But he did not like to talk on the sub I have observed in ject. every part of the country, and among every tribe of Indians, and among those where I now am in and enjoined it on him.

a particular manner, such heaps of stones or sticks col lected on the like occasion as the above. The largest heapever observed, is that large collection of small stones

on the

mountain

between Stockbridge and Great Barringit is termed, between Plymouth and Sandwich, to which stones and sticks are always ton.

We have a Sacrifice rock, as

cast by Indians who pass it.

This custom or rite is an acknow We may style him the unknown

ledgment of an invisible being.

HUDSON RIVER INDUNS.

God, whom this people worship. This heap is his altar. The stone that is collected is the oblation of the traveler, which, if offered with a good mind, may be as acceptable as a consecrated

animal.

But perhaps these heaps of stones may be erected to

a local deity, which most

probably is the case."

There has always been manifested a disposition to invest the unexplained customs of the Indians with suppositions and super stitions.

Mr. Hawley's

description is marred in this respect.

The custom referred to had nothing of worship in it, nor was it

in recognition of an

u unknown

God," or of a

u local

deity."

The stone heaps were always by the side of a trail or regularly traveled path, and usually at or near a stream of water. The Indians paused to refresh themselves, and, by throwing a stone or a stick to a certain place, indicated to other travellers that a friend had passed.