THE SIOUX.

Lewis and Clark's French interpreter described other localities in the country of the Sioux nation, now known to be within the boundaries of Iowa, with sufficient accuracy to warrant the conclusion that he had some knowledge of the geography of the country, though not strictly accurate in some respects. He described the Little Sioux as having its sources within nine miles of the Des Moines, as passing through a large lake nearly sixty miles in circumference, and divided into two parts which approach each other very closely, as being very irregular in its width, as having many islands, and as being known by the name of Lac d'Esprit, or Spirit Lake This lake in the country of the Sioux, from the earliest knowledge of white men the chief seat of one of the Sioux tribes, we now know by the names of Spirit Lake and Lake Okoboji. The Sioux name of Spirit Lake was Min-ne Mecoehe Waukon, or " Lake of the Spirit Land." It is related that there was once an island in it which the Indians never ventured upon. They had a tradition that once several of the tribe landed upon the island from a canoe, when they were instantly seized and devoured by demons, and hence the name.

According to Schoolcraft, the Sioux were divided into seven independent bands, each having its own chief, but united as a confederacy for mutual protection. Each band sent its deputies to a general council when matters came up of sufficient importance to require united action. From time immemorial they were the inveterate enemies of the Chippewas, and maintained with them an almost constant warfare. Lieutenant Pike stated the numerical strength