweaving figures.  These can be left to the fancy of the dancers, but just what they are to be must be decided upon beforehand and rehearsed; otherwise the dance will not be successful and pleasing.

The dances for each kind of flower will require practice, for the character of each flower should be well brought out; the gentleness of the Violets can make a charming contrast to the waywardness of the Wild-roses and the pliant Daisies who are at home everywhere.

APPEAL FOR CLEAR SKY

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.—­Among those Indian tribes that lived outside the semi-arid sections of our country, the storm with its destructive force was the representative of war, and thunder was a war god.

Warfare was widespread among the tribes dwelling in the Mississippi valley; yet among these people the desirability and value of peace were recognized.  Honors won in a defensive fight gave the warrior higher rank than those gained in wars of aggression.  Rituals belonging to religious ceremonies, and also to war rites, taught that the first duty of the warrior was to protect the women and children, the fields and the food supply, for his strong arm and ready courage made the tribe’s only wall of defence against enemies.

These tribes had ceremonies relating to the maintenance of peace not only within the tribe but for the purpose of forming peaceful relations with other tribes.  The clear sky was the symbol of peace, of happiness and of prosperity, conditions the very opposite of those that attended war.

When a peace ceremony was in progress, if a storm arose it was looked upon as an omen of disaster.  At such a time, when clouds gathered, the people joined in ceremonial songs and appeals for clear sky, the symbol of peace.

The following dramatic dance and the accompanying songs are employed on such an occasion.  The songs are taken from ceremonies used to promote peace.

Properties.—­Staffs, about three feet long, with small blue flags, as many as there are dancers, the same number of blue head-bands and blue sashes.  The latter are to be worn from the right shoulder across the breast and tied at the waist under the left arm.  A drum.

Directions.—­This dance belongs to both sexes and boys and girls should, if possible, join in it.

THE DANCE

All the dancers stand facing the East, in one or more rows deep, according to the number, their staffs held in the right hand so that the flags will hang in front of each dancer, covering the chest, as they begin the following song: 

Song No. 1

  Away, away, dark clouds, away! 
      Leave the sky! 
  Go far away, dark clouds, to-day! 
      Leave the sky! 
  Stormy clouds, go far away, far away,
    Stormy clouds, no longer stay! 
      Leave the sky! 
  Go far away, dark clouds, to-day! 
      Leave the sky! 
  Stormy clouds, go far way, far away! 
      Stormy clouds, begone!