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Title: The Later Cave-Men
Author: Dopp, Katharine Elizabeth, 1863-
Language: English
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*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "The Later Cave-Men" ***
[Illustration: THE LATER CAVE-MEN]
Industrial and Social History Series
_By KATHARINE ELIZABETH DOPP, Ph. D._
_The Extension Division of The University of Chicago.
Author of "The Place of Industries in Elementary Education"_
#Book I. THE TREE-DWELLERS.# THE AGE OF FEAR.
Illustrated with a map, 14 full-page and 46 text drawings in half-tone by
HOWARD V. BROWN. Cloth. Square 12mo. 158 pages.
_For the primary grades._
#Book II. THE EARLY CAVE-MEN.# THE AGE OF COMBAT.
Illustrated with a map, 16 full-page and 71 text drawings in half-tone
by HOWARD V. BROWN. Cloth. Square 12mo. 183 pages.
_For the primary grades._
#Book III. THE LATER CAVE-MEN.# THE AGE OF THE CHASE.
Illustrated with 27 full-page and 87 text drawings in half-tone by
HOWARD V. BROWN. Cloth. Square 12mo. 197 pages.
_For the primary grades._
#Book IV. THE EARLY SEA PEOPLE.# FIRST STEPS IN THE CONQUEST
OF THE WATERS. Illustrated with 21 full-page and 117 text
drawings in half-tone by HOWARD V. BROWN and KYOHEI INUKAI.
Cloth. Square 12mo. 224 pages.
_For the intermediate grades._
_Other volumes, dealing with the early development of pastoral and
agricultural life, the age of metals, travel, trade, and transportation,
will follow._
_TO_
The Children
Who Are Asking for More About the Cave-Men
I DEDICATE THIS BOOK
[Illustration: "_A feeling of awe came over them while they
worked._"--PAGE 172.]
THE
LATER CAVE-MEN
KATHARINE ELIZABETH DOPP
_Lecturer in Education
In the Extension Division of the
University of Chicago_
[Illustration]
RAND McNALLY & COMPANY
CHICAGO NEW YORK LONDON
_Copyright, 1906_
By KATHARINE ELIZABETH DOPP
_Entered at Stationers' Hall_
Edition of 1928
[Illustration: THE RAND McNALLY PRESS
RMN
& Co]
Made in U. S. A.
* * * * *
[Illustration: PREFACE]
The series, of which this is the third volume, is an attempt to meet a
need that has been felt for several years by parents and physicians,
as well as by teachers, supervisors, and others who are actively
interested in educational and social progress. The need of practical
activity, which for long ages constituted the entire education of
mankind, is at last recognized by the elementary school. It has been
introduced in many places and already results have been attained which
demonstrate that it is possible to introduce practical activity in
such a way as to afford the child a sound development--physically,
intellectually, and morally--and at the same time equip him for
efficient social service. The question that is perplexing educators
at the present time is, therefore, not one regarding the value of
practical activity, but rather one of ways and means by which
practical activity can be harnessed to the educational work.
The discovery of the fact that steam is a force that can do work had
to await the invention of machinery by means of which to apply the new
force to industrial processes. The use of practical activity will
likewise necessitate many changes in the educational machinery before
its richest results are realized. Yet the conditions that attend the
introduction of practical activity as a motive power in education are
very different from those that attended the introduction of the use of
steam. In the case of steam the problem was that of applying a new
force to an old work. In the case of practical activity it is a
question of restoring a factor which, from the earliest times until
within the last two or three decades, has operated as a permanent
educational force.
The situation that has recently deprived the child of the opportunity
to participate in industrial processes is due, as is well known, to
the rapid development of our industrial system. Since the removal of
industrial processes from the home the public has awakened to the fact
that the child is being deprived of one of the most potent educational
influences, and efforts have already been made to restore the
educational factor that was in danger of being lost. This is the
significance of the educational movement at the present time.
As long as a simple organization of society prevailed, the school was
not called upon to take up the practical work; but now society has
become so complex that the use of practical activity is absolutely
essential. Society to-day makes a greater demand than ever before upon
each and all of its members for special skill and knowledge, as well
as for breadth of view. These demands can be met only by such an
improvement in educational facilities as corresponds to the increase
in the social demand. Evidently the school must lay hold of all of the
educational forces within its reach.
In the transitional movement it is not strange that new factors are
being introduced without relation to the educational process as a
whole. The isolation of manual training, sewing, and cooking from the
physical, natural, and social sciences is justifiable only on the
ground that the means of establishing more organic relations are not
yet available. To continue such isolated activities after a way is
found of harnessing them to the educational work is as foolish as to
allow steam to expend itself in moving a locomotive up and down the
tracks without regard to the destiny of the detached train.
This series is an attempt to facilitate the transitional movement in
education which is now taking place by presenting educative materials
in a form sufficiently flexible to be readily adapted to the needs of
the school that has not yet been equipped for manual training, as well
as to the needs of the one that has long recognized practical activity
as an essential factor in its work. Since the experience of the race
in industrial and social processes embodies, better than any other
experiences of mankind, those things which at the same time appeal
to the whole nature of the child and furnish him the means of
interpreting the complex processes about him, this experience has
been made the groundwork of the present series.
In order to gain cumulative results of value in explaining our own
institutions, the materials used have been selected from the life of
Aryan peoples. That we are not yet in possession of all the facts
regarding the life of the early Aryans is not considered a sufficient
reason for withholding from the child those facts that we have when
they can be adapted to his use. Information regarding the early stages
of Aryan life is meager. Enough has been established, however, to
enable us to mark out the main lines of progress through the hunting,
the fishing, the pastoral, and the agricultural stages, as well as to
present the chief problems that confronted man in taking the first
steps in the use of metals, and in the establishment of trade. Upon
these lines, marked out by the geologist, the paleontologist, the
archæologist, and the anthropologist, the first numbers of this series
are based.
A generalized view of the main steps in the early progress of the
race, which it is thus possible to present, is all that is required
for educational ends. Were it possible to present the subject in
detail, it would be tedious and unprofitable to all save the
specialist. To select from the monotony of the ages that which is most
vital, to so present it as to enable the child to participate in the
process by which the race has advanced, is a work more in keeping with
the spirit of the age. To this end the presentation of the subject is
made: First, by means of questions, which serve to develop the habit
of making use of experience in new situations; second, by narrative,
which is employed merely as a literary device for rendering the
subject more available to the child; and third, by suggestions for
practical activities that may be carried out in hours of work or play,
in such a way as to direct into useful channels energy which when left
undirected is apt to express itself in trivial if not in anti-social
forms. No part of a book is more significant to the child than the
illustrations. In preparing the illustrations for this series as great
pains have been taken to furnish the child with ideas that will guide
him in his practical activities as to illustrate the text itself.
Mr. Howard V. Brown, the artist who executed the drawings, has been
aided in his search for authentic originals by the late J. W. Powell,
_director of the United States Bureau of Ethnology, Washington, D. C._; by
Frederick J. V. Skiff, _director of the Field Columbian Museum, Chicago_,
and by the author. Ethnological collections and the best illustrative
works on ethnological subjects scattered throughout the country have been
carefully searched for material. Many of the text illustrations of this
volume are reproductions of originals found in the caves and rock shelters
of France.
K. E. D.
_October, 1906._
* * * * *
[Illustration: CONTENTS]
PAGE
_Dedication_ 7
_Preface_ 8
_Contents_ 12
_Illustrations_ 13
THE LATER CAVE-MEN
THE AGE OF THE CHASE
PAGE
The Reindeer Start for their Summer Home 15
Chew-chew 20
Fleetfoot's Lessons 23
After the Chase 27
Why the Cave-men Made Changes in their Weapons 32
How the Cave-men Made Delicate Spear Points 36
The Return of the Bison 41
The First Bison Hunt of the Season 46
What Happened when the Children Played with Hot Stones 50
Why the Children Began to Eat Boiled Meat 54
The Nutting Season 56
Why Mothers Taught their Children the Boundary Lines 62
What Happened to Fleetfoot 65
How the Strangers Camped for the Night 69
Fleetfoot is Adopted by the Bison Clan 72
How the Cave-men Protected Themselves from the Cold 77
How the Children Played in Winter 81
Overtaken by a Storm 84
How Antler Happened to Invent Snowshoes 88
How Antler Made Snares 92
How Spears Were Changed into Harpoons 97
How the Cave-men Hunted with Harpoons 101
How the Cave-men Tested Fleetfoot and Flaker 105
Fleetfoot and Flaker See a Combat 109
What Happened when Fleetfoot and Flaker Hunted the Bison 111
What the Cave-men did for Flaker 115
How Flaker Learned to Make Weapons of Bone 118
How Flaker Invented the Saw 121
The Reindeer Dance 124
Fleetfoot Prepares for his Final Test 128
Fleetfoot Fasts and Prays 132
The Meeting of the Clans 139
What Happened when the Clans Found Fleetfoot 143
Fleetfoot's Return 147
Willow-grouse 150
How Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse Spent the Winter 153
How Willow-grouse Learned to Make Needles 157
How Flaker Became a Priest and a Medicine Man 161
How the Cave-men Learned to Boil and to Dry Foods 165
The New Home 168
How the Clans United to Hunt the Bison 173
How Things Were Made to Do the Work of Men 178
How the Cave-men Rewarded and Punished the Clansmen 182
_Suggestions to Teachers_ 185
[Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS]
FULL PAGE
PAGE
"_A feeling of awe came over them while
they worked_" Frontispiece
"_Pigeon boiled meat and gave it to
the men, and they all sounded her
praises_" 14
"_The reindeer swam through the deep
water and waded out to the opposite
bank_" 17
_Chew-chew telling stories to Fleetfoot_ 21
"_Then Scarface threw, and all the
horses took fright_" 25
"_Chew-chew took her basket and started
up the dry ravine_" 29
"_She took a flint point and scratched
the men's arms until she made big
scars_" 31
"_Straightshaft saw the herd at sunrise
and made a sign to the men_" 42
"_At the close of the day there was not
a little valley in the surrounding
country that did not have a herd of
two or three hundred bison_" 45
"_With a quick snort he turned and
charged_" 47
"_Chew-chew tried to teach the children
how to know the hissing sound_" 53
"_All the women and children went
nutting_" 57
_The wild hogs were having a feast_ 59
"_Mothers taught their children what
the boundaries were_" 63
"_A big man caught him, and put him
upon his shoulder_" 67
"_The tent was an old oak, which reached
out long and low-spreading branches_" 70
"_Greybeard asked Fleetfoot to drop the
hot stones in the water again_" 76
"_When the men saw the new garment they
wondered how it was made_" 79
"_But many could find no protection, so
they turned about and faced the storm_" 87
"_And so the Cave-men tested the boys in
many different ways_" 104
"_Then their antlers crashed in a swift
charge_" 108
"_They looked so much like wolves that
they got very close before the bison
threatened_" 113
"_What the Cave-men did for Flaker_" 116
"_People began to wander away from their
old homes_" 129
"_It was the melting of this glacier which
fed the little stream_" 136
"_Greybeard, now old and feeble, walked
all the way to the spot_" 171
_After the bison hunt_ 181
TEXT
_A reindeer_ 16
_A stone ax_ 24
_A stone knife_ 32
_A laurel leaf_ 32
_Laurel leaf-shaped spear point_ 32
_A stone scraper_ 34
_A shaft-straightener_ 35
_A delicate spearhead_ 36
"_When the Cave-men held the flint in
the hand, the hand yielded to the
light blow_" 37
"_While Scarface placed the punch he
sang in low tones_" 37
_Straightshaft using a flaker_ 38
_A flaker_ 39
_An ibex_ 43
_A bear's tooth awl_ 51
_A scraper_ 73
_A skin stretched on a frame_ 73
_A hammer of reindeer horn_ 74
_A cave-man's glove_ 80
_A stone maul_ 89
_Fur gloves_ 90
_A snowshoe_ 91
"_Then she set snares on the ground
and fastened them to strong branches_" 94
"_Antler learned to protect the cord
by running it through a hollow bone_" 94
"_So it ran along and nibbled the bait
until its sharp teeth cut the cord_" 95
_A chisel-scraper_ 98
_A barbed point_ 99
_A harpoon_ 100
_Chipper using a spear-noose_ 102
_A Cave-man's carving of a "hamstrung"
animal_ 114
_A wedge or tent pin_ 119
_The head of a javelin_ 120
_A small antler_ 121
_A knife with two blades, a saw, and
a file, all in one_ 122
_A Cave-man's dagger_ 123
_A Cave-man's mortar stone_ 125
_A drum_ 126
_The engraving of a cave-bear_ 131
_A stone borer_ 134
_A necklace of fossil shells_ 139
_A throwing-stick_ 145
_An Irish deer_ 146
_A fragment of a Cave-man's baton,
engraved_ 147
_A Cave-man's nose ornament_ 149
_A Cave-man's baton, engraved_ 149
_An Eskimo drawing of reindeer
caught in snares_ 151
"_A piece of sandstone for
flattening seams_" 152
_A reindeer snare_ 152
_Three views of a Cave-man's
spearhead_ 154
"_It was during this time that the
Bison clan learned to use the
throwing-stick_" 155
_Harpoons with several barbs_ 156
_A bone awl_ 157
_A bone pin_ 157
_A large bone needle_ 157
_A bone from which the Cave-men
have sawed out slender rods
for needles_ 158
_A piece of sandstone used by
the Cave-men in making needles_ 158
_A flint comb used in rounding and
polishing needles_ 158
_A flint saw used in making needles
of bone_ 158
_A short needle of bone_ 159
_A flint comb used in shredding fibers_ 159
_A long fine needle of bone_ 159
_Two views of a curved bone tool_ 160
_A Cave-man's engraving of two herds
of wild horses_ 162
_A Cave-man's carving of horses' heads_ 163
_A Cave-man's engraving of a reindeer_ 163
_Harpoons of reindeer antler_ 166
_A flint harpoon with one barb_ 167
_A spoon-shaped stone_ 167
_A baby's hood_ 169
"_In summer he played in the basket
cradle_" 169
_First step in coiled basketry_ 170
_Second step in coiled basketry_ 170
_Three rows of coiled work_ 170
_A water basket_ 172
_A Cave-man's engraving of a tent
showing the interior structure_ 175
_A Cave-man's engraving of a tent
showing the exterior_ 175
_A Cave-man's engraving of a tent
with covering pulled one side so
as to show the ends of the poles
which support the roof_ 175
_Framework showing the best kind of
a tent made by the Cave-men_ 176
_A tent pin_ 176
_Handle of a Cave-man's hunting-knife
with engraving_ 182
_A hunter's tally_ 183
_Fragment of Cave-man's baton_ 183
_Engraving of a seal upon a bear's
tooth_ 184
_A Cave-man's hairpin, engraved_ 184
[Illustration: "_Pigeon boiled meat and gave it to the men, and they
all sounded her praises._"--_Page 166._]
* * * * *
THE LATER CAVE-MEN
THE AGE OF THE CHASE
I
_The Reindeer Start for their Summer Home_
Every winter the reindeer came to the wooded hills where the Cave-men
lived. No matter how deep the snow, they always found food. Sometimes
they stretched their slender necks and ate moss from the trees. Again
they scraped up the snow with their forefeet and found dry grass.
The reindeer liked cold weather. They liked the north wind that
brought the snow. As soon as the snow began to melt, they started
toward the mountains. In the high valleys among the mountains, there
was snow all the year round.
One morning the Cave-men awoke and found the south wind blowing. All
the people were glad; for they knew it would drive the winter away.
The reindeer sniffed the warm wind and knew it was time to go. Each
leader signaled to his herd. And soon the wooded hills were dotted
with small herds moving toward the ford.
Straightshaft saw what the reindeer were doing and he signaled the
news to the men. Then the Cave-men gathered around Scarface, who was
to lead them in the hunt.
The children had listened to all that was said about the great herd.
They could scarcely wait to see it. Fleetfoot pulled his grandmother's
hand and started up the cliff. Chew-chew wanted to see the herds meet
at the reindeer ford. All the women wanted to see the great herd
before it went away. So they all climbed the cliff where they could
get a good view.
When the children saw a herd near the river, they clapped their hands
and shouted. Then Chew-chew pointed out many herds and they all danced
for joy.
The scattered herds were coming slowly down the little valleys. Each
followed a handsome leader headed toward the ford.
[Illustration: _A reindeer._]
"Look!" said Chew-chew as the leader of a herd plunged into the river.
The herd plunged too, for reindeer know it is best to follow their
leader. The reindeer swam through the deep water and waded out to the
opposite bank. Then the frightened creatures hurried on toward the
well-known ford.
[Illustration: "_The reindeer swam through the deep water and waded
out to the opposite bank._"]
"Why did the reindeer jump into the river?" asked Fleetfoot of
Chew-chew. Before she could answer Eagle-eye pointed to a big
cave-bear. The cave-bear was going into a thicket when Fleetfoot
heard his mother say, "Cave-bears and hyenas hide in the thickets.
They lie in wait for the herds."
Scarface seemed to be lying in wait on some rocks by an evergreen
tree. He had stopped on his way to the reindeer pass to see what had
frightened the herd.
While the men were going to the pass, the reindeer were gathering at
the ford. Several herds of two or three hundred each were already
there. Other herds were coming. The flat sandy banks on one side of
the river were already covered with reindeer. Soon the ford was
filled, and the reindeer began to press up the narrow river valley.
When at last all the herds from the wooded hills were gathered at the
ford, the handsomest leader of all stepped forth to lead the way.
After looking around to see if an enemy was near, he started up the
well-trodden trail through the narrow river valley.
Slowly the great herd began to move. To those watching from the cliff,
it looked like a moving forest. Those in advance were soon out of
sight, and were going toward the pass.
Meanwhile the men had reached the pass where the bravest ones hid at
the farther end. There they waited to spear the reindeer, while others
hid behind rocks near the entrance to drive the reindeer on.
While the women and children watched from the cliff a signal came from
the men. It was a call for the women to come and carry the reindeer to
the cave. The younger women went, but Chew-chew stayed and watched
with the children.
At length the Cave-men returned. The men brought trophies and the
women brought heavy loads of meat. They found Chew-chew and the
children still watching from the cliff. There they all watched for a
long, long time; for not until the sun was low down in the sky had the
last of the reindeer left the ford.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Model a large river valley with many little valleys in it. Show
where the small herds were. Model the cliffs along the river and
show the flat sandy banks on one side, and the narrow valley with
steep sides on the other._
_Find rocks and make the reindeer pass. Make the trail from the ford
through the narrow valley to the pass._
_Play the story this lesson tells._
_Draw one of these pictures_:--
_The reindeer stretched their slender necks and ate moss from the
trees._
_The reindeer sniffed the warm wind and knew it was time to go._
_Fleetfoot pulled his grandmother's hand and started up the cliff._
_The cave-bears and hyenas hide in the thickets._
_Hunting at the reindeer pass._
_Show how Eagle-eye loaded a reindeer upon her back. Model Eagle-eye
in clay so as to show how she carried the reindeer._
II
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If you have read the story of "The Early Cave-men," tell how the
cave that was flooded was made.
Can you think of any other way in which a cave might be made?
If you have ever seen a shallow hole in a cliff, see if you can
find out how it was made. If such a hole was made in a very soft
rock what would happen to it? What would happen to a hole made in
a hard rock?
See if you can find a piece of limestone. What do we use limestone
for?
If we wanted a house of limestone, what would we do to get it? When
the Cave-men wanted a limestone house, what did they do?
_Chew-chew_
Chew-chew was the oldest woman in the cave at the Fork of the River.
She was not as strong as she once had been; but she was still able to
lead the women in their work. Her sons' wives carried the heaviest
burdens, but Chew-chew still carried heavy loads.
Chew-chew was the wisest woman in the cave. When the other women did
not know what to do, they always asked Chew-chew. The bravest men were
always glad to get Chew-chew's advice. The children thought nobody
could tell such stories as Chew-chew told.
Chew-chew and all of her children belonged to the Horse clan. All the
children in those days took the clan name of their mother. Chew-chew's
sons had captured wives from the Reindeer clan. And so the children in
Chew-chew's cave belonged to the Reindeer clan. It thus happened that
in every cave there were people of different clans. But since
Chew-chew was the oldest woman in the cave, we shall call the people
at the Fork of the River by the name of the Horse clan.
[Illustration: _Chew-chew telling stories to Fleetfoot._]
Chew-chew often told the children about her first home. She told them
about the cave near the River of Snow, which was much like the cave
which sheltered them. She told them about the wide shelving rocks
which were like the ones above their cave. And she told how frightened
her people were the day a rock fell near the mouth of their cave.
No one knew at the time what made the rock fall. No one knew there was
no need of being afraid. Some one said that the god of the cliff was
angry and that he had pushed the rock down. Everybody believed the
story. So nobody dared go near the cave.
But the Cave-men needed a shelter. So they offered gifts to the god of
the cliffs. When they thought he was satisfied, they all went back to
the cave. And after a while they used the big rock as a table for
their work.
Chew-chew wanted the children to grow to be brave and wise. So she
told them stories of the bravest and wisest people of her clan. She
told them stories about their grandfathers who were the heroes of the
olden times. And Fleetfoot never grew tired of hearing about the
wonderful things which his grandfathers did.
And so Chew-chew taught the children all she thought they ought to
know. And they looked into her eyes and listened to all that she said.
#THINGS TO DO#
_If there are cliffs or shelving rocks near by, go and see them.
Find places where you think caves may form. Find out why it is that
the rocks shelve. Why does a shelving rock sometimes break and fall
to the ground?_
_Model the cliffs which you find. Model a cave which is formed in a
cliff._
_Tell a story which you think Chew-chew might have told to the
children._
_Play one of these plays:_--
_Chew-chew telling stories to the children._
_What the people did when the rock fell near the mouth of the
cave._
_Draw a picture of something which you have played._
III
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why did Chew-chew tell the children stories about their
forefathers?
Why do we like to hear such stories?
Do you think that the later Cave-men will hunt in just the same way
that the early Cave-men did?
What change took place in the animals while the Cave-men were
learning to be good hunters? What change did the Cave-men have to
make in their hunting on account of this?
Of all the animals you know, which are the fastest runners? Can you
think how they became fast runners?
_Fleetfoot's Lessons_
When the men were at home, Fleetfoot liked to stay with them. He liked
to watch them make spears; he liked to watch them run races; he liked
to listen to the stories they told about the wild animals.
When the men went out to hunt, Fleetfoot wanted to go with them. But
he was a little boy, and had to stay at home. Sometimes he went with
his mother when she went to dig roots; sometimes he went with her to
gather twigs for baskets. But the safest place for little children was
not far from the fire. So Fleetfoot stayed at home nearly all the
time.
While the children played near the cave, Chew-chew broke fagots with a
stone ax. When she was ready to sit down, they all gathered around
her. They knew that that was one of the times when Chew-chew told
them stories.
[Illustration: _A stone ax._]
This time Chew-chew began with a story of the early Cave-men. She told
of animals that stood their ground and fought instead of running away.
She told about the strong spears and axes made to conquer the wild
beasts. She told of brave and daring deeds of the heroes of olden
times.
None of the animals feared man before he had fire. And for a long time
afterward none of them feared him without a torch. But the early
Cave-men made strong weapons after they had fire. They struck hard
blows with their stone axes, which the animals learned to fear.
Grass-eating animals feared beasts of prey long before the
Tree-dwellers lived. Wild horses learned to run fast by trying to
escape from packs of wolves. They learned to keep sentinels to watch
while the herd fed. All the grass-eating animals learned to do this.
The sentinels signaled at a sign of danger, and then the herd ran; and
so their enemies learned to hunt by following the chase.
When Chew-chew was tired of telling stories, she marked out a path for
a race. Then she showed the children how to get a fair start, by
standing abreast and holding a stick.
The children learned to keep in step until they reached the real
starting place. Then they dropped the stick and ran. And they all
clapped their hands and cheered the one who won the race.
[Illustration: "_Then Scarface threw, and all the horses took
fright._"]
After the children had raced a long time, they came back to Chew-chew
for another story. And this time she told them stories about the men
of their own clan. They often chased the animals from early morn until
noon. At first they got very tired when they went on a long chase. But
the more they practiced running, the better they hunted in the real
chase.
When the story was ended, the children climbed the cliff. Chew-chew
went with them and they all looked at the wild horses going up the
trail.
The horses had been to the river to drink and now they were going
away. They were following their leader up the trail which led to the
grassy plains.
Chew-chew knew where the men were lying in wait and she pointed out
the spot. The children looked just in time to see Straightshaft throw
his spear. Then Scarface threw, and all the horses took fright.
Up hill and down, through bushes and briars, the horses galloped away.
The Cave-men followed the wounded ones, hurling their spears as they
ran.
The chase was long and weary, and some of the wounded horses escaped.
But the men returned with many trophies and the women brought heavy
loads of meat.
The trophies the Cave-men prized the most were the heads of the wild
horses. They kept these trophies near the cave, and they thought that
they were charms. The Cave-men thought that the horses' heads would
bring more horses to the hunting grounds.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tell a story about the age of combat. Tell a story about the age of
the chase. Draw a picture to illustrate each story._
_Show on your sand-map where the men were lying in wait for the
horses. Model the trail which the horses followed._
_What chasing game do you know how to play? Can you think how some
of these games first started?_
_Why do people not try to run as fast in a long race as in a short
one?_
_Model in clay something which you might name "The Age of Combat."_
IV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
How do you feel after you have had a long, hard chase?
What does your mother tell you to do when you come in dripping with
sweat?
How do you think the Cave-men learned to take care of themselves?
When they were lame and stiff, do you think they would know what
made them so? Think of as many things as you can that they might do
to make themselves feel better.
_After the Chase_
When the long, hard chase was over, the Cave-men were tired and
dripping with sweat. All but Scarface threw themselves upon the cold
ground to rest.
It was Scarface who blew the whistle which called the women to the
spot. It was he who guarded the carcasses until the women came. And
while the women skinned the horses he sat on a log to rest.
It was sunset when they reached the cave. All joined in a feast upon
horse flesh, then they slept until break of day. It was then that the
men groaned with pain. Their muscles ached, and they were so lame that
they could scarcely move. Scarface alone of all the men was not
suffering with pain.
Perhaps you can tell what made the men lame. None of the Cave-men
knew. Everybody thought that an angry god was trying to punish them.
And so the men tried to drive the god away by raising fearful shouts.
Then they asked Chew-chew's advice, and Chew-chew took her basket and
started up the dry ravine. There she found bitter roots which she
gathered and carried home.
No one knew at that time how to steep roots, for people had not
learned how to boil. So Chew-chew chopped the roots with a stone
chopper and laid them upon hot stones. And while the men breathed the
bitter fumes, Chew-chew threatened the angry god and commanded him to
go away.
In a few days the men were well and it was almost time to go hunting
again. Straightshaft feared the angry god. He talked with the men and
they wondered why it was that Scarface escaped. They looked at his
deep scar which a tiger's claw had made. And then they looked at the
trophies of Scarface which he wore about his neck.
Every Cave-man admired the deep scar of the bravest man in the clan.
Every man wished that he, too, could show such a scar as that. And the
men began to wonder if the scar was a kind of a charm.
[Illustration: "_Chew-chew took her basket and started up the dry
ravine._"]
The more the men talked about the scar, the more they wanted scars.
They talked with Chew-chew about it, and at last decided to let her
make scars.
So Chew-chew muttered prayers to the gods, and asked them not to hurt
the Cave-men. Then she took a flint point and scratched the men's arms
until she made big scars.
Years afterward, when people made scars, they stained them with all
sorts of things. Sometimes they stained the scars with juices of
plants, and sometimes they colored them with paints.
The Cave-men thought they could protect themselves by scars, and by
all sorts of charms. So they kept on making scars, and they hunted for
all sorts of charms.
But no matter how many charms they wore, they often were lame and
stiff. Some one must have noticed that they were more apt to be lame
after sitting on the cold ground while they were warm. For after a
while the custom grew of never sitting on the bare ground while they
were warm.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Draw or paint a pattern which you think the Cave-men might have
tattooed upon their arms. Where do we put the pictures which we
make?_
_Find and name as many roots and herbs as you can that are used as
medicines._
_What animals have you seen eating herbs?_
_What mistakes did the Cave-men make when they tried to cure
themselves?_
[Illustration: "_She took a flint point and scratched the men's arms
until she made big scars._"]
V
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What way can you use a spear besides thrusting it with one or both
hands?
What changes do you think the Cave-men made in their spearheads
when they began to throw spears? What changes do you think they
made in the shafts?
How do you think the Cave-men made straight shafts for their
spears? What do we do with wood when we wish to bend it?
_Why the Cave-men made Changes in their Weapons_
[Illustration: _A stone knife._]
While the Cave-men were resting from the hunt, they did a great many
things. They practiced running; they hunted for stuff to make new
weapons; they worked upon their weapons and trophies; they learned new
hunting dances. No matter what they did, they always asked their gods
to help.
[Illustration: _A laurel leaf._]
[Illustration: _Laurel leaf-shaped spear point._]
All the later Cave-men learned to make light spears and javelins. The
clumsy spear which served Strongarm so well was not what Scarface
needed. But in the days of the early Cave-men the heavy spear was a
good weapon. Strongarm cared as much for his spear as you do for your
dog. It was like a friend in time of need. Few animals could withstand
Strongarm's blow when he grasped his spear in one or both hands and
lunged forward with all his might. His spear was a powerful weapon.
But Strongarm lived in the age of combat when people fought animals at
close range.
The later Cave-men did not make light spears and javelins all at once.
They began by throwing heavy spears. Chew-chew could tell of many a
hunter who lost his life throwing a spear. Sometimes it was because
the spear was too heavy to throw with enough force. Sometimes it was
because the shaft was crooked and the spear did not go to the right
spot.
When the Cave-men practiced throwing, they did not stand still and
throw. They took aim and threw as they ran. That was the kind of
practice they needed for the real chase.
The mark, too, was a moving mark. It was made of a bundle of branches,
or an old skin stuffed with leaves. While one man dragged it by a long
cord, the others ran after it, throwing their spears.
A Cave-man could wound an animal with a spear, but he could not give a
deadly blow. There was always danger of the wounded animal turning
upon the hunter. A skilled hunter with a good spear ran little risk in
throwing it. But not all the Cave-men had enough skill. Not all of the
Cave-men made good enough weapons to be thrown with a sure aim.
And so the Cave-men learned new ways of making and using spears.
Perhaps they did not want to do it. But they had to do it or die. So
you see why the men and boys spent most of their time in learning to
follow the chase. Even the women and girls learned to hunt and to
make all sorts of weapons.
Long before Scarface lived the Cave-men began to make lighter spears.
The straighter they made the shaft, the easier it was to hit the mark.
And so the Cave-men began to vie with one another in making the
straightest and smoothest shafts.
[Illustration: _A stone scraper._]
When they cut the sticks for the shafts the Cave-men made gifts to the
wood-gods, and asked for the straightest and toughest branches that
grew on the trees. Then they cut the branches carefully and carried
them home to the cave. There they peeled them from butt to tip and
smoothed them with stone scrapers. Sometimes they rubbed them with fat
and laid them away to dry. It was hard work to make a crooked stick
straight. But the Cave-men tried many ways and at last they learned to
make as beautiful shafts as ever have been made.
When the Cave-men pulled the shaft back and forth on the sandstone,
they made deep grooves in it. We have found pieces of grooved
sandstone that the later Cave-men used. Sometimes they would clamp a
crooked stick between a grooved piece of sandstone and a flat bone.
Then they would pull and twist, and pull and twist, and pull and twist
that stick back and forth until the crooked place was made straight.
[Illustration: _A shaft-straightener._]
When Scarface was very old he made a shaft-straightener of a piece of
reindeer horn. He carved the head of the reindeer upon it, and made a
hole for the shaft. Then he thrust the crooked stick through the hole
and turned the shaft-straightener round and round as we turn a wrench,
until he straightened the shaft.
#THINGS TO DO#
_See if you can find a good branch for a shaft. If you have a right
to cut the branch, see if you can make it into a shaft._
_Find a stone which you can use for a scraper. What else can you use
as a scraper?_
_If you do not care to make a shaft, make something else out of the
stick which you straighten._
_Name the things which you have at home or at school made of wood._
_Make a collection of the different kinds of wood which you know._
_Which of these are soft wood? What do we use soft wood for? Which
are hard? What do we use hard wood for?_
VI.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Can you think why the Cave-men used stone for their spear points
and knives before they used bone or horn?
What tools did the Cave-men need in making flint spear points?
Why did the Cave-men have to learn to strike gentle blows in making
their weapons? Can you think of any way of removing little pieces
of flint besides striking them off?
_How the Cave-men made Delicate Spear Points_
Perhaps you have seen very beautiful Indian arrows. Perhaps you have
wished you could make such arrows yourself. The later Cave-men first
made such weapons and no people since have ever been able to make more
beautiful ones.
The early Cave-men did not need such beautiful spear points. Rough
points of flint and heavy stone axes were the weapons they needed
most. It was not until the Age of the Chase that people shaped stone
into beautiful forms.
[Illustration]
Scarface always used flakes of flint for the points of spears and
javelins. But in earlier times, people did not know how to strike off
flakes of flint. They put the flint on a hard rock and struck it with
a heavy blow. They smashed the flint, for the hard rock did not yield.
They had not learned to let the flint break in its own way.
When the Cave-men held the flint in the hand, the hand yielded to the
light blow. The flint broke in its own way. But the sharp edges cut
the men's hands. So they covered the palms of their hands with rawhide
and kept from getting hurt. When they worked in this way, they had no
trouble in striking off flakes for spear points and knives.
When the men worked on their flint points, Fleetfoot liked to play
near the workshop. He liked to watch Straightshaft strike off flakes
with a hammer-stone and punch. He liked to listen to the song that
Scarface and Straightshaft sang.
[Illustration: "_When the Cave-men held the flint in the hand, the
hand yielded to the light blow._"]
Scarface and Straightshaft always sang when they worked with the
hammer-stone and punch. While Scarface placed the punch he sang in low
tones. And when he was ready for Straightshaft to strike, he sang so
as to let him know. Then Straightshaft took up the song and marked the
time for each blow.
[Illustration: "_While Scarface placed the punch he sang in low
tones._"]
The men always sang when they worked together. If one man stopped when
it was his turn to sing, the other did not know what to do. Besides
marking the time, the song helped the men to measure the force of each
blow. It helped them to strike off tiny flakes so as not to break the
point. So, at length, the Cave-men began to think that the song they
sang was a charm.
While the men struck off large flint flakes, Fleetfoot played not far
away. He played while they hafted long narrow flakes for knives, but
when they began to chip spearheads, he came and watched them at their
work. He listened to the song of Scarface and Straightshaft, while
they shaped a fine spearhead.
At length the spearhead was ready for the finishing touches. So
Straightshaft dropped his hammer-stone and picked up a queer little
tool. He called it a flaker, and he used it to press off tiny flakes
from the beautiful point.
[Illustration: _Straightshaft using a flaker._]
When Straightshaft had finished, he dropped the flaker and Fleetfoot
picked it up. And he asked Straightshaft if he might use it to press
off little flakes.
Straightshaft let him try, but Fleetfoot was not strong enough to
press off hard flint flakes. So he listened to the story that Scarface
told of the young man who first made a flaker.
Holding up a little bone flaker, Scarface turned to the men and said:
"When I was a boy, no one pressed off flakes of flint. No one had a
flaker. We hammered off flint flakes.
"One summer when there were plenty of salmon, the neighboring clans
had a great feast. Nimble-finger came. I saw him. I heard him speak.
The third day of the feast I saw him flake flint."
[Illustration: _A flaker._]
As Scarface went on he told how Nimble-finger invented the flaker. He
did it one day when he was making a bone handle for a knife. When he
was scraping a bone with a flint scraper he happened to press off a
flint flake.
Nimble-finger did not know how it happened. He tried again and again.
At last he pressed off another flake; and this time he knew that he
did it by pressing the point of the bone against one edge of the
flint.
Nimble-finger never finished that bone-handled hunting knife. But he
showed the people how to make a flaker. He became an inventor; for he
gave the world a tool it had never had before.
When the people returned from the feast many forgot about the flaker.
Others longed for delicate spear points like those Nimble-finger made.
So, at length, they tried to make flakers of their own. Some tried to
make them of wood; but the wood was too soft to break the stone.
Others tried to make them of ivory; but ivory was too hard to get a
hold. At length all the Cave-men made flakers of antler and bone, for
they were hard enough to break the stone and soft enough to get a
hold.
When Scarface finished, Fleetfoot began to talk about Nimble-finger.
He asked Scarface, "Where does Nimble-finger live? Does he always come
to the great feasts?"
To the child's questions Scarface replied, "While Nimble-finger was
still a young man he went far away. For many years he lived far north
in a cave beside the River of Stones. But years have come and gone
since then. If he still lives, he is an old man; but of that I know
not."
#THINGS TO DO#
_If you can find a piece of flint strike off a flake with a
hammer-stone. Strike off a flake with an angular stone. Strike off
a flake by using a hammer and punch._
_Sort out the flakes that are good for knives. Put handles on them.
Sort out the flakes that are good for making into spearheads. See
if you can strike off tiny flakes until the large flake looks like
a spearhead._
_Find something which you can use as a flaker. When you have made
one, see if you can use it._
_Make a collection of stones which you can chip or flake. Tell all
you know about each of those stones._
_Think of Scarface as he was telling the story. Draw the picture._
VII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do our horses and cattle eat? Where do we get their food? What
do wild cattle and horses eat? See if you can find out whether wild
cattle or horses have ever lived in a place where the ground is
covered with snow part of the year.
Did you ever see cattle pawing the ground? Did you ever see horses
pawing the ground? Did you ever see them paw the snow?
See if you can find out something about the great herds of bison
that used to live in this country. What has become of them?
Can you think why bison live in herds? What officers does a herd of
bison have? Can you think how the officers of a herd of bison are
chosen?
_The Return of the Bison_
Ever since the reindeer went away the Cave-men had been looking for
the return of the bison. Each summer the herds came up the valley to
feed on green grass and tender shoots. Each winter they went to the
forests of the lowlands where they found shelter from the cold.
The snow was now gone from the wooded hills and the days were warm
again. The dingy brown coats of the hillsides were changing to the
palest green. The buds were beginning to swell. Everything seemed to
say that summer was coming.
Each day the Cave-men watched for signs of the coming of the great
herd. Each night they danced the bison dance and tried to make the
bison come.
One morning Straightshaft climbed the cliff and looked far up and down
the valley. Looking north he could see the River of Stones with high
cliffs on one or both banks. He could see dense forests of evergreen
that grew on the low banks. He could see hills and valleys beyond the
cliffs where many wild animals lived.
Looking south, near at hand, was the Fork of the River where Little
River joined the River of Stones. Here the cliffs were not very high;
farther down, they became lower, and at last there were no cliffs. The
edge of the lowland forest where the bison wintered could be seen far
away. Grassy lowlands near the forests stretched farther than the eye
could see. It was here that the bison and cattle found the best
winter pastures. It was in the lowland forests that they found
shelter from the cold.
[Illustration: "_Straightshaft saw the herd at sunrise and made a sign
to the men._"]
Straightshaft looked toward the lowlands, hoping to see a bison.
Mammoths were feeding not far away, and beyond were woolly
rhinoceroses. But there was not one bison.
[Illustration: _An ibex._]
As Straightshaft watched the second day, chamois and ibexes played on
the hills. Herds of horses came from the grassy uplands and returned
after drinking at the ford. But no sign of a bison yet appeared.
The third day Straightshaft saw a black spot in the distance. It was
far down on the river trail. As he watched, it became larger and
larger. And then Straightshaft knew that it was a bison coming in
advance of the great herd.
The morning of the fourth day the great herd came. A powerful bison
led the way. Strong sentinels guarded either side. The herd followed
blindly, galloping eight or ten abreast.
Straightshaft saw the herd at sunrise and made a sign to the men.
Those who saw it passed it along, and soon all the people had seen the
sign. Then everybody climbed up a hill or a high cliff and watched the
coming of the bison.
Nearer and nearer the great herd came, like a sea of tossing manes and
horns. The earth trembled beneath their tread and the air was filled
with their bellowing.
When the bison reached the ford, the foremost creatures stopped to
drink. But the solid mass, pressing on from the rear, crowded them up
the river. Soon the ford was packed with struggling beasts. Some tried
to escape by swimming up the river. Others swam down the stream. And
still the solid mass from the rear kept crowding on and on.
At length the herd divided. One part followed the river trail,
while the other went up the narrow valley. Whenever a herd reached a
branching valley, a big bison led off a small herd. This happened many
a time. And at the close of the day there was not a little valley in
the surrounding country that did not have a herd of two or three
hundred bison.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Play you are a herd of bison, and show how the herd marched. Show
how it divided. Show how you think it would come together again._
_Show in your sand-box where Straightshaft stood while he watched.
Show the trails the bison followed._
_Think of the herd as it galloped up the river trail. Draw the
picture._
_Make such a sign as you think Straightshaft made._
_Plan a bison dance._
VIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If you were to hunt bison, what would you want to know about them?
In what ways can bison notice signs of danger? In what ways can
they help one another?
Watch animals, and see if they give signs to one another.
What weapons do you think the Cave-men would take when they went to
hunt the bison? How could the Cave-men help one another in hunting?
How might one man hinder the others?
[Illustration: "_At the close of the day there was not a little valley
in the surrounding country that did not have a herd of two or three
hundred bison._"]
_The First Bison Hunt of the Season_
And now the great herd of bison had come, and the Cave-men were eager
to hunt them. While they were getting ready to start they kept up this
merry song:--
_The bison have come;_
_The bison have come;_
_Now for the chase!_
_Now for the chase!_
_Bring axes and spears;_
_Bring axes and spears;_
_Now for the chase!_
_Now for the chase!_
When Scarface climbed the cliff he saw three herds of bison. The first
was feeding in an open space; the second was on a hillside, and the
third was in a narrow valley close by a deep and hidden ravine. This
was a place where the Cave-men liked to hunt. So they agreed to follow
Scarface through the hidden ravine.
Scarface led the way, and all the men followed. Not a leaf rustled
beneath their tread. Not a twig broke as they crept up the side of the
deep ravine and looked out at the herd.
Everybody wanted to get the yearlings or young cows, for their flesh
was tender and sweet. But the cows and young bison were in the center
of the herd. They were guarded by the sentinels, whose flesh was hard
and tough.
And so the Cave-men wondered how to get a young bison. They wondered
if the vigilant leader was more than a match for them. They watched
his signals, and saw fresh sentinels take the places of the hungry
ones. They noticed how quickly the bison obeyed every signal the
leader gave.
[Illustration: "_With a quick snort he turned and charged._"]
At last the Cave-men decided to attack the leader first. They waited
till he was not more than a stone's throw away. Then Scarface gave the
signal and the men made a bold attack.
Straightshaft hurled his spear with all his might, then turned to give
place to the others. The leader was taken by surprise. The men had
crept up so quietly that not till the spear whizzed through the air
did he suspect danger.
With a quick snort he turned and charged. Straightshaft ran, but the
others met the charge. They hurled their spears and dealt heavy blows
with their stone axes.
Before the leader could give the alarm he lay stretched out on the
ground. The sentinels looked for a signal. Meanwhile the cows and
yearlings tried to make their escape.
Then each of several sentinels tried to lead. But the frightened herd
did not know which one to follow. Some of the bison rushed one way and
some rushed another. Then there was a general stampede. They gored one
another with their sharp horns. They trampled one another under their
feet. They were too frightened to know what they were doing.
It was then that the Cave-men singled out the young bison. When they
had secured them for their prize, they started toward the cave,
singing--
_To-day we went hunting._
_We crept up the ravine;_
_We surprised the leader of the bison._
_He made a charge upon us--_
_We have his horns for a headdress._
_We killed many a young bison;_
_We have plenty of tender meat._
Perhaps one of the sentinels became leader of the herd that very day.
Perhaps several battles were fought to see which sentinel was the
strongest. For bison never follow a leader that is not stronger and
wiser than themselves.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show in your sand-box where each of the three herds was feeding._
_Make a plan for hunting the herd that was feeding in an open
space._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_The Cave-men creeping up the banks of the steep ravine._
_The charge of the leader._
_The stampede._
_Deciding which bison shall be leader of the herd._
_Make a song to sing in getting ready to hunt the way you have
planned. Make a song to sing on your return._
_Model a large, strong bison._
IX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Watch water when it is boiling, and see if you can tell what
happens.
Why would it be harder for people to learn to boil than to roast?
What kind of dishes did the Cave-men have? What would happen to
them if they were put over the fire?
What does your mother do, when she wants to find out whether the
flatiron is hot enough to iron?
When the Cave-men first learned to boil water, do you think they
would think of boiling food? What might make them think of boiling
food?
_What Happened when the Children Played with Hot Stones_
Again the Cave-men went out to hunt. Again the women went out to
gather roots and berries. Only Chew-chew and the children were left
near the cave.
Chew-chew was curing the skins which the women had brought home. Some
of them were stretched out on the ground. Others were stretched on
frames. Many of these were ready to be rolled up and put away.
While the skins were drying, Chew-chew had time for other work. She
wanted to finish her basket, and so the splints must be put to soak.
At a sign from Chew-chew, Fleetfoot went to the river for a bag of
water. While he was gone, Chew-chew began to make a place to put it.
She dug a shallow hole in the ground and lined it with a skin.
When Fleetfoot came back they patted down the skin. Then they poured
the water into the skin-lined hole, and put the splints to soak.
While Chew-chew worked at her basket, Fleetfoot played near at hand.
Often he came to his grandmother's side and talked about many things.
At length Chew-chew, holding up a skin, turned to Fleetfoot and said,
"Do you know what animal wore this skin?"
[Illustration: _A bear's tooth awl._]
"One of the reindeer we saw at the ford," quickly responded Fleetfoot.
"Where have all the reindeer gone?" was Chew-chew's next question.
"To the cave of the Big Bear of the mountains," came the prompt
answer.
While Chew-chew and Fleetfoot talked the children played near the
cave. Pigeon was playing with stones which she had gathered and tossed
into the fire. In trying to get them out again she burned her fingers,
and began to cry.
When Chew-chew saw what had happened, she told Fleetfoot to play with
Pigeon. And Fleetfoot played with Pigeon, and he showed her how to
lift hot stones without getting burned.
The children played and carried hot stones with tongs made of sticks.
They ran back and forth between rows of skins until Pigeon dropped a
hot stone into the hole.
No sooner had Pigeon dropped the stone than she screamed, "A snake! a
snake!" And she ran to her grandmother and sobbed, while she hid her
face in her chubby arm.
Chew-chew thought that a snake was crawling about. Fleetfoot helped
her look under all the skins. They looked for some time, but they
found no trace of a snake.
Then Chew-chew asked Pigeon to tell her all about it. And Pigeon said,
"A big snake hissed and made me drop the stone."
Just then Fleetfoot dropped a hot stone and something went
"s-s-s-s-s-s."
Pigeon screamed again, but a hearty laugh from Chew-chew showed there
was nothing to fear. Chew-chew knew that the hissing sound was not the
hiss of a snake. It was the sizzling of the water when it touched the
hot stone.
And so Chew-chew tried to teach the children how to know the hissing
sound. She picked up hot stones and dropped them into the water. Each
time a stone was dropped, the hissing sound was heard; and the
children learned to know the sound, and they were no longer afraid.
As Chew-chew kept on dropping the hot stones, she did not notice all
that happened. She thought only of teaching the children, so that they
would not be afraid. But at last such a strange thing happened, that
even Chew-chew was afraid.
The water no longer was still. It kept moving like the angry water in
the rapids of the river. A thin mist began to rise, and a strange
voice came from the water, saying:--
"_Bubble, bubble, bubble;
Bubble, bubble, bubble._"
At the sound Chew-chew was filled with fear. She was afraid the gods
were angry. She looked about for an offering, and found a piece of
bison meat. She dropped the meat into the water, hoping to appease
the angry god.
[Illustration: "_Chew-chew tried to teach the children how to know the
hissing sound._"]
The bubbling ceased, but Chew-chew was still afraid. So she called the
children together, and took them into the cave.
When the men and women came home that night, Chew-chew told them what
had happened. They went to the spot and saw the meat, which they
thought the god had left. Then they listened in silence as Chew-chew
told them the story again and again.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Choose some one for each of the parts and dramatize the story._
_Draw pictures which will show what happened._
_See if you can boil water by dropping hot stones into it._
_Show in your sand-box how the skins were stretched out, and how
the skin-lined hole was made._
X
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think Chew-chew might learn by dropping the meat into
the hot water?
What kind of boiling-pots did people first use?
Why didn't they hang their boiling-pots over the fire?
_Why the Children Began to Eat Boiled Meat_
The more Chew-chew thought about the bubbling sound, the more she
wanted to hear it again. She wondered what the god wanted to say, and
if he was asking for food. She wondered if she could make friends with
him by giving him something to eat.
Chew-chew talked with Eagle-eye and at length they tried to make
friends with the god. They prepared a place for the water by making a
skin-lined hole. Eagle-eye poured the water into the hole, while
Chew-chew dropped in a piece of meat. Then they looked and listened
for a sign, but no sign was made. They tried it again and again, but
still there was no sign.
At length Chew-chew thought of the hot stones she had dropped when she
heard the voice. So she and Eagle-eye heated stones and dropped them
into the water. As they did it they muttered prayers to the gods and
asked them to protect the Cave-men.
Before the women had dropped many stones, the children crowded around.
Nobody was frightened this time when the hissing sound was heard. But
their eyes opened wide when the water began to bubble.
Chew-chew dropped the meat into the water as an offering to the god.
Everybody watched as she dropped the meat. Everybody breathed more
freely when the bubbling ceased. And Chew-chew said, "The god is
pleased with the offering of meat."
Many times after that Chew-chew dropped hot stones into the water, and
offered meat to the god. But when she did it she never thought that
she was cooking meat. She thought she was helping the Cave-men by
winning the favor of the god.
Sometimes when the children were hungry, Chew-chew let them tear off
strips of partly boiled meat. Sometimes she let them drink the broth
from bone dippers and horns.
The children liked to eat the boiled meat and to drink the rich broth.
But they always thought the meat and broth were what the god had left.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Make tongs out of sticks and see if you can lift small objects
with them._
_Watch water when it boils, and tell where the steam comes from._
_Where does it go? Hold a cold plate over the steam and see what
happens. Where do the drops of water on the plate come from?_
_When water stands in the open air, what becomes of part of it?_
_Why do we hang clothes out on the clothes-line to dry?_
_What becomes of the water that was in the clothes?_
_Tell what you think happens just as clouds form. See if you can do
something that will show what happens at the time._
_What happens to the clouds just as it begins to rain?_
XI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why would the grass-eating animals go from place to place during
the summer? What do you think the Cave-men would do when the herds
went away?
At what season of the year are nuts fit to gather? Is there any
place near by where you have a right to go nutting?
What animals eat nuts? What animals store nuts? Do you think the
Cave-men would gather many nuts?
_The Nutting Season_
Summer passed as summers had passed before. When the bison went to the
higher lands, the Cave-men followed them. When they started toward
their winter pastures, the Cave-men came home.
[Illustration: "_All the women and children went nutting._"]
It was the nutting season when they returned. All the beech, walnut,
and butternut trees were heavily laden that year. The ground
underneath their branches was nearly covered with nuts. Slender hazel
bushes bent under their heavy loads.
Wild hogs and bears had begun to harvest the nuts before the Cave-men
returned. Each day they went to the trees and ate the nuts that had
fallen. When Eagle-eye saw what they were doing, she said, "Bring your
bags and baskets and come. If we do not look out the hogs will get the
best of the nuts this year."
Then all the women and children went nutting. They gathered the nuts
that lay upon the ground and put them in their baskets. Some climbed
trees and shook the branches until they got a shower of nuts; others
took their digging sticks and beat the heavily laden branches.
The children had a feast that day. They sat down under the trees and
cracked all the nuts they could eat. They gathered handfuls and helped
their mothers fill baskets and skin bags. They climbed the trees and
they laughed and played all day long.
When the women first came to the trees, they heard the wild hogs in
the distance. Once a big hog came up and tried to eat the nuts out of
a basket. But Eagle-eye chased him with a big stick and drove him away
from the spot.
When Eagle-eye was coming back from the chase, she saw other trees
heavily laden. She called to the women, and they came to the spot and
forgot all about the nuts they had gathered.
[Illustration: _The wild hogs were having a feast._]
It was Chew-chew who first thought of the pile of nuts they had left
on the ground. It was she who ran to the trees and found the wild hogs
having a feast.
Chew-chew struck one of the hogs with her digging stick. He was
munching the nuts she had gathered. He turned away and she struck
another; then the first hog came back.
Chew-chew soon found that unless she had help the hogs would eat all
the nuts, for as fast as she drove one hog away another one came back.
Chew-chew screamed for help and the women came with their
digging-sticks.
The women drove the hogs away, but they returned again and again. And
so the women learned to keep a close watch while they were gathering
nuts. But in spite of all their trouble, they had a good time that
day.
It was not until they were starting home that they found that a
serious thing had happened. They did not know all about it then, and
some of them never knew.
It was all about Fleetfoot. When Eagle-eye looked for him, he was
nowhere to be seen. At first she thought he was with Chew-chew, but
Chew-chew had not seen him since morn.
Fleetfoot had played near his mother nearly all day. He had cracked
nuts; he had climbed trees; he had mimicked the squirrels; he had
scattered burrs in the rabbits' paths, and he had done all sorts of
things.
But now Fleetfoot was lost, and everybody began to hunt for him.
Eagle-eye found the stones he had left only a short time before. She
found his tracks and followed them until they crossed the boundary of
the hunting ground. There she lost all trace of him. She called, but
the "caw-caw" of a crow was the only answer.
The men heard her call, and came to join in the search. But in spite
of all they could do, they did not find the child.
And so the Cave-men thought they would never see Fleetfoot again. They
thought he had lost his way in the forest and had been killed by a
cave-bear. For a few days they mourned for the child, then they spoke
no more of him.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tell a story of what happened one time when you went nutting._
_Name all the nuts you can that grow on trees. Name those that grow
on bushes. Where do peanuts grow?_
_Dramatize this story._
_Draw a picture of the part you like the best._
XII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why do people put up such signs as "Keep off," "Do not trespass"?
Why do people build fences around their land?
Do you think the Cave-men could hunt wherever they chose?
Why did each clan have its own hunting ground? What kind of
boundaries did the hunting grounds have? Why was it not safe to go
on the land of a stranger?
Why did mothers teach their children the boundary lines?
What do you think some mothers mean when they tell their children
that the "Bogie-man" will get them?
_Why Mothers Taught their Children the Boundary Lines_
Each day brought so many hard things to do that most of the Cave-men
forgot Fleetfoot. But his mother and grandmother did not forget him.
They often thought of the boy they had lost.
Other mothers were afraid they might lose their children. So they
tried to keep them from running away. Most of all, they tried to keep
them from running across the boundary line.
When Pigeon tried to run away, Eagle-eye would say, "The cave-bear
will get you." Mothers tried all sorts of ways to keep their children
from danger.
Each clan had its own hunting ground. The people who lived together
shared it, but no one else was allowed to hunt on the land. It was not
even safe to cross the land of a stranger. Sometimes the Cave-men had
to do it. Sometimes they had to call upon their neighbors for help.
But since there were people who had lost their lives when trying to
cross the land of strangers, the Cave-men learned to use signs to show
what they wanted. They carved pictures upon sticks, which told what we
might tell in a letter.
When a stranger carried a message-stick, it was safe for him to do his
errand. People knew what he wanted and why he came, so they let him go
on his way unharmed. But when a stranger had no message-stick, his
life was not safe in a strange land.
[Illustration: "_Mothers taught their children what the boundaries
were._"]
And so people learned to stay on their own lands and mothers taught
their children what the boundaries were. They taught the children to
name them over and over again. They taught them to know how the
boundaries looked.
For a long time Pigeon had to tell her mother each day the boundaries
of the hunting grounds. She would stand on the cliff and point north
to the narrow valley, then south to Little River. Then she pointed to
a high ridge of hills toward the east and west to the River of Stones.
While Pigeon was so small that Eagle-eye had to take her by the hand,
her mother took her to the boundaries. Eagle-eye had taught her so
well that she knew them as soon as she saw them.
Perhaps you have heard the story told about mothers who taught their
children the boundary lines. It is told that mothers used to be so
anxious to have their children remember the boundaries that they
whipped them at each one. Then the story is told that in later times
instead of beating the children, people let them beat the boundaries.
Some day you may be able to learn more about the strange customs of
beating the boundary lines.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Mark out in your sand-box the boundary lines of the hunting ground
of the Horse clan. Show a good place for another hunting ground._
_Ask some one to read you the story, "The Goblins will get you if
you don't watch out." What do you think the story means?_
_Climb a hill, or look out of a high window, and see if you can
find land which at one time was a good hunting ground._
_See if you can make a message-stick._
XIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think had happened to Fleetfoot?
If strangers found him, what do you think they would do with him?
_What Happened to Fleetfoot_
Perhaps you have been wondering what happened to Fleetfoot. Perhaps
you would like to know how he happened to wander away from his clan.
It happened in this way. He cracked all the nuts he could eat; he
climbed trees; he threw sticks and stones; he watched the wild hogs
eating nuts; he listened to the whistle which Scarface blew to call
the men to the hunt. He wished that he could blow the whistle and hunt
with the men.
Then a rabbit hopped across his path and stopped and looked at him.
How Fleetfoot longed to catch the rabbit and to hold him in his hands!
He stood perfectly still; he could hear himself breathe; he tried to
breathe more quietly, for he did not want to frighten the rabbit.
The rabbit started. How Fleetfoot wished he would go down the path
where he had scattered burrs! But the rabbit took another path and
Fleetfoot ran to catch him. He was almost sure he could lay his hands
on the rabbit's stumpy white tail.
The rabbit was too quick for him, yet Fleetfoot did not give up. He
started on a hard chase and forgot about everything else. Up hill and
down the rabbit ran and Fleetfoot followed after. Not until the
rabbit was out of sight did Fleetfoot give up the chase. Then he
stopped and rested a while and tried to get his breath.
While Fleetfoot was resting he looked at the squirrels which were
chattering in the trees. He watched them hold nuts with their forepaws
while they gnawed through the shells. He listened to their chattering
and then he wandered on.
Fleetfoot did not know that he had crossed the narrow valley. He did
not know that he had wandered into a strange land. He thought nothing
about where he was until some time had passed. But after a while
everything seemed still, and Fleetfoot began to feel lonesome. And
so he turned around to go back to the women and children.
Fleetfoot walked and walked, but he did not find them. He called, but
no answer came. So he wandered on and on.
Soon Fleetfoot knew he was in a spot he had never seen before.
Everything seemed strange. He looked this way and that; but he could
not tell which way to go. And so the lost child wandered farther and
farther away from home.
He was choking down a sob when he caught sight of some women with
packs upon their backs. Fleetfoot thought he had found his people
going home with their loads of nuts. He ran and called to his mother.
A strange woman stopped and looked at the child. Then she gave a
signal to her clan.
Fleetfoot was within reach of the strange woman before he saw his
mistake. He tried to run away. But he could not do it. A big man
caught him and lifted him up and put him upon his shoulder. Strange
men, women, and children crowded around and stared into his face.
[Illustration: "_A big man caught him, and put him upon his
shoulder._"]
Bighorn asked him where he lived; but Fleetfoot was too frightened to
speak. He remembered the stories Chew-chew had told about strange
clans. He wondered what the strangers would do. How he wished he were
safe at home!
But poor Fleetfoot did not see his home again for many long years. He
was in a strange land, and soon he was traveling with the strangers
far away from his home.
A woman, whose name was Antler, took charge of Fleetfoot. She took him
by the hand until he was too tired to walk. Then she carried him until
they came to the place where they camped for the night.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Choose some one for each of the parts and see if you can act out
this story. Draw pictures to illustrate the story._
_Name the wild animals you can find in your neighborhood. Notice
what they eat. Do they help or harm the people near where they
live?_
_Model one of these animals in clay._
XIV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What kind of a shelter do you think the people will have for the
night?
Think of as many easy ways as you can of making a shelter out of
trees.
_How the Strangers Camped for the Night_
The camping place was an old one. It had been used many times. The
strange clan always used it on their way to and from the lowland
plains. It was under a big oak tree, and near a spring of fresh water.
When the strangers reached the camp, Greybeard took charge of
Fleetfoot. The women quickly unloaded their packs, and began to build
a tent.
It did not take long to make the tent, for it was almost ready-made.
It was an old oak, which reached out long and low-spreading branches.
The branches had been bent to the ground many times, and now they
nearly touched it. So all that the women had to do was to fasten the
ends firmly. They did it by rolling a stone over the end of a branch,
and sometimes they tied the end of a branch to a peg which they had
driven in the ground.
All the Cave-men made such tents in the summer when they were away
from the caves. When the branches were not thick enough for a shelter,
the women broke saplings and leaned them against the tree.
While Chipper worked at a spearhead, the other men were moving about.
Bighorn feared that Fleetfoot's clan might follow their tracks.
Long after Fleetfoot fell asleep, the strangers talked quietly. They
held their ears close to the ground and listened. They went and looked
at Fleetfoot, now fast asleep. Then they all sat down by the fire.
[Illustration: "_The tent was an old oak, which reached out long and
low-spreading branches._"]
At length the men turned to Greybeard. And Greybeard spoke to them and
said, "When I was young my clan lived in a cave near Sweet Briar
River. Every year, in the salmon season, the neighboring clans met at
the rapids. The Horse clan came from the Fork of the River, where the
Sweet Briar joins the River of Stones. They may live there still. This
boy may belong to them."
"Do you think they will follow us?" asked Bighorn.
Greybeard looked up, but did not speak. He seemed to be trying to
think. At length he turned to the men and said, "Sleep until the moon
sets; I'll watch and wake you."
So the Cave-men went to the tent and slept while Greybeard kept watch.
Not a sound escaped his ear that night. Not a leaf rustled that he did
not hear. Not a twig broke, as wild animals passed, but that he found
out what it meant.
As Greybeard watched in the moonlight he heard many a familiar sound.
Now he heard the roar of a tiger, and again the "hoo-hoo" of an owl;
now the howling of hyenas, and again an eagle's scream.
Among all these sounds Greybeard heard nothing that seemed to come
from the lost child's clan. But when the moon was set he roused the
people, and under cover of the darkness they hurried toward home.
They let Fleetfoot sleep, for fear he might answer if he were called.
And so the child slept while he was hurried away through the darkness.
At daybreak, when he awoke, he found himself in a new home.
#THINGS TO DO#
_See if there is a tree in your neighborhood that could be made
into such a tent as the Cave-men made._
_Find a thick branch and make such a tent in your sand-box._
_Draw one of these pictures:--_
_The council of the clan before going to sleep._
_Greybeard watching in the moonlight._
_Hurrying home under cover of the darkness._
_Fleetfoot awakes and finds himself in his new home._
_Act out part of this story and let some one guess what it is._
_Write as many calls of the birds as you know. Model one of the
birds in clay. If you know its nest, model that._
XV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
How do you think Fleetfoot felt the first few days he was with the
strange clan?
What do you think he will learn of them? What do you think he can
teach them?
_Fleetfoot is Adopted by the Bison Clan_
For a few days Fleetfoot missed his mother and Chew-chew more than he
could tell. He missed little Pigeon, too. He missed the people he had
always seen. But he said very little about them.
It was Greybeard who told him that he was now living with the Bison
clan. Not all of the people belonged to that clan, but there were more
of that clan than of any other. And so they were known as the Bison
clan.
At first Fleetfoot was afraid of the men and large boys. Most of all
he was afraid of Bighorn, for it was Bighorn who captured him.
But before one moon had passed, he was adopted by the Bison clan. And
soon after that, he began to feel at home. Greybeard told him stories,
and gave him little spears. Antler was kind to him, and the children
were always ready to play.
[Illustration: _A skin stretched on a frame._]
Fleetfoot liked to play with the children. He liked to play with
Flaker best of all. Flaker was Antler's child, and he was about the
size of Fleetfoot.
[Illustration: _A scraper._]
As the days became cold, the women worked upon skins. There was not a
smooth spot near the cave which was not covered with a skin. Fleetfoot
watched Antler as she cut little slits in the edges. He helped stretch
the skins out on the ground and drive little pegs through the slits.
He watched her stretch a skin on a frame and put it near the fire.
Antler scraped a skin until the fat was off, and the inner skin was
removed. Then she roughened it by scraping it crosswise, so as to make
it flexible.
When Fleetfoot saw Antler roll the skins in a loose roll, he asked if
she was going to chew them. Antler smiled as she asked Fleetfoot how
his mother softened skins.
Fleetfoot showed how his mother did it. And he told Antler about
Chew-chew. He told her that Chew-chew got her name because she learned
to chew the skins.
While Antler and Fleetfoot were talking, all the women and children
gathered around. They wanted to see what they were doing, and to hear
what Fleetfoot said.
Then Antler said to the women and children, "These skins are ready to
soften. Come, join hands and show Fleetfoot how we soften hard skins."
[Illustration: _A hammer of reindeer horn._]
What a noisy time they had for a little while! Each group wanted to
finish first. Some of them stamped the skins, and kept time by
singing. Others pounded the skins with their hands, and still others
pounded with hammers of reindeer horn.
They had such a merry time that Fleetfoot could not keep still. He was
soon stamping and singing as well as any one.
When the skins were softened, Antler told Fleetfoot that once her
people chewed the skins. But since they had found an easier way, they
chewed only the edges they wished to sew.
And so Fleetfoot began to learn lessons of the Bison clan. But once he
was the teacher. It was when he showed Flaker what happened the day
Pigeon played with hot stones. Flaker told his mother, and Antler told
Greybeard. And then Greybeard asked Fleetfoot to drop the hot stones
in the water again.
All the Cave-men gathered around to see what Fleetfoot did. When the
steam began to rise from the water, they stepped back. But when they
saw that the child was not afraid, they came forward cautiously.
When the water began to bubble, they were all filled with fear. They
looked upon Fleetfoot in silence. They called him a wonderful child.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tell a story about dressing skins. Draw pictures which will show
all that is done in dressing the skin._
_Dramatize the part of the story that tells what Fleetfoot taught
the Bison clan. Draw a picture of it._
_Make a song that people might sing in stamping upon the skins._
_Make a song to sing while beating the skins._
XVI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What kind of clothes do you wear in winter? What do you think the
Cave-men wore? Can you think how they learned to fit skins to their
bodies? What part of an animal's skin could they use for sleeves?
What part could they use for leggings?
How do you think they learned to make mittens and gloves?
How many ways do you know of fastening garments? Which of these do
we use? Which of these do you think the Cave-men used?
What did they use instead of a needle? What kind of thread did they
have?
[Illustration: "_Greybeard asked Fleetfoot to drop the hot stones in
the water again._"]
_How the Cave-men Protected Themselves from the Cold_
One morning Fleetfoot started out of the cave, but a cold wind drove
him back. Snow had fallen during the night, and the air had grown very
cold. It was not fit for a bare-backed boy to go out on such a day. So
Fleetfoot stayed in the cave all day long.
All the Cave-men stayed in the cave nearly all the day. Once Chipper
went out and found fresh tracks. He followed the tracks until he came
within close range of a reindeer. But his bare arms shook with the
cold, and he missed his aim.
The next day was bitterly cold. The river was frozen almost into
silence. Only the ripples of the swiftest currents laughed aloud at
the frost. The snow was deep on the hillsides. It was deeper in the
valleys, and the narrow ravines were almost filled with snow.
The third day was still very cold and everybody was hungry and cross.
The children were crying for food, and since Antler had nothing to
give them, she was trying to get them to play.
At length the children began to take turns at playing they were
cave-bears. Now it was Fleetfoot's turn to be the bear, and when
Antler saw him she laughed.
The Cave-men looked up in surprise. Everybody was so hungry and cross
it seemed strange to hear any one laugh. But Antler really was
laughing.
Fleetfoot had found a cave-bear's skin on a ledge in the cave. He had
wrapped it around him so that he looked like a little cave-bear. The
children kept calling him "little bear," and he was trying to act like
one.
Soon all the people were laughing. They forgot, for the time, how
hungry they were. And the next day they had meat, for it was warm
enough to go hunting.
Many times after that the children played cave-bear. Many times the
people laughed when they saw the children dressed in cave-bears'
skins. Once when Antler looked at them, she got an idea about making
clothes.
When Antler took a large skin and wrapped it around her, Fleetfoot
thought that she was going to play "bear." But Antler was not playing.
She was thinking of the cold days when the children had no food. She
was thinking that if she could make a warm dress, perhaps she could go
out in the bitter cold.
Antler talked with Birdcatcher about it, and Birdcatcher helped her
fit the skin. Birdcatcher fitted the skin of the head over Antler's
head so as to make a warm hood. Then she run a cord through the slits
along the edges and tied the ends under Antler's chin.
Antler fastened the skin down the front with buckles. She covered her
arms with the skin of the forelegs. She cut off the skin that hung
below the knees, and afterward used it to make a pair of leggings.
When the garment was fitted, Antler took it off. Then the women sat
down and worked until it was done. They punched holes through the
edges with a bone awl. Then they threaded the sinew through the holes
in an "over-and-over seam."
[Illustration: "_When the men saw the new garment, they wondered how
it was made._"]
When the men saw the new garment, they wondered how it was made. So
Antler and Birdcatcher showed them how it was done, and helped them to
make warm garments of their own.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's glove._]
And so all the Cave-men soon had warm garments of fur. Sometimes they
fastened them with buckles, and sometimes they used bone pins. They
made long leggings of soft skins, and moccasins for their feet.
Perhaps you can think how they learned to make mittens and gloves. We
know that they had warm mittens and gloves, for we have found pictures
they made of them. When they dressed in their warm fur garments, the
Cave-men did not fear the cold. If they wanted food, they put on their
garments and went wherever they pleased.
#THINGS TO DO#
_If you can get a small skin, fit it to a doll the way you think
the Cave-men fitted skins to their bodies. If you cannot get a
skin, cut a piece of cloth so as to make it the shape of a skin,
and show how the new suit was made._
_Find as many things as you can that you can use for pins, buttons,
and buckles._
_Find as many ways as you can of sewing a simple seam. When you go
to a museum notice how the seams are sewed. Why do you think people
invented new stitches? Visit a shoemaker and notice how he sews._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_The cold wind drives Fleetfoot into the cave._
_Playing "Cave-bear."_
XVII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
How do you think the children played in the winter? What do you
play in the winter?
How do you think the Cave-men would hunt when there was only a
light fall of snow?
How would they hunt when the snow was deep?
How would they hunt when there was a hard crust on the snow?
_How the Children Played in Winter_
When the children saw their fathers and mothers go out of doors, they,
too, wanted to go. But they had no warm clothing, so their mothers
tried to keep them in doors.
Sometimes Fleetfoot and Flaker teased to go out and play in the snow.
And when the days were warm enough, Antler let them go out and play.
But on very cold days they had to stay in the cave.
The children had good times in the cave. They played many animal
games. They played they were grown men and women, and they made
believe do all sorts of work. They peeked out of the cave many times
each day. They heard their fathers and mothers talk. And they listened
to Greybeard's stories.
And so the children always knew what the men and women were doing.
After a heavy fall of snow, they knew they would trap the animals in
the drifts. When a hard crust formed, they knew they would dig
pitfalls.
Antler often wished that the children might play out doors every day.
Greybeard wanted the boys to learn to make pitfalls and traps. But
neither Antler nor Greybeard had thought of making clothing for little
children.
The day Antler thought of making clothes for the boys, was the day
they ran away to the pitfall. It was soon after Chipper came to the
cave and said that two reindeer were in the pit.
When the boys heard what Chipper said, they were playing they were
Bighorn and Chipper. They had tied the skins of wolves' heads over
their heads, and they let the rest of the skins hang down as if they
were capes.
When the news came about the reindeer, everybody was excited.
Everybody hurried to the pitfall so as to see the reindeer. Nobody
noticed the boys steal out of the cave. Nobody noticed them run to the
pitfall.
But soon after she started, Antler saw the tracks of their bare feet.
She guessed at once where the boys had gone. And it was then that she
thought of making them clothing.
While the children slept that night, Antler talked with the women. And
when morning came, the women took skins and made the children warm
clothes and moccasins.
When the children put on their wolf-skin suits, they looked like a
pack of wolves. Sometimes they played they were wolves. Then they
chased make-believe wild horses.
Sometimes when the children were playing in the snow, they found the
antlers of a full-grown stag. The children began to look for the
antlers of the full-grown stags in early winter. But they knew that
the other reindeer kept their antlers until early spring.
An old stag's antlers were large and strong, and the children liked to
find them. They would pick them up and hold them in their hands and
would then make believe they were Cave-men trapping reindeer in the
snow.
One day Greybeard showed Fleetfoot and Flaker how to trap the reindeer
in the snow. He showed them how to dig a pitfall in the drifts. The
boys found a large drift near the trail and they cut out a large block
of snow. They hollowed a deep pit under the crust which they took
pains not to break. Then they fitted the block of snow in its place,
thus covering the pit.
To make sure that the reindeer would come to the pitfall they
scattered moss over the thin crust. Then Greybeard taught them to say,
"_Come down to the river, reindeer;_
_Come down to the river to drink._
_Come eat the moss I have spread for you,_
_Come and fall into my trap._"
All the Cave-men believed that these words would charm the reindeer to
the spot. They always muttered such lines as charms when they went out
to hunt. And so Greybeard taught the boys the lines, for he wanted
them to know all the Cave-men's charms.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Name the animals which you know by their tracks. Draw a picture of
the tracks you know best._
_Tell a story about hunting an animal by tracking it._
_Next time there is a heavy fall of snow, play hunting animals by
driving them into the drifts._
_See if you can show in your sand-box how the pitfall was made._
_See if you can think of a way of having real drifts in your
sand-box._
_Draw a picture of the children playing with the antlers of the
reindeer._
_Draw a picture of the reindeer in the pitfall._
XVIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Do you know whether we can tell what the weather is going to be?
Have you ever heard any one talking about the signs of the weather?
What signs do you know?
Notice animals and see how they act before a storm.
Notice what animals and birds are here in summer that are not here
in winter. Are any here in winter that are not here in the summer?
Why did the bison go away from the Cave-men's hunting grounds each
winter? When they went away would they go in large or small herds?
If the weather kept pleasant how do you think they would travel?
What would they do if it looked like a storm?
Notice the animals that live near you and see whether they turn
their heads or backs toward the storm.
_Overtaken by a Storm_
Winter passed and summer came and now it was almost gone. The cattle
had gone to the forests in the lowlands where they spent the winter.
Straggling lines of bison were moving down the valley. Now and then
they stopped a few days to eat the tall grass. Then they slowly moved
onward toward the lower lands.
The days were like the Indian summer days which we sometimes have in
late autumn. Everybody enjoyed each day as it came, and thought little
about the coming cold. But one morning the sky was gray and gloomy,
and the sun could not pierce through the heavy clouds. The air was
cold and now and then a snowflake was falling.
There was no meat at the cave, and everybody was hungry. So Bighorn
said to the men, "Let's hunt the bison to-day."
The men crowded around, for they were always glad to go hunting with
Bighorn. As soon as he had shown them his plan, they took their
weapons and started toward the herd.
Bighorn expected to find the herd feeding quietly on a hillside. But,
instead, the bison were tossing their horns, sniffing the air, and
looking this way and that.
Bighorn saw that the bison were restless and that he could not take
them by surprise. "We shall have a hard chase," said he to the men,
"if we get a bison to-day."
The men stood still for a moment, for they did not know what to do.
Fine snowflakes were now falling and the dark clouds threatened a
heavy storm. But the men were hungry and they were not ready to give
up the hunt at once.
"Listen!" said Bighorn, as a low rumbling sound came from the upper
valley.
The Cave-men put their ears to the ground and heard a sound like
distant thunder. As they listened it came nearer and nearer and the
ground seemed to shake.
The Cave-men were not afraid. They knew what the sound meant. The
bison, too, knew what it meant. They knew that winter was coming, and
that it was time for them to be gone. They knew that the laggard herds
were racing with the storm.
And so the sentinels of the scattered herds gave signals to the bison.
And before the Cave-men were on their feet, the bison had started
toward the ford.
Louder and louder the rumbling sound grew as the great herd galloped
on. The snow was now falling thick and fast, and a cold northwest wind
was blowing. But in spite of the wind and the snow, the Cave-men
pressed on toward the ford. Bighorn still hoped to get a bison as the
great herd passed.
By the time the herd reached the ford, the wind had become a strong
gale. The air was so thick with the snow that it nearly blinded the
men. Then Bighorn turned and said to the men, "We must find a shelter
from the storm."
The bison, too, tried to find a shelter. Some of them hugged up
closely to the sheltered side of the cliffs. Others sought cover in
the ravines. But many could find no protection, so they turned about
and faced the storm.
[Illustration: "_But many could find no protection, so they turned
about and faced the storm._"]
The Cave-men wished they were safe at home, but they dared not go
through the storm. They huddled together and felt their way to a spot
where the snow did not drift. There they lay down in the snow and
waited for the storm to cease.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Name some bird that migrates. Tell all that you know about the way
it migrates._
_When you go out to play, show how the bison migrated in warm
weather. Show how they migrated in cold weather._
_Show in your sand-box where the deep drifts would be. Show places
where the snow would not drift. If you cannot be sure about where
the drifts would be, see if you can find out by watching the storms
during winter._
_If the Cave-men are buried in the snow, how do you think they can
get air to breathe? How can they tell when the storm is over?_
XIX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think those who stayed in the cave will do during the
storm? Can you think of any way by which they could get food?
Did you ever walk on snowshoes? How do you think people came to
make snowshoes?
_How Antler Happened to Invent Snowshoes_
Antler saw the coming storm and at once she thought of the fire. She
called to the women. And soon they were all breaking branches with
stone axes and mauls. The children piled the fagots together and
carried them to the cave.
[Illustration: _A stone maul._]
The snow was falling fast before they finished their work. They
watched the storm for a little while and then went into the cave.
The children were hungry and asked for meat. But there was no meat in
the cave. Antler tried to get the children to play and to forget that
they were hungry. And the children played for a little while, but they
soon grew tired. And so Antler gathered the children together and
began to tell them stories.
As the storm raged fiercer and fiercer, Antler told stories of other
storms. She had braved many storms on the wooded hills and the
children liked to hear her stories.
Among the stories she told that day was the story of the Big Bear. She
said that the Big Bear lived in a cavern away up in the mountain. She
said that he kept watch of the game and that sometimes he shut the
game in his cavern. Antler said she had often heard the Big Bear above
the voice of the storm. And Fleetfoot, listening for his voice,
thought he heard it in the wailing of the storm.
In spite of the stories Antler told, the day was long and dreary. The
next day was still more dreary, for the children were crying for food.
Toward the close of day they were very tired, and soon they fell
asleep.
Most of the women slept that night, but there was no sleep for Antler.
She could not sleep when the children were hungry and when the men
were out in the storm. She stayed awake and watched and listened all
through the long dark night.
[Illustration: _Fur gloves._]
Toward morning the storm began to slacken, and Antler gave a sigh of
relief. She felt sure that many bison were floundering in the drifts.
She hoped they were not far away from the cave. So she dressed in her
fur garments and took a large knife and an ax. And at break of day she
set out hoping to find a bison.
But the snow was very deep and Antler could scarcely walk. She was
faint from hunger and cold. For a while she struggled through the
drifts, but soon her strength failed, and she sank down in the snow.
As Antler lay in the deep drifts, she seemed powerless to move. The
thought of the hungry children, however, made her turn to the gods.
Then the branches of spruce trees seemed to urge her on.
And so Antler took courage and grasping a strong branch of a friendly
spruce struggled through the deep snow. She stepped upon the partly
buried branches and they helped her on her way.
A bison, floundering in a drift, filled her heart with hope. But when
she started toward the bison, Antler sank down once more into the
drifts. So again she turned to the friendly trees, and again she
reached out to them for aid. And she broke branches from the trees and
bound them to her feet.
Starting once more, Antler walked as if on winged feet. She ran over
the deep drifts. And since she could hunt as well as the men, she soon
had plenty of meat.
As Antler was strapping her load upon her back, she heard a familiar
voice. Quickly she turned, and her heart beat fast as she listened to
hear it again. And seeing the men struggling through the drifts, she
knelt and gave thanks to the gods.
Soon Antler arose and laid down her load; and breaking a handful of
branches, she hurried over the drifts and met the Cave-men.
[Illustration: _A snowshoe._]
When the men saw Antler gliding over the drifts they wondered if it
was one of the gods. Not until Antler spoke were they really sure it
was she. And not until she showed them how to tie the branches to
their feet did they understand what she had done. And even then they
did not know that Antler had invented the snowshoe. Many people worked
upon snowshoes before fine snowshoes were made. For when people heard
what Antler had done, they tried different ways for themselves.
Of course all the people were glad when Antler returned with the men.
They feasted and told stories all day long. And afterward the children
played they were hunters overtaken by a storm, and they made little
snowshoes and learned to walk over the drifts.
#THINGS TO DO#
_The next time there is a storm listen to it and see if you can
hear what the Cave-men thought was the voice of the Big Bear. See
if you can tell what it is that makes the music of the storm._
_Listen to the music of the birds and see if you can give their
songs and calls._
_What other animals do you hear calling one another? See if you can
give their calls._
_Tell a story of some storm you have seen._
_Draw one of these pictures;_--
_Antler praying to the gods for help._
_A bison floundering in the drift._
_Antler bringing aid to the men._
_Find a picture of a snowshoe, and tell how you think it was made._
_Find something which you can use for making snowshoes. Make a
pair, and use them when you have a chance._
_See if you can find out why the snowshoe keeps one from sinking in
the snow._
XX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why would the women be apt to make traps before the men did?
What animals did the men hunt most? How did they hunt them?
What animals did the women hunt most? How?
How many kinds of knots can you tie? Which of these knots slip?
Which of these knots would be the best to use in a trap?
_How Antler made Snares_
While Fleetfoot and Flaker were little boys, they learned a few
lessons in trapping. The men seldom trapped at that time, but the
women trapped in several ways.
Antler was only a little girl when she learned to catch birds with a
seed on a string. She was called Snowflake then and she lived in
another cave.
Snowflake's mother taught her to do all the things that little girls
needed to know. She learned to hunt for roots and berries, to catch
birds, and to make traps, besides learning to make tents, to prepare
skins, and to make them into garments. It would take too long to tell
all the things that little girls learned in those days.
Snowflake learned her lessons well and she found new ways of doing
things. It was when she found a reindeer caught in the vines that she
took the first step in making a snare. She had started to the hillside
to dig roots and had gone only a little way when she heard something
pulling and tugging among the vines.
She peeked through the branches to see what it was, and there stood a
beautiful reindeer. His antlers were caught in the tangled vines and
he was trying to get loose.
Snowflake's heart went pit-a-pat, pit-a-pat, when she saw the
reindeer. But she kept going nearer, and the reindeer pulled and
pulled until he was strangled by the vines.
When Snowflake came to the cave dragging the handsome reindeer, the
people shouted for joy. And when they had knocked off the beautiful
antlers, they gave them to Snowflake and changed her name.
Whenever she went to the spot where the reindeer was caught she always
looked for another reindeer. But the reindeer kept away from the
spot.
So, at length, Antler thought of cutting vines and fastening them to
branches. Then she learned to tie knots that would slip and tighten
when pulled. And, after a while, she used the slipknots in making many
kinds of snares.
[Illustration: "_Then she set snares on the ground and fastened them
to strong branches._"]
Antler watched the birds until she knew the spots where they liked to
alight. Then she set snares on the ground and fastened them to strong
branches.
The birds, alighting on the spot, caught their feet in the snare. When
they tried to fly away, they pulled the slipknot which held them fast.
[Illustration: "_Antler learned to protect the cord by running it
through a hollow bone._"]
Some of the birds were frightened away, and did not return to the
spot. So Antler tried to coax them back by scattering seeds near the
snare.
Once Antler set a snare in a rabbit path just high enough to catch the
rabbit's head. A rabbit was caught, but he nibbled the cord and ran
off with the snare. And so Antler learned to protect the cord by
running it through a hollow bone.
There was no better trapper than Antler among all the Cave-men. It was
she who taught the boys and girls how to make and set traps. When the
marmots awoke from their long winter's sleep, all the children learned
to catch them in traps. They learned to loosen the bark of a tree
without breaking it except along one edge. They used the bark as a
leadway to a trap which they set near a marmot's hole. After placing
the noose inside the bark, they fastened it to a bent sapling.
[Illustration: "_So it ran along and nibbled the bait until its sharp
teeth cut the cord._"]
When the children went to the trap, they clapped their hands and
shouted. Then they took the marmot out of the trap and carried it to
the cave. And they made a great noise when Bighorn said, "You will
soon be very good trappers."
Then the children wanted to catch another marmot, so Antler went with
them and showed them how the trap worked. The marmot coming out of his
hole smelled the bait on the string. So it ran along and nibbled the
bait until its sharp teeth cut the cord. Then the sapling sprang up
and jerked the snare upward. And the weight of the marmot, pulling
downward, drew the slipknot tight.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tie a slipknot at one end of a string, and show how to set it for
snaring birds. Show how to set it for snaring rabbits. Find a
hollow stick or a bone to protect the snare from the rabbit's
teeth. Show how the marmot trap was set._
_Tell how you catch mice. Tell how you catch flies._
_What animals do you know that sleep during the winter? How can
they live so long without eating?_
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Snowflake finds a reindeer caught in the vines._
_Antler teaches the children to set traps._
_Model a marmot in clay._
_Name all the animals you know that burrow in the ground. Watch one
of them and find out what it does._
XXI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why would the Cave-men be apt to lose many spears and javelins?
How could they keep from losing the shafts?
Can you think of how they might find a way of saving their
spearheads?
Find a picture of a barbed spearhead. Why did people begin to make
barbs?
_How Spears were Changed into Harpoons_
None of the clans could make better weapons than the men of the Bison
clan. Since boyhood, Greybeard had been known for his delicate spear
points and knives. No workshop in all the valley was better known than
his. But even Greybeard's weapons sometimes were known to fail. Even
his spear points sometimes were lost in the chase.
For several days the men were at home making new weapons. They never
made spears and javelins with sharper and finer points. They never
made straighter and smoother shafts. When they started out to hunt,
they were proud of their new weapons. All the Cave-men expected that
before the day passed, they would have new trophies and fresh meat.
The women, trapping birds on the hillsides, listened from time to
time. They expected to hear Bighorn's whistle when the animals were
ready to be skinned. But the day passed, and no signal came.
At sunset the men returned, but they were gloomy and silent. They
brought no trophies, and they spoke not a word of the chase.
No wonder the men were gloomy and silent. Their precious spears and
javelins had been lost in the chase. It was not because the men were
careless. It was not because they were not skillful in making spears
and javelins. It was because these weapons, when thrown from the hand,
could not strike deadly blows.
The Cave-men had thrown at the wild horses with a sure aim. Their
javelins and spears went right to the mark. When the horses ran, the
Cave-men followed. But in spite of all they could do, the wild horses
were soon out of sight.
Some of the horses received ugly wounds and carried the weapons far
away. Others received slight wounds; they brushed off the spears and
javelins, which fell and were lost in the tall grass.
[Illustration: _A chisel-scraper._]
Time and again, hunted animals had escaped with only a wound. Wounded
animals had often escaped with a spear or javelin. But never before
had so many animals escaped with so many precious weapons.
Of course there was nothing for the Cave-men to do but to make new
weapons. But it took a long time to season the sticks for straight and
smooth shafts. It took patience and skill for the Cave-men to make
delicate flint points. Perhaps this was why the Cave-men learned to
retrieve the weapons they threw.
Ever since the Cave-men had learned to make spears, they had lashed
the head to the shaft. They thought that this was the only way to make
a good spear. Chipper was the first Cave-man who invented a new way.
Chipper was all alone in the workshop. He had finished a spear point
which he held in his hand. Without thinking what he was doing, he
slipped the tang into a hollow reed which he picked up from the
ground. If it had not been for a hungry wolf, he might have thought no
more about it.
But the wolf had smelled the meat which was on the ground close to the
workshop. Hearing a sound, Chipper looked just in time to see the wolf
spring toward the meat.
The spear flew from Chipper's hand before he stopped to think. And
Chipper sprang upon the wolf and engaged in a hand-to-hand fight.
At the first sound of the combat the Cave-men rushed to the spot.
There they found that Chipper had already secured his prize.
While the Cave-men looked at the wolf, Chipper told them what had
happened. He showed them the reed which he had used in hurling his new
spear point. The men looked at the hollow reed and tried it to see how
it worked. Other reeds were on the ground. So the men fitted
spearheads into the reeds and practiced throwing that way. They played
with the reeds the rest of the day.
[Illustration: _A barbed point._]
When they worked at their weapons again, Chipper, alone, tried a new
way. He made a loose shaft with a socket in the end. During the next
chase they lost many weapons. Chipper lost many spearheads; but he
always found his loose shaft.
When the Cave-men noticed that Chipper never lost his shaft they began
to make loose shafts. And they got the idea of a barbed spearhead from
a wound which was made by a broken point. They found such a point deep
down in the wound of a bison. The sharp edge had caught in the
bison's flesh. And every movement of the bison had driven the
spearhead deeper.
[Illustration: _A harpoon._]
It was by paying attention to such little things that the Cave-men
learned to make barbed spears. When the Cave-men learned that barbed
spearheads made very dangerous wounds, they were willing to take the
trouble of making the barbed points.
But no Cave-man was willing to lose one of his barbed spear points.
Perhaps that is why the men began to tie the barbed heads to the loose
shaft. When they first did this, they did not know that their spears
had become harpoons.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Find a hollow reed and use it for a shaft. Make a shaft with a
socket in it. Fit a spearhead into the socket. Change the spear so
as to make a harpoon._
_Draw a picture of the chase of the wild horses._
_Think of a wild horse running very fast. See if you can model a
wild horse in clay so as to show that it has great speed._
XXII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why was the harpoon a better weapon for hunting than the spear or
javelin? What could hunters do to keep smooth shafts from slipping
from their hands? What is the harpoon used for to-day?
Why do animals become more cunning after they are hunted?
_How the Cave-men Hunted with Harpoons_
Once again the Cave-men went out to hunt the wild horses. Once again
they took new weapons. But instead of spears and javelins they carried
barbed harpoons.
From a high hill they saw the horses on the edge of a grassy upland.
They hurried over the wooded hills and crept through the tall grass.
When Bighorn gave the signal the sentinels pricked up their ears. But
before they could give the alarm, the men had thrown their harpoons.
The frightened horses crowded upon one another. Snapping sounds of
breaking shafts, sharp cries of wounded horses, and loud shouts of
Cave-men added to their terror.
The snorting of the sentinels warned the Cave-men back. A signal from
the leader brought order to the herd. It began to move as though it
were one solid mass.
Away the herd galloped, striking terror to all creatures in the way.
But the wounded horses soon lagged. In vain they tried to keep up. At
each step the shaft of the harpoon swung under their feet. At each
step the barbed head pierced deeper and deeper. So the Cave-men had
little trouble in finishing the chase.
Perhaps you think the Cave-men had no trouble in hunting after that.
They had less trouble for some time, and they all prized their
harpoons. But on cold days, when their hands were stiff, the smooth
shafts slipped from their grasp.
When they used shafts with knobs and large joints, it was easy to keep
a firm hold. So the men made shafts with larger knobs and they put
girdles around the smooth shafts.
[Illustration: _Chipper using a spear-noose._]
At their games of throwing spears and javelins, Bighorn was almost
sure to win. It was partly because he had large hands and very strong
fingers. By bending one finger like a hook and striking the butt of
the shaft, he could send a harpoon straight to the mark.
Chipper's hands were not very large. His fingers were not so strong as
Bighorn's. But Chipper was a bright young man, and he found a way of
using a spear-noose so that he could throw as well as Bighorn.
The spear-noose was a simple thing. Chipper made it by tying a noose
in each end of a cord. When he used it, he slipped one noose around
his thumb and the other around one finger. Then he grasped the spear
near the butt and slipped the cord around the knob. The spear-noose
was a great help to hunters whose hands were not large and strong.
Every time the Cave-men made new weapons, they worked very well for a
short time. But as soon as the animals learned about them, they became
more cunning in getting away. Wild horses kept sentinels on knolls and
hilltops so that they could see an enemy from afar. They guarded their
herds so carefully that the Cave-men could scarcely get near enough to
hit them with their harpoons.
And so the Cave-men returned many times bearing no trophies. They
returned many times giving no signal for the women to come for fresh
meat.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Take a harpoon and show how the shaft would swing against the feet
of an animal that had been hit by the head._
_Make a girdle around a smooth shaft, or make a shaft with a knob
or large joint near the butt._
_Make a spear-noose and show how Chipper used it._
_Think of the wild horses during the first few minutes after the
men threw their harpoons. See if you can draw a picture of them._
XXIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Think of as many hard things as you can that the Cave-men had to
do.
Why did they have to do these things? What kind of men did the
Cave-men have to be?
Think of as many ways as you can that the Cave-men would use to
teach the boys. What tests do you think they would give the boys?
[Illustration: "_And so the Cave-men tested the boys in many different
ways._"]
_How the Cave-men Tested Fleetfoot and Flaker_
Winters came and went, and Fleetfoot and Flaker grew to be large boys.
They watched the men; they heard them talk; they learned what a
Cave-man had to do.
Greybeard told them stories of brave hunters that lived long ago. He
told them about the animals they must learn to hunt. The boys listened
to the stories. And they thought there was no animal too fierce for
them to fight. They thought there was no river too swift for them to
cross. They thought there was no mountain too steep for them to climb.
But the boys had not learned how fierce a bison can be. They had never
crossed a raging river nor climbed a mountain peak.
The men knew that the boys needed to try their strength before they
could be really strong. They knew they must do brave deeds before they
could be really brave. They knew they must suffer patiently before
they could have self-control. And so the Cave-men tested the boys in
many different ways.
If the boys stood the tests, the Cave-men shouted praises; but if they
showed any sign of fear, the Cave-men jeered at them.
Sometimes the boys were given nothing to eat until they brought food
from the hunt. And even then they were not always allowed to touch the
food which was near. When the boys were fasting, the Cave-men tempted
them with food. And if the boys took even a bite, they failed in the
test. So Fleetfoot and Flaker learned to fast without a word of
complaint.
One of the hardest things which the boys had to do was to make their
own weapons. At first, Greybeard helped them; but, later, they had to
do their own work.
So the boys learned to go to the trees that had the best wood for
shafts. They learned to cut, and peel, and scrape, and oil, and
season, and polish the sticks before they were ready to use. No wonder
the boys became tired before all this work was done.
Then they worked very carefully before they could make good
spearheads. They hunted for the best stones and learned to shape them
very well. When they forgot and struck hard blows, they spoiled the
flint points. Then Greybeard would tell them that the strongest and
bravest hunters were those who could strike the gentlest blows.
It was work of this kind that was harder for the boys than chasing a
wild horse or a reindeer. If they had not known that they must have
weapons, they would not have had patience to do it.
While the boys worked at their weapons, they thought of what they
would do with them. They thought of the trophies they would bring home
and what the people would say. And they learned to sing at their work
and to mark the time for each blow. And so they managed to keep at
work until the weapons were done.
One day when the boys were flaking spear points, Fleetfoot turned to
Flaker and said, "Do you know who made the first flaker?"
"Yes," answered Flaker, "it was Greybeard."
"No, no!" said Fleetfoot, "Nimble-finger did it."
Greybeard heard Fleetfoot speak his name and he came to the spot. Then
it was that Fleetfoot learned that Greybeard was Nimble-finger.
After that Fleetfoot took great pains to learn how to flake flint
points. He watched Greybeard as he worked and he listened to all he
said.
Before many years had passed, the boys could make good weapons. They
knew every spot on their own hunting ground. They knew the wild
animals that lived there and what they liked to do. They knew each
animal by its track. Each sound of the woods, each patch of light,
they learned to read as you read a book.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Name things you will have to learn before you are full-grown._
_What kind of tests do you have to take?_
_Tell a story of the way the Cave-men tested Fleetfoot and Flaker._
_Tell a story of all that you think happened the day that Fleetfoot
learned that Greybeard was Nimble-finger._
_Name the birds you can tell by their song. Name those you can tell
by sight._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Testing Fleetfoot and Flaker._
_Fleetfoot and Flaker in the workshop._
_Fleetfoot discovers Nimble-finger._
[Illustration: "_Then their antlers crashed in a swift charge._"]
XXIV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What animals would the Cave-men see just before winter? Which of
these live in herds? How are the leaders of the herds chosen?
What kind of a voice does the reindeer have when it is
good-natured?
What kind of a voice does it have when it is angry?
_Fleetfoot and Flaker see a Combat_
One day just before winter, Fleetfoot and Flaker went out on the
hills. The reindeer were coming back and the boys wanted to see them.
They had gone only a little way, when they saw two handsome stags.
Each wanted to be leader of the reindeer herd, and so they were trying
their strength.
The stags stood head to head, their red eyes blazing like fire. Their
hair stood on end. They stamped their hoofs on the hard ground. They
hissed fierce blasts to and fro.
Slowly and carefully they changed their position, still keeping head
to head. Each reindeer knew that the lances of the other could strike
deadly blows. Each reindeer had fought too many battles to expose
himself to such blows.
And so the stags eyed each other, getting more angry all the while.
Louder and fiercer sounded their blasts. Then their antlers crashed in
a swift charge.
They pulled and pushed with all their might in a life and death
struggle. Not until their strength was exhausted did they stop a
moment to rest.
Then they tried to draw apart, but they found they could not do it.
Each stag was held a prisoner by the antlers of the other. In vain the
handsome creatures pulled and pushed. Each was held fast. And the
boys, seeing their chance, secured both of the reindeer.
Perhaps it was well for the reindeer that the boys were there. At
least, the boys saved them from a more horrible death. Reindeer caught
in this way have suffered from hunger and thirst many days before
death came.
The boys admired the beautiful reindeer as they lay stretched out on
the ground. They felt of their polished antlers that had dealt many
powerful blows. And they wished they had such weapons as these to use
all of the time.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show how the reindeer stood in the combat and how they changed
their positions. Draw the picture._
_Take a flat surface of clay and see if you can model a reindeer so
that it will stand out a little from the surface._
_Tell a story of what you think happened at the cave after the boys
killed the reindeer._
XXV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If you have ever seen a cat hunt, tell how she does it. Can you
think why cats do not hunt together?
Do dogs hunt alone, or with one another? How do wolves hunt?
In what ways can animals help one another in hunting? What animals
do wolves hunt to-day? What animals did the wolves hunt in the time
of the Cave-men?
_What Happened when Fleetfoot and Flaker Hunted the Bison_
When summer came, Fleetfoot and Flaker watched the bison from day to
day. The wolves, too, watched the bison. One day the boys saw two
wolves hunt a bison that had strayed from the herd.
The wolves walked boldly up toward the bison until they were only a
few paces away. Then they went cautiously.
The bison paid no attention at first; but when the wolves came closer,
he stamped his foot and shook his horns. Any animal could know that
the bison meant, "It is dangerous here. Keep away!"
But the wolves had a plan and they carried it out. The smaller wolf
kept the bison's attention by making believe attack from the front.
This gave the big wolf a chance; and he cut the large muscles of the
bison's knees with his sharp teeth. The bison was thus crippled so
badly that the wolves were more than a match for him.
"I wonder if we could get a bison," said Flaker as the boys watched
the wolves at their feast.
"Let's try," said Fleetfoot.
"But how can we get close up," said Flaker, "without frightening the
bison away?"
"Let's dress in wolf-skins," said Fleetfoot, "and make believe we are
wolves."
And the boys dressed in wolf-skins and took their best hunting knives.
They watched the herd until they saw a large bison stray away. Then
the boys approached the bison, and they looked so much like wolves
that they got very close before the bison threatened with his horns.
Then the boys made the attack. Flaker took the part of the little wolf
and attacked the bison's head. Fleetfoot took the part of the big wolf
and tried to cripple the bison.
But the boys had not counted upon the bison's tough skin. They had not
counted upon his muscles, which were as hard as boards. Flaker's
dagger glanced off at one side and merely scratched the bison. But it
made the creature so angry that he charged upon Flaker.
Meanwhile Fleetfoot was doing his best to cut the hard muscles of the
bison's knee. He forgot about everything else until he had lamed one
of the forelegs. It was then that the bison charged and that Flaker
called for help. And then Fleetfoot tried to rescue Flaker by drawing
the bison's attention away.
Fleetfoot did this just in time to save Flaker's life. He struck at
the Bison's head, then dodged in time to escape his horns. He dodged
again and again until he was almost exhausted. The bison limped, but
he seemed as strong and as furious as ever. Once again the bison
charged, and again Fleetfoot dodged. Then a spear whizzed past
Fleetfoot's head and a voice called, "Climb a tree."
[Illustration: "_They looked so much like wolves that they got very
close before the bison threatened._"]
Fleetfoot never remembered running to the tree. He never remembered
climbing it. But for many days he seemed to see himself in the tree
and the bison just beneath. For many days he seemed to hear
Greybeard's welcome voice.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's carving of a "hamstrung" animal._]
Greybeard and Fleetfoot stayed in the trees until the bison started up
the ravine. Then they climbed down from one of the trees and hurried
to see what had happened to Flaker.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tell something that you have learned from watching an animal._
_Mention as many things as you can that you think the Cave-men
learned from animals._
_Straighten and bend your elbow or knee so as to find where the
strong muscles are._
_Tell why the Cave-men tried to cut the strong muscles of the
bison's knee. We say when we cut these large muscles that we have
"hamstrung" the animal._
_Look at the picture of a Cave-man's carving of an animal which has
been "hamstrung." Can you tell what animal it is?_
_Think of the two wolves coming up toward the bison. Model one of
them in clay. See if the children can guess which one it is._
XXVI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think had happened to Flaker? If any of his bones were
broken, do you think the Cave-men could set them? Do you think
there were doctors when the Cave-men lived? Who would do the work
which doctors do to-day?
_What the Cave-men did for Flaker_
Fleetfoot ran ahead of Greybeard and found Flaker on the ground.
Fleetfoot stooped and looked into his face. He called him by name. No
answer came. Then Fleetfoot asked Greybeard if Flaker was dead.
Greybeard shook his head as he bent down and laid his hands upon the
boy. He examined his wounds, then said to Fleetfoot, "Let's carry him
down to the cool spring."
So Greybeard and Fleetfoot lifted Flaker and carried him gently down
to the spring. There they bathed his face and the ugly wounds with
fresh cool water. They bound his wounds with strips of the skins that
the boys wore that day.
When Greybeard tried to set the broken bones, Flaker began to moan. He
opened his eyes for a moment; then he fell back in a swoon.
Then Greybeard sent Fleetfoot to the cave for help. And Fleetfoot
hurried and told Antler; and Antler, picking up some little things
which she knew she would need, and telling the women to follow quickly
with a large skin, went with Fleetfoot to the spot where Flaker lay.
Greybeard was watching beside the boy when Antler arrived. He helped
her set the broken bones and then they prepared to carry him home.
[Illustration: _What the Cave-men did for Flaker._]
Taking the skin which the women brought, Antler stretched it upon the
ground. Then the women helped her lift the boy and lay him upon the
skin. Gently they laid him upon the stretcher. Softly they stepped as
they carried him home. They tended him carefully many days.
Flaker's wounds soon healed. But when he was strong enough to walk,
the Cave-men saw that he was lame.
Flaker was always lame after that. The bones had slipped out of place
and now it was too late to reset them. Afterwards the Cave-men learned
better ways of setting broken bones. They found better ways of holding
them in place while they grew together.
Perhaps the Cave-men learned this by watching the wild animals. Some
birds, when they break a leg, hold the bones in place with wet clay.
Sometimes we use a plaster cast, but the Cave-men knew nothing about
such a way.
The days seemed long to Flaker while he was getting well. Everybody
was kind to him, but it seemed hard to keep quiet when everybody else
was moving about.
When Fleetfoot went out to hunt, Flaker wanted to go too. But he could
not go, and so Fleetfoot used to tell him everything that happened.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show how the women helped Antler put Flaker upon the skin. Show
how they carried him home. Draw one of the pictures._
_Find out why a child's bones will grow together more easily than
an old person's bones. See if you can find out what bones are made
of. Soak a bone in acid and see what happens to it. Burn a bone and
see what happens to it. Why do a child's bones break less easily
than an old person's?_
_If there is a spring in your neighborhood, go and see it. Find out
where the water comes from._
XXVII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If Flaker is lame, how will he be able to get food? What do you
think he can do that will be useful to the clan?
Do you think the Cave-men took as good care of the sick, and the
lame, and the old people, as we do? What could they do for them?
Why did the men use weapons more than tools? Why did the women use
tools more than weapons?
Think of as many tools as you can that the women used.
_How Flaker Learned to Make Weapons of Bone_
Before Flaker was hurt he and Fleetfoot had planned to do many things.
But now Flaker was lame, and all the Cave-men knew he would never be
able to hunt.
When Flaker first knew it, he was very sad. And so Fleetfoot tried to
comfort him. Each day he brought him a bird or a rabbit, and he told
him all that had happened.
For a while Flaker thought that if a man could not hunt, there was
nothing else for him to do. But soon he found there were many things
to do besides going out to hunt.
Flaker began by doing a few little things to help Fleetfoot. He helped
him flake heads for harpoons and javelins and make strong shafts.
When Greybeard and Fleetfoot praised his work, Flaker was very happy.
And so Flaker busied himself in the workshop when the men went out to
hunt. Sometimes Chipper helped him, and often Greybeard worked with
him.
When Flaker was tired he would look at the trophies which were
fastened on the wall near the cave. He was always glad to see the
locked antlers of the two stags.
As he looked at the strong antlers, he could almost see the handsome
stags. He thought of them standing head to head ready to strike deadly
blows. And he wished he had had such powerful weapons to meet the
bison's charge.
[Illustration: _A wedge or tent pin._]
The children wanted to be good to Flaker and so they brought him the
antlers they found. They liked to play with the antlers, and their
mothers used them in many ways. They had learned to cut them with
choppers and chisels, and sometimes they cut them with stone knives.
All the women used the small prongs of the antlers. They used them as
wedges in prying the bark loose from the sap-wood of young trees. All
the women had learned to make hammers of antler by making two cuts
near the base. And sometimes they used the broad end of the brow
antler instead of a stone chisel.
Once when Flaker was watching Antler, he thought she was making a
dagger. But Antler had not thought of making a dagger. She was making
a hammer and wedge. When she had finished, she dropped the long beam
of the antler upon the ground and went away with her tools.
Flaker kept his eyes fixed upon the long beam. The more he looked at
it, the more it looked like a dagger. At length he reached and picked
it up. Then he took his knife and began to cut it.
[Illustration: _The head of a javelin._]
That night when Fleetfoot came home, Flaker gave him a dagger of
reindeer horn. Fleetfoot showed it to Bighorn, who took it, then
tossed it on the ground.
Bighorn had never seen such a dagger. He thought a good dagger had to
be made of stone. So he made fun of Flaker's weapon, then thought no
more about it.
But Greybeard and Chipper did not make fun of the weapons Flaker made.
They tried the dagger next day, and found that it stood the test. So
they asked Flaker to make each of them daggers and javelins of
reindeer horn.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Tell all you know about the antlers of full-grown stags. Tell all
you know about the antlers of other reindeer._
_Look at the antlers in the pictures on pages 16, 17, 108, and 121.
Find the part that would make such a wedge as is shown on page 119.
Find the part that would make such a hammer as is shown on page 74.
Find a part for a chisel or scraper. Find the long beam that was
used in making such a dagger as is shown on page 123. Do you think
that Flaker's first dagger was carved in this way? Can you tell why
the Cave-men carved their weapons?_
_Act out the part of this story you like best._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Flaker watching for Fleetfoot's return._
_The children bringing antlers to Flaker._
_The women at work making tools._
_Fleetfoot showing the dagger to Bighorn._
_Greybeard and Chipper asking Flaker to make daggers._
_Make as many simple tools as you can out of bone or horn. Find
ways of using them._
XXVIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think Flaker used in cutting the antler? What tools
will he need to use in making weapons of bone or horn?
What do you think the first saws were? How do you think people came
to use saws? How large do you think they were?
What are files used for? Can you think what the first files were
like? What do you think they were used for?
_How Flaker Invented the Saw_
[Illustration: _A small antler._]
How glad Flaker was when Greybeard and Chipper asked him to make them
some daggers! He looked at all the antlers the children had brought.
He thought of the reindeer he had seen with antlers such as these. He
remembered the handsome reindeer with their deadly weapons, and at
length he chose the large antlers which had belonged to a handsome
stag.
Flaker looked at the long beams and decided to use them for daggers.
He took his knife to cut off the prongs, but he could scarcely cut
them with a knife.
Flaker knew that the women cut the prongs with a chopper, but a
chopper was a woman's tool. And Flaker wanted to be like the men. And
so he kept working with his knife, but he wished he had taken a beam
which the women had left.
[Illustration: _A knife with two blades, a saw, and a file, all in
one._]
When he was tired using his knife, he played with some flint flakes.
He ran his fingers over the sharp edges. Then he carelessly pressed
off tiny flakes.
But Flaker soon tired of this and he picked up the antler again. He
pushed a flint flake back and forth upon one of the prongs of the
antler.
Flaker was simply playing at first; but when he saw that the flint was
cutting, his play became real work. And he kept on pushing and pulling
the flake until the prong fell to the ground. Then he sawed off other
prongs, but he did not know he was sawing.
Flaker had never seen a saw and he did not know what it was. He did
not know that when he pressed off the tiny flakes he made the teeth of
a flint saw.
But Flaker had made a saw. It was only the rough edge of a flint
flake. No doubt such rough edges had been made many times before. But
Flaker learned to use the rough edge by pushing and pulling it back
and forth.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's dagger of carved antler._]
When Flaker sawed the prongs from the beam, some of the places were
rough. So he rubbed them with the face of the flint until he made them
smooth. When Flaker did this, the flake, which had been only a knife,
became a file as well as a saw.
Greybeard and Chipper tried the new daggers and found that they were
sharp and strong. And the next time they went on the chase they took
the new weapons along.
Bighorn saw the new weapons, but he said little about them. For
Bighorn knew better than to make fun of weapons Greybeard used.
Nothing pleased Flaker more than to be able to help Greybeard. And so
he cherished the new tool that he used in shaping reindeer horn.
Sometimes he showed it to Greybeard, who was always kind to the boys.
But even the wise old man had no idea of what a wonderful tool it was.
The other Cave-men saw the tool, but they thought very little about
it. They cared a great deal about the weapons they used in the chase.
But few of the Cave-men ever thought of making anything they did not
need right away.
And so little was said about the new tool which was a knife with two
blades, a saw, and a file, all in one. Nobody dreamed at that time
that the little tool was the forerunner of a great change.
#THINGS TO DO#
_If you can strike off a large flint flake with three faces, see if
you can make it into a knife-saw-file._
_Look at the picture, or at the real tool you have made, and find
the plain face that can be used as a file._
_Find the two edges which can be used as knives. Find the edge
which has a crest of teeth, and which can be used as a saw._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_The women chopping prongs from the beam of the antler._
_Flaker sawing the prongs off the antler._
XXIX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Can you think why the females and the young males of the reindeer
herd could drive the old stags away during the winter? Could they
do it in the summer?
Why can the reindeer walk easily in the snow or on slippery places?
What is it that makes the clicking sound when reindeer walk or run?
Why were the Cave-men careful to make no mistake in the dance?
_The Reindeer Dance_
Fleetfoot did not hunt with the men, but he learned many things from
them. In early winter, he heard them tell stories of dangerous
encounters with ugly stags. When the old stags shed their antlers, he
saw the men dance the reindeer dance.
Fleetfoot mimicked the reindeer's movements and the grunting sounds
they made. But he was not allowed to join with the men in dancing the
reindeer dance. Only brave men were allowed to join in the dance. Only
the bravest men were allowed to lead.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's mortar stone for grinding paint._]
But Fleetfoot stood near and saw everything that was done. Some of the
men put on headdresses made of the antlers of the reindeer. Others put
on reindeer suits without the headdress of antlers. Those that were to
be the Cave-men painted their faces and carried trophies.
Fleetfoot wished that he could have a headdress and take part in the
dance. He wondered how long he would have to wait before he could
dance with the men. He wondered how many brave things he must do
before he would rank as a man.
And when Fleetfoot saw the men standing in silence while Greybeard
made offerings to the gods, he looked at the brave old man and
wondered how a man could be so wise. Then he thought of Chew-chew's
stories of brave men of olden times.
At length Fleetfoot saw Flaker, who was sitting all alone. He went and
sat beside him and they watched the men dance.
The men had finished dressing, and the women were seated on the
ground. They had rolls of skin, and rude drums, and rattles of
reindeer hoofs.
At a signal from Bighorn, a group of men came dancing to the music of
the rattles. They moved about and made low grunting sounds as though
they were a reindeer herd.
Then the music changed. The women drummed upon skins and hummed in a
weird way. They tried to show by the sound of the music the coming of
a storm.
[Illustration: _A drum._]
At the first sound of the weird music, the reindeer pricked up their
ears. Then the larger reindeer that had lost their antlers started off
to make-believe higher lands. There they made believe paw the snow
until they found the moss. As the music of the storm grew louder, the
herd followed to the higher lands. And with many an angry threat they
drove the old stags away.
Then the drumming and humming became fainter, and at last the sounds
died away. But still the faint clicking of the rattles marked each
step of the men in the dance.
Another signal from Bighorn marked the change to a new scene. Trails
were marked upon the ground and sticks placed for hills and streams.
While the reindeer pretended to feed, a group of Cave-men appeared.
Bighorn, who was still the leader, sent Little-bear to watch where the
trail crossed the hills. Chipper was sent to lie in wait at the spot
where the trail crossed the river. And Bighorn, himself, took his
stand at the point where the trails crossed.
When the men took their places, others crept back of the herd. Only
the light music of the rattles sounded as the reindeer moved about.
As the men came nearer the reindeer herd, the sentinels showed signs
of fear. The clicking of the rattles was quicker. The herd became
thoroughly alarmed and the women shook the rattles and made a loud
din.
Then the reindeer started on their old trails and came near the spots
where the men were hid. The clicking of the rattles marked the time
for the running, and the beating of the drum showed when javelins were
hurled. Soon the shouts of the men and the rattles and drums made a
loud noise.
All the Cave-men enjoyed the dance. They danced it without a mistake.
And so they felt sure that the god of the reindeer would give them
success in the chase.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Model in your sand-box the spot where the reindeer dance was
danced._
_Model the trails where the Cave-men thought the reindeer would run
when alarmed._
_Make rattles of something which you can find, and show how to mark
time with them._
_If you can get a skin, see if you can stretch it over something so
as to make a drum. Try different ways, and tell which is best._
_Dramatize this lesson._
_Draw a picture to illustrate it._
XXX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Can you think why hunters frequently have famines? At what season
of the year would they be most likely to have a famine?
Can you think why they did not preserve and save food in times of
plenty?
If game should be scarce on a hunting ground, do you think all of
the people could stay at home? What do you think would happen at
such a time?
Have you ever heard that the Indians used to be afraid of having
their pictures taken? Why were they afraid of it?
_Fleetfoot Prepares for His Final Test_
Toward the close of winter rumors of famine came to the Bison clan.
Several times people came from neighboring clans and asked Antler for
food. There was plenty of meat in the cave, so she gave to those who
asked. The strangers soon went away, and the Bison clan forgot about
them.
The next summer game was scarce on several of the old hunting grounds.
There was not enough food for all. People began to wander away from
their old homes. Small groups of men, women, and children, set out in
different directions.
Game was still plenty on the lands of the Bison clan. When the
neighbors knew this, they came to hunt on these lands. The day
Fleetfoot went away to fast, strange people came and camped.
The next day the Bison clan drove them away. A few days later other
strangers came, and they, too, were driven away. Bighorn was angry
when the strangers first came, but soon he became alarmed.
Just as the men and women were holding a council to consider what to
do, the strangers disappeared. Not until Fleetfoot returned did the
Bison clan know who they were or why they came.
[Illustration: "_People began to wander away from their old homes._"]
Before Fleetfoot went away to fast, he had been curious about the Big
Bear. He had heard many stories about the Big Bear ever since he was a
child. He had heard that the Big Bear guarded the game and kept the
animals in the rocky cavern. He had wondered if he could climb the
mountains and find the cave of the Big Bear.
Before Flaker was hurt, the boys had planned to go to the mountains.
They had planned to make friends with the Big Bear and learn where he
kept the game. They had planned to climb the highest peaks and see
what there was beyond.
Once, when the boys asked Greybeard if they might go to the mountains,
Greybeard said, "No, no, my children! Wait a while. You are not yet
old enough to go."
And so the boys waited, but they still talked about going to the
cavern of the Big Bear. After Flaker was hurt they still planned, but
they planned for Fleetfoot to go alone.
One day when the boys were talking together, Greybeard came to
Fleetfoot and said, "The time you have waited for has come. Prepare
for your final test."
This was glad news for Fleetfoot. At last he was to have a chance to
prove himself worthy to rank with the men. Flaker rejoiced with
Fleetfoot, yet he could not help feeling sad.
The Bison clan had decided that Fleetfoot should go to a quiet spot.
There he was to fast and pray until he received a sign from the gods.
And when he had done their bidding, he was to return for his final
test. This test once passed, Fleetfoot would be counted one of the
men.
Before Fleetfoot went, Greybeard instructed him in the use of prayers
and charms. Antler gave him a magic powder and showed him how to
prepare it from herbs. And the men told him of their tests, and the
signs they received from the gods.
Flaker had listened to every word that Greybeard had said. He had
thought of all the dangers which Fleetfoot might encounter. And he
wondered if there was not a way to protect Fleetfoot from harm.
Flaker knew that the reindeer dance was a prayer of the Cave-men to
their gods. He knew each movement in the dance was to help the gods
understand. He felt sure that the gods would help Fleetfoot if he
could make them understand. And so he determined to make a prayer
which Fleetfoot could carry with him.
[Illustration: _The engraving of a cave-bear on a pebble._]
Perhaps you will think that the prayer Flaker made was a very strange
prayer. But many people in all parts of the world have made such
prayers. It was a prayer to the Big Bear of the mountains. Flaker
scratched it upon a smooth pebble with a flint point. It was a picture
of the Big Bear, and Flaker made it so that Fleetfoot could control
the actions of the Big Bear.
When Flaker gave the prayer to Fleetfoot he told him to guard it with
great care. Fleetfoot took the prayer and promised to keep it near his
side. Then the boys made an offering to the Big Bear and asked him to
guide the way.
When at length Fleetfoot was ready to start, Greybeard spoke these
parting words: "Forget not the offerings to the gods, and remember
they must be made with true words and a faithful heart."
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show in your sand-box where you think the mountains were. Model
them and show that they were almost covered with snow. Show good
places for neighboring hunting grounds._
_Tell why game might be scarce in some hunting grounds and plenty
in others._
_Dramatize this story. Draw pictures which will show what happened.
See if you can engrave some animal upon wood or soft stone._
XXXI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Where do you think Fleetfoot will go while he is away from home?
Find a picture of a glacier, and see if you can tell how a glacier
is made. In what places does the snow stay all the year round? If a
great deal of snow falls each year, what do you think will become
of it?
Find out whether there have ever been glaciers near where you live.
If there have, see if you can find any traces of them.
_Fleetfoot Fasts and Prays_
None of the Cave-men knew where Fleetfoot would go to fast and pray.
He scarcely knew himself, but all the time he kept thinking of the
Big Bear of the Mountains. And so he turned his steps toward the high
mountain peaks.
He followed the bison trail, for that was a sure guide. It led up the
river a long way, and then skirted a dark forest. He crossed the river
and went to the forest. There he sought out a lonely spot where he
stayed several days.
As soon as he had made a fire, Fleetfoot made offerings to the gods.
His offerings were fish he caught in the river and birds he caught in
snares.
Although Fleetfoot offered meat to the gods, he did not taste it
himself. When he was ready to sleep, he rubbed a pinch of wood-ashes
upon his breast and prayed thus to the fire god: "O fire god, hover
near me while I sleep. Hear my prayer. Grant good dreams to me this
night. Grant me a sign that thou wilt aid me. Lead my feet in the
right way."
The first night Fleetfoot had no dreams. The second night he dreamed
he was a child again and that he lived in his old home. The third
night he dreamed of the Big Bear of the Mountains. He thought that he
climbed the mountain crags and went to the Big Bear's cave. He dreamed
that the Big Bear spoke to him and asked him whence he came. Then
strange people seemed to come out of the cave and wave their weapons
in a threatening way. After that Fleetfoot remembered nothing except
that the Big Bear seemed like a friend.
At daybreak Fleetfoot awoke, and at once he thought of his dream. He
took the pebble from a little bag. Then he made an offering to the
bear as he spoke these words: "O Big Bear! O mighty hunter! Show me
the way to thy caverns. Show me where thou keepest the game. Give me
strength to meet all dangers. Fill my enemies with fear."
Then, remembering what Greybeard had said, Fleetfoot gave offerings to
all the animals he hoped to kill. In this way he thought the gods
would help him when he went out to hunt.
As soon as the offerings were made, Fleetfoot looked for a sign from
the gods. The winds began to blow. Dark clouds began to climb the sky.
Then the thunders pealed through the heavens.
[Illustration: _A stone borer, used in making a necklace._]
Fleetfoot, faint from his long fast, took courage from these signs.
The winds seemed to be messengers bearing his prayer to the gods. The
dark clouds seemed to be the enemies he would meet on the way. The
peals of thunder sounded to him like promises of strength. The bright
lightning in the sky flashed a message of hope. A flock of swallows
circling near seemed to point the way. And so Fleetfoot refreshed
himself and started toward the mountains.
It would take too long to tell all the things that happened to
Fleetfoot before he returned. One of the first things he did was to
kill a cave-bear and take the trophies.
When Fleetfoot started out again, he wore a necklace of bear's teeth.
He wore them partly because they were trophies and partly because
they were charms.
Fleetfoot followed the trail along the edge of the forest until he
reached a ridge of hills. Behind him lay the River of Stones and all
the places he had known. Before him lay a pretty valley about a day's
journey across. To his left the snow-covered mountain peaks shone with
a dazzling light.
He stopped only to sleep and to make offerings to the gods. Fleetfoot
was full of courage, and yet he was weak from his fast. He longed to
be strong against all foes. He longed to be a great hunter. He longed
to strengthen his people and to meet the dangers which threatened his
clan.
At midday he reached the river, where he sat down to rest. Then he
went up the little river, which flowed over a rocky bed.
Fleetfoot followed the river until he came to a spot where it seemed
to end. Great masses of snow and ice covered the river bed. Farther up
they reached the top of the cliffs and stretched out into the valley.
It was the melting of this glacier which fed the little stream.
Fleetfoot stood and gazed at the glacier with its rough billows of
snow and ice. He looked at the green forests which stretched to its
very edge. He looked at the great ice sheets which covered the
mountain peaks. He looked at the bare crags which jutted out from the
rocks. And he wondered if the Big Bear's cave was in one of these
rocks.
[Illustration: "_It was the melting of this glacier which fed the
little stream._"]
Then he crossed the stream and approached the cliff on the opposite
side. There he found a cave, and he looked about, but he found no one
at home.
As Fleetfoot was looking about, he began to think of Chew-chew.
Everything upon which his eyes rested seemed to speak of her. And yet
he could not remember seeing the place before.
Night came again and Fleetfoot slept. Again he saw the Big Bear in his
dreams. Again he saw the enemies of his clan, and again he dreamed of
his old home.
For several days Fleetfoot explored the country near the mountains. He
found several good hunting grounds, but he did not find the Big Bear.
As the days passed it seemed to Fleetfoot that he was no longer alone.
He heard no steps, and he saw no tracks; yet he felt sure that some
one was near.
One morning, when he awoke, there was some one watching him through
the thick leaves. He grasped his spear and was ready to throw, when he
heard a merry laugh.
Then a lovely maiden appeared with dark and glossy hair. Her eyes
shone with the morning light and her breath was as fresh as the dew.
Fleetfoot dropped his spear and stepped forward to greet the girl. A
moment they gazed in each other's eyes, and then they knew no fear.
They sat on a mossy bank where they talked for a long, long time. And
Fleetfoot learned that she was called Willow-grouse and that her
people were away.
Before he could ask her more, she inquired from whence he came. And
then she asked him what had brought him so far away from his home.
While Fleetfoot was telling his story, Willow-grouse listened with
sparkling eyes. When he had finished, her eyes fell, and she seemed to
be buried in thought. Willow-grouse knew that her own people were
plotting against the Bison clan. She wanted Fleetfoot to stay with
her; and she feared that if she told him what her people were doing,
he would go away.
For a few minutes Willow-grouse kept silent; but, at length, she
decided to speak. She told Fleetfoot of the famine of the springtime
and of the scarcity of game. She told how the people separated and
traveled far and wide. Many of her own people had been to the grounds
of the Bison clan. Now the clans were at the rapids. But as soon as
the salmon season was over, they were going to attack the Bison clan.
When Fleetfoot heard what Willow-grouse said, he gave up his search
for the Big Bear. He decided to go to the salmon feast and learn what
the clans were doing. He hoped he could do this and still have time to
warn the Bison clan.
#THINGS TO DO#
_See if you can find a way of making a glacier in your sand-box._
_Model a river valley whose upper part is filled with a glacier.
Show where the bed and banks are covered with snow and ice. Show
where the cliffs are covered. Show where the ice-sheets are. Show
on the sand-map Fleetfoot's journey to the place where he fasted.
Show the remainder of his journey._
_Draw pictures of the following:_--
_Fleetfoot prays to the fire-god._
_Fleetfoot receives signs from the gods._
_Fleetfoot standing on the ridge of hills._
_Fleetfoot's meeting with Willow-grouse._
XXXII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Can you think why the salmon feast was at the rapids of the river?
Show in your sand-map a place where rapids might be. If there is a
river near you which has rapids, go to the spot and see if you can
tell what it is that makes the rapids.
Show in your map the hunting grounds of the clans which met at the
rapids. Find the trails they would follow in going to the rapids.
Find out all you can about the habits of the salmon.
[Illustration: _A necklace of fossil shells._]
_The Meeting of the Clans_
At his parting from Willow-grouse, Fleetfoot gave her a necklace of
fossil shells. Then saying, "We shall meet when the new moon comes,"
he started on his way.
He followed Sweet Briar River on his way to the meeting of the clans.
At sunset he knew he was nearing the place where Willow-grouse said
they had met. He could hear the roaring of the rapids, and above this
sound, the shouts of the clans.
Fleetfoot waited for the cover of darkness, for he did not wish to be
seen. Then he approached cautiously toward the spot where the camp
fire crackled and blazed. In the light of the flames dark trunks of
oaks and fir trees stood out of the blackness. Then moving forms
appeared on the banks and lighted the clans seated around the fire. At
first Fleetfoot did not go near enough to see the faces distinctly.
But he could tell from the various movements that they were preparing
for a dance.
All eyes seemed fixed on an old woman who was offering gifts to the
gods. She lifted hot stones from the fire and dropped them into a
basket of water. Then she took a piece of salmon and dropped it into
the water.
As Fleetfoot watched the old woman, he thought of Chew-chew and his
old home. Then he wondered if all women would look like Chew-chew when
they grew old.
When the offerings were made, the men began a war dance. Some were
dressed in masks of horses, and others wore masks of reindeer and
cattle.
When the men took off their masks, Fleetfoot looked as if in a dream.
For among the strangers moving about there appeared familiar forms.
For a few minutes Fleetfoot could not tell whether he was awake or
asleep. What he saw seemed very real, and yet it seemed like a dream.
He had almost forgotten his own people. He had not seen them since the
day he was lost. And now, only a few paces away, stood Scarface and
Straightshaft. Then other familiar forms appeared moving near the
fire. And among the women who had beaten the drums were Chew-chew and
Eagle-eye.
When Fleetfoot saw his mother and Chew-chew, he almost shouted for
joy. He wanted to go and speak to them, but something seemed to hold
him back.
Then his heart began to beat so loud and so fast that Fleetfoot was
afraid he would be discovered; so he hurried away from the spot to a
hollow tree where he spent the night.
For a long time he lay awake thinking about what to do. He could not
go back to Willow-grouse and leave his work undone. He could not make
himself known to Cave-men who were planning to attack the Bison clan.
He could not return to the Bison clan without learning the enemies'
plans.
And so Fleetfoot took the pebble from its bag and asked the Big Bear
for aid. Then he fell asleep and did not awake until the break of day.
All through the day he watched the clans. He saw them fish at the
rapids and feast and play around the fire. He saw them go to a smooth
spot near the bank where they played games. When night came he said to
himself, "I'll watch the dance and learn their plans."
Scarface offered gifts to the gods before the dance began. As he
performed the magic rites, all the people were still. Every eye was
turned toward the old man. No one suspected danger.
Fleetfoot, watching from a safe retreat, had heard a rustling sound.
And, looking in the direction from which the sound came, he saw a big
tiger in a neighboring tree.
The tiger had crept out on a strong branch and was watching for his
prey. The eyes of the big cat snapped fire as they followed each
movement that Scarface made.
There was not a moment to be lost. The tiger was about to spring.
Fleetfoot's spear whizzed through the air and dealt a powerful blow.
Another followed, but with less force although Fleetfoot hurled it
with all his might.
With a cry of rage the tiger turned, and leaving Scarface upon the
ground, he sprang toward Fleetfoot. And the Cave-men grasped their
weapons and rushed to the spot.
They found the tiger dying from the effect of the first blow. They
watched his death struggles. Then they looked for the man who had
hurled a spear that struck a death blow.
If Fleetfoot had not been struck senseless, he might have made his
escape. But as it happened, the Cave-men found him lying on the
ground, and they raised him up and carried him to a spot near the
bright camp-fire.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show on your sand-map where the clans had camped. Show where you
think Fleetfoot watched. Show where the ceremonies were performed._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Fleetfoot bids farewell to Willow-grouse._
_The clans seated around the camp-fire._
_Fleetfoot watching the dance._
_Fleetfoot saves Scarface's life._
_Watch a cat as it springs upon a mouse, and then think of the
tiger as he sprang upon Scarface. Model it in bas-relief._
XXXIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think the people will do with Fleetfoot?
Can you think of any way that Fleetfoot might prevent them from
attacking the Bison clan?
_What Happened when the Clans Found Fleetfoot_
While Chew-chew and Eagle-eye were attending to Scarface, others took
care of Fleetfoot. They knew nothing about him except that he had
saved Scarface's life. Everybody wanted to see him; and so a great
crowd gathered around.
People looked at the strange young man as he lay pale and still on the
ground. They looked and looked again, then said, "How like he is to
Scarface."
Eagle-eye had not forgotten Fleetfoot. She never spoke of him, but she
still hoped that he was alive and that she would see him again. When
strangers came she always inquired for tidings of the lost boy.
And so when Eagle-eye heard what the people said, she pushed her way
through the crowd. The moment she saw him, she cried, "Fleetfoot!" and
then bent over his lifeless form.
Chew-chew, hearing Eagle-eye's cry, hurried to the spot. She knelt by
his side and murmured his name, and thought of Scarface when he was
young.
Those who stood near turned and asked, "Who is Fleetfoot?" Many of the
people had never heard of him. Others had heard of Eagle-eye's boy.
All were curious to know more about the strange young man. All were
anxious to know if he was dead or alive.
Fleetfoot was not dead. He was only stunned by the tiger's blow. When
Eagle-eye bathed him with cold water, he began to show signs of life.
When at length he opened his eyes, he knew that he was recognized.
When those who stood near found out who the young man was, they
shouted the tidings to those who were farther away. Then the people
rejoiced and thanked the gods for thus befriending them.
Before Fleetfoot slept that night, he wondered how the meeting would
end. He wondered if he could find a way to prevent an attack upon the
Bison clan. And, turning once more to the Big Bear, he soon fell
asleep. Next morning the people caught salmon just below the rapids.
They feasted a while and then played games in which Fleetfoot took
part.
When the games were over, the young men crowded around him. They
asked him how he could throw a spear so as to strike a deadly blow.
Fleetfoot told all he knew about the use of spears and harpoons, but
he scarcely knew himself how he had thrown with such force.
But he took two spearheads in his hand, just as he had held them when
he saw the tiger. He threw one at a mark and the spear went with such
force that the young men shouted for joy. Then they all practiced
throwing until they could throw in the same way. It was in this way
that people learned to hurl weapons with a throwing-stick. Instead of
hurling one spear by resting the butt against the barb of another, as
Fleetfoot had done when he threw at the tiger, they learned to shape
sticks for throwing spears, and they called them "throwing-sticks."
[Illustration: _A throwing-stick._]
The older men watched as Fleetfoot showed the young men how he threw
spears and harpoons. And soon they all agreed to ask Fleetfoot to lead
in the dance that night.
Scarface invited him to lead, and Fleetfoot accepted. He was glad to
lead in a real hunting dance, but he was still more glad to have a
chance to prevent an attack upon the Bison clan. And so he resolved to
plan a dance which would make them forget their plan.
When the time came to begin the dance, Fleetfoot was ready to lead.
He knew that the men all wanted to find good hunting grounds. So he
showed them where to find such grounds and what trails to follow.
[Illustration: _An Irish deer._]
A few days later he went with the people to these very grounds. There
they hunted the bison herds and the Irish deer. And when each of the
clans had chosen a place to camp, Fleetfoot bade them farewell. Then
it was that the bravest young men came forward and said that they
would follow him. And so the young men agreed to be brothers and to
help one another in times of need. They agreed upon signs which they
should use when they wanted to meet. And when Fleetfoot started
homeward, the young men escorted him.
Of the adventures on the way to the Bison clan's cave there is little
time to tell. All the young men were faithful. And as they journeyed
on their way, they recalled Fleetfoot's brave deeds in a victory song.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Show how the people acted from the time Fleetfoot threw his spear
until they knew who he was. Draw pictures which will illustrate the
story._
_Make such a hunting dance as you think Fleetfoot led. Show in your
sand-map the places where the hunting grounds were._
_Name all the running games you know. Tell how you play one of
them. Draw a picture of the Cave-men playing games._
_Make a throwing-stick._
_Look at the picture of the Irish deer and tell how it appears to
differ from other deer you know. For what do you think it uses its
large and heavy antlers?_
XXXIV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What do you think Flaker will do while Fleetfoot is gone? What do
you think the Bison clan will do when Fleetfoot returns?
Which do you think will be the greater man--Fleetfoot or Flaker?
What things do you think Fleetfoot will do? What do you think
Flaker will do?
_Fleetfoot's Return_
[Illustration: _A fragment of a Cave-man's baton, engraved with the
heads of bison._]
Flaker missed Fleetfoot more than he could tell. Awake, he thought of
his dangerous journey. Asleep, he was with him in his dreams. Many,
many times each day he prayed for Fleetfoot's safe return.
Ever since the strangers had camped on their lands, the Bison clan had
been anxious. When questioned about it, Greybeard was sad and Bighorn
shook his head. So the women were trying to arouse their courage, and
Flaker was carving prayers.
When Fleetfoot announced his return, it was Flaker who heard his
whistle. It was he who shouted the glad tidings to all the Cave-men.
And though he was lame, he was the first who ran ahead to greet him.
Fleetfoot and his companions had halted on a hillside not far from the
cave. It was from this hill that Fleetfoot whistled so as to announce
his return. Here his companions waited, while Fleetfoot advanced
alone.
While Fleetfoot greeted his friends and showed them his wonderful
necklace, his companions chanted his brave deeds in a victory song. It
was thus that the Bison clan learned of Fleetfoot's brave deeds. It
was thus that they learned of his courage which came from fasting and
prayer.
When the song was ended, Bighorn advanced with Fleetfoot, and together
they escorted the brave young men to the cave of the Bison clan. There
they feasted, and rested, and played games until it was time for
Fleetfoot's last test.
Meanwhile the young men became acquainted with Flaker. Fleetfoot had
told them about him. He had shown them the dagger Flaker made and the
engraving of the Big Bear. And so the young men were glad to see him
and make him one of their brotherhood.
When the time came for Fleetfoot's last test, he asked permission to
speak. And when Bighorn nodded his head, Fleetfoot told the people the
story of how he and Flaker had worked and played together. He told of
Flaker's bravery the day he was hurt by the bison. He told of Flaker's
poniard which he used to kill the cave-bear. He told of the tools
which Flaker had made for working bone and horn.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's nose ornament._]
Then he said that the people of the Bison clan had taught them to
worship the gods. He said that Flaker had the favor of the gods and
that his prayers would bring success. And he urged the Cave-men, on
account of these things, to forget that Flaker was lame, and to admit
him into the ranks of the full-grown men.
The Cave-men listened to what Fleetfoot said and they all gave assent.
And when they made ready to receive Fleetfoot, Flaker was brought
forward. The nose of each of the boys was pierced and they were given
nose ornaments. On account of his bravery Fleetfoot was given a baton
which showed that he might lead the men. And Flaker, too, received a
baton, but his was to show that he could lead in the worship of the
gods.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's baton engraved with wild horses._]
And so every one knew that Fleetfoot and Flaker were brave young men.
They had passed the tests that had been given for courage, and
patience, and self-control. Fleetfoot's companions stayed at the cave
until the ceremonies were ended. Then they renewed their vows to help
one another and took leave of the Bison clan. And Fleetfoot, having
done his duty, was free to return to Willow-grouse.
#THINGS TO DO#
_See if you can make such a victory song as you think the young men
sang. See if you can make the speech which Fleetfoot made for
Flaker._
_Dramatize this lesson, and then draw a picture of the part you
like the best._
_See if you can make a baton._
XXXV
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why do you think people began to live in places where there were no
caves? Can you think what kind of a shelter they might find?
Find out all you can about the difference between the winter and
summer coat of some animal you know.
Which skins do you think would be used for curtains and beds? Which
skins would be used for clothing? Which for the heavy winter coats?
_Willow-grouse_
Soon after the salmon feast, Willow-grouse saw her people again. When
they went away, no one knew why she stayed behind. When they returned,
no one noticed how eager she was to hear all that was said. So
Willow-grouse kept her secret from every one in the clan.
Many days the people hunted; but, at length, there were signs of the
coming cold. It was then that the wise men gave an order to prepare
for the journey to the winter home.
All but Willow-grouse obeyed; but she heeded not what was said. It was
not because she did not hear the command. It was not because she did
not care to live with her own people. It was simply because she
remembered Fleetfoot and was waiting for his return.
And so, when the women chided her for being a thoughtless girl, they
little thought that Willow-grouse was making plans of her own. In the
confusion of packing, nobody noticed that she stayed behind, and many
moons passed before they learned what Willow-grouse did.
As soon as her people were out of sight Willow-grouse began to make
ready for Fleetfoot. There was no cave near at hand, but there were
high overhanging rocks. Under one of these the people had camped. They
found the roof and back wall of a dwelling ready-made. So they simply
camped at the foot of the rock and built their camp-fire.
Willow-grouse knew that the bare rock was a good shelter in summer.
But she also knew that it would soon be too cold to live in such an
open space. So she cut long poles and braced them under the roof so as
to make a framework for front and side walls. Then she covered the
framework with plaited branches, and left a narrow doorway which she
closed with a skin.
It was hard work to make the rock shelter, but Willow-grouse did not
mind it. She kept thinking of Fleetfoot all the time, and she hoped
the rock shelter would be their new home.
[Illustration: _An Eskimo drawing of reindeer caught in snares._]
When Willow-grouse looked at her dress, she saw it was much the worse
for wear. So she set snares in the reindeer trails and caught two
beautiful reindeer.
[Illustration: "_A piece of sandstone for flattening seams._"]
The soft summer skins of the reindeer had short, fine hair.
Willow-grouse scraped and pounded them and then polished them with
sandstone.
Willow-grouse took great pains in making her new garments. She
flattened the seams with a piece of sandstone until they were nice and
smooth. Then she gathered fossil shells from the rocks and trimmed the
neck and sleeves. And she made a beautiful headband and belt, and
pretty moccasins for her feet.
[Illustration: _A reindeer snare._]
And when the time drew near for Fleetfoot's return, Willow-grouse
dressed in her new garments. She put on the necklace of fossil shells
and thought of Fleetfoot's last words.
Fleetfoot kept his promise. When the new moon came he appeared. Then
Willow-grouse became his wife and he lived with her in their new home.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Look at the picture of a rock shelter on page 14._
_Find some large rocks and put them in your sand-box so as to show
a natural rock shelter. Make a framework for front and side walls,
and see if you can make it into a warm hut. Model the upper
valley._
_Find a piece of sandstone which you can use in polishing skins._
_Dress a doll the way you think Willow-grouse dressed. Dress a doll
the way you think Fleetfoot dressed._
_Find pretty seeds and shells which you can use in trimming belts
and headbands. Before sewing the seeds or shells on the band, lay
them so as to make a pretty pattern. After you have made your
pattern draw it on paper, so that you can look at it while you are
trimming the band._
XXXVI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Look at what you have modeled in your sand-box and see if you can
tell in what parts of the valley the snow will be deepest.
When the snow is very deep, what do the wild animals do? What do
the people do?
Can you think how people learned to use poison in hunting?
Does the poisoned weapon poison any part of the animal's flesh? Why
do people try to be careful not to leave poison around?
_How Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse Spent the Winter_
When Willow-grouse was living alone, she had to hunt for her own food.
Sometimes she caught animals in traps, and sometimes she hunted with
spears and harpoons. When the wounded animal escaped, Willow-grouse
was disappointed. So she tried all sorts of ways to make sure of the
game.
One day she happened to use a harpoon which had been thrust into a
piece of decayed liver. She wounded a reindeer with the harpoon and
the animal soon died.
[Illustration: _Three views of a Cave-man's spearhead with a groove to
hold poison._]
And so Willow-grouse soon learned to mix and to use poisons. When
Fleetfoot made simple spearheads of antler, she helped him make
grooves to hold the poison. When they used poison on their weapons,
they were sure of the game without a long chase.
They lived happily in the rock shelter until the middle of winter.
Then heavy snowstorms came and the wild animals went away. Fleetfoot
and Willow-grouse were left without food. They ate a piece of
sun-dried meat which Willow-grouse had left in a tree; and when that
was gone, they put on their snowshoes and started toward the south.
Before many days had passed, they arrived at the cave of the Bison
clan. There they were made so welcome that they stayed for two moons.
It was during this time that the Bison clan learned to use the
throwing-stick. While Fleetfoot taught the use of the throwing-stick,
Flaker made wonderful harpoons. And as fast as Fleetfoot found new
ways of using weapons in hunting, Flaker invented new weapons for the
men to use.
Ever since Fleetfoot had been away, Flaker had been working at
harpoons. He had made harpoon heads with two or three barbs, and now
he was trying to make a harpoon with four or five barbs on each side.
It took a long while to make a harpoon with many beautiful barbs. It
took more patience to make it than most of the Cave-men had. For when
Flaker traced a regular outline of the harpoon on one side of the
antler, he traced the same outline upon the other side. Then he cut
upon these lines, and he shaped the barbs one by one, until he had
made them all of the same shape and size.
[Illustration: "_It was during this time that the Bison clan learned
to use the throwing-stick._"]
He finished the base of the head with a large ridge near the end so as
to make it easy to attach it to the shaft. Then he traced Fleetfoot's
property-mark upon it, and thought that it was done.
But Willow-grouse, who had been watching him, spoke up and said, "No,
there is one thing more. You must put a groove in each of the barbs to
carry the magic poison."
And so, although Willow-grouse learned a great deal from watching
Flaker use his tools, she taught him something he did not know.
When the harpoon was really finished, Flaker gave it to Fleetfoot. And
all the Cave-men gathered around to see the new harpoon.
When everybody had seen it, Fleetfoot placed the harpoon upon his
throwing-stick and hurled it again and again. To the people who stood
near, the barbs carried the harpoon through the air like the wings of
a bird. The deep grooves which held the poison carried sure death with
each wound. And the throwing-stick with which it was hurled helped in
getting a firm hold and a sure aim.
[Illustration: _Harpoons with several barbs._]
#THINGS TO DO#
_Find a piece of soft wood and trace the outline of a harpoon upon
it. See if you can whittle a harpoon with barbs._
_Experiment until you can tell whether you like to have a ridge on
the base of the harpoon head._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
"_Heavy snowstorms came and the wild animals went away._"
_Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse find some dried meat in a tree._
_Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse arrive at the cave of the Bison clan._
_Flaker working at the barbed harpoon._
"_The barbs carried the harpoon through the air like the wings of
a bird._"
XXXVII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
How did people sew before they had needles? What bones do you think
the Cave-men would use first in making needles and awls? Why would
people want the hardest bones for needles?
[Illustration: _A bone pin._]
[Illustration: _A large bone needle._]
See if you can find out where the hardest bones are found.
See if you can think of all the things that would have to be done
in making a needle out of a piece of ivory or a large bone.
Why do we sometimes wax thread? What do you think the Cave-men
would use instead of wax?
Why did the Cave men make holes in their awls? What were the first
holes which they made in their needles used for?
How do you think they would think of carrying the thread through
the needle's eye?
Why do we use thimbles when we sew? When do you think people began
to use thimbles? What do you think the first thimbles were like?
_How Willow-grouse Learned to Make Needles_
[Illustration: _A bone awl._]
Willow-grouse soon made friends with the women. They admired the
clothing she wore, and they wanted to learn how to polish skins and to
make beautiful clothing. So Willow-grouse showed the women how to
polish skins and to make them into beautiful garments.
While the women sewed with bone awls, Willow-grouse watched Flaker,
who was sawing a bone with a flint saw.
It was soon after this that Willow-grouse learned to make needles of
large hard bones. The first ones she made were not very beautiful
needles. They were not so smooth nor so round as the awls she had made
of bird's bones. But she made a beginning and after a while all the
women learned to make fine needles.
[Illustration: _A bone from which the Cave-men have sawed out slender
rods for needles._]
[Illustration: _A piece of sandstone used by the Cave-men in making
needles._]
They made the needles of a hard bone which they took from the leg of a
horse. They traced out the lines they wished to cut just as Flaker
traced the harpoon. Then they sawed out slender rods and whittled one
end to a point. The other end they made thin and flat, for this was
the end where the hole was made.
They made the rods round and smooth by drawing them back and forth on
a piece of soft sandstone. This made long grooves in the sandstone,
which became deeper and deeper every time the sandstone was used. Then
they polished the rods by drawing them back and forth between the
teeth of a flint comb.
[Illustration: _A flint comb used in rounding and polishing needles._]
The first needles had no eyes. They were more like awls and pins, than
needles. Perhaps the first eyes were made in needles to keep them from
getting lost.
[Illustration: _A flint saw used in making needles of bone taken from
the leg of a horse._]
It was hard work to saw the bone rods and to round and polish them. No
wonder the women did not want to lose them. No wonder they bored
little holes in the thin flat end and hung them about their necks.
[Illustration: _A short needle of bone._]
It may have been Willow-grouse who first discovered that the eye of
the needle could carry the thread. She may have discovered it when she
was playing with a needle she carried on a cord. At any rate, the
women soon learned to sew with the thread through the needle's eye.
And then they began to make finer needles with very small eyes.
[Illustration: _A flint comb used in shredding fibers._]
These fine needles were used at first in sewing the softest skins.
They were used, too, in sewing trimming on beautiful garments. But
when the women sewed the hard skins, instead of a needle they used a
bone awl.
[Illustration: _A long fine needle of bone._]
At the meeting of the clans in the salmon season, the Cave-men wore
their most beautiful garments. And soon the clans began to vie with
one another in wearing the most beautiful skins. And the women hunted
for the choicest sands to use in polishing their needles. They still
gave the first polish with a piece of sandstone or a gritty pebble.
But when they gave the last polish the women used a powder of the
finest sand.
Instead of beeswax, the women used marrow which they kept in little
bags. Instead of a thimble, they used a small piece of leather. And
instead of pressing the seams with a hot iron, they made them smooth
with a rounded stone.
From the tough sinews of the large animals, every Cave-man made his
own thread. All the children learned to prepare sinew and to shred the
fibers with a jagged flint comb.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Find bones which you can make into needles. See if you can find a
piece of flint for a saw._
_Find a piece of sandstone with which you can polish your needle._
_Make a collection of the different kinds of sand in your
neighborhood and tell what they can be used for._
_Make a collection of needles and find out how they were made._
XXXVIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If the animals went away in search of shelter from the storms, do
you think the Cave-men would know where they went? What do you
think they would say when they noticed that the animals had gone?
[Illustration: _Two views of a curved bone tool used by the
Cave-men in polishing skins._]
How did the Cave-men learn what they knew? Why did they make more
mistakes than people do to-day?
What changes did the Cave-men see take place in the buds? in seeds?
in eggs?
When they found shells in the hard rocks instead of in the water,
what do you suppose they would think?
Have you ever heard any one say "It rained angleworms?"
Have you ever heard any one say that cheese or meat had "changed to
maggots?"
Can you tell what really happened in each of these cases?
Can you see how stories of animals that turned into men could be
started? Is there anything that we can learn from these stories?
_How Flaker Became a Priest and a Medicine Man_
The winter was long and stormy. Wild animals found little food. Herds
of horses and reindeer went to the lowland forests. Game was scarce on
the wooded hills. Few horses or reindeer were seen near the caves. The
trails were filled with snow and everything seemed to tell of the
coming of a famine.
The people ate the frozen meat that was left near the caves, and when
they found they could get no more they began to pray to their gods.
"O, Big Bear," they prayed, "send us thine aid. Help us now or we die.
Drive the horses and reindeer out of thy caverns. Send them back to
our hunting grounds."
When the first rumor of famine came, Fleetfoot took down his drum. And
he set out over the hills to call a meeting of the brotherhood.
At the first sound of the drumbeat, the people knew what it meant.
Everybody felt a gleam of hope. The young men passed the signal along
and fresh courage came to the hearts of the people in the neighboring
clans.
Buckling their hunger-straps around them, the young men started at
Fleetfoot's call. They met near the Bison clan's cave. There they told
of the heavy snowstorms and the disappearance of the herds. They told
of the beginnings of famine and considered ways of finding food.
Some said, "Let us leave the old hunting grounds for our elders. Let
us take wives and go to far away lands."
Others said, "No, let us dwell together and let each clan keep its own
hunting ground."
"But how can we dwell together," said one, "when there is not food
enough for all?"
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's engraving of two herds of wild horses._]
The silence which followed the young man's question showed that no one
could reply. It was then that Fleetfoot turned to Flaker and asked him
to speak what was in his mind. And Flaker arose, and turning his eyes
toward the heavens, he raised his baton, whereupon all the young men
were silent. Then he turned to the young men and said, "The gods will
surely provide food for the hungry Cave-men."
"But the people need food and game is scarce," said one of the brave
young men. "How can we prevent the famine? How can we make the gods
understand?"
"Remember the Big Bear," said Flaker. "He heard our prayer when we
made his likeness on stone. Let us make likenesses of the animals. The
gods will then understand our prayers and send many herds to our
hunting grounds."
Saying this, Flaker picked up a flint point and a flat piece of stone
and quickly engraved two herds of wild horses. The young men believed
in the power of magic. And when they saw Flaker engraving the herds,
they believed the wild horses would come. And so they all tried to
make the likeness of an animal they wished to hunt.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's carving of horses' heads._]
When they had made offerings to the gods, the young men were ready to
go out to hunt. Flaker stayed at the cave, but it was he who directed
them in the right way. He remembered all that the Cave-men had said
about the reindeer and the wild horses. And so when they started
Flaker said, "Follow the trail to the dense forests."
It so happened that just as the young men were starting to hunt, the
herds were coming back from the forests. And so the young men had
great success, and soon all the Cave-men had plenty of food.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's engraving of a reindeer._]
When the young men returned to their homes, they had strange stories
to tell. They said that Flaker had brought back the herds by his
wonderful magic. They showed the engravings they had made and told of
their magical power.
And so wherever stories of Fleetfoot's bravery went, stories of
Flaker's magic were told. And just as Fleetfoot worked to learn all
the arts of the hunter, so Flaker worked to learn the arts which made
him both a priest and a medicine man.
Flaker listened to all the stories that were told by the best hunters.
He questioned them eagerly and learned many things which the hunters
themselves soon forgot. He learned the haunts of the wild animals in
the various seasons. He knew where to look for the best feeding
grounds and the places of shelter from storms.
And so when the fame of Flaker was noised about among all the clans,
people came from near and from far to make gifts and to get his
advice.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Find soft wood or stone and see if you can engrave some animal on
it._
_Find a stick with branches and carve the head of some animal upon
the end of the short branches._
_Dramatize this story._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Fleetfoot starting out with his drum._
_Flaker speaking to the young men of the brotherhood._
_Flaker inquiring of returning hunters about the game and the
feeding grounds._
_Strangers coming with gifts to get Flaker's advice._
XXXIX
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Think of as many simple ways of catching fish as you can. How do
you think the Cave-men fished?
What do you think people mean when they say that some one is living
a "hand-to-mouth" life?
How do you think people learned to dry meat, fish, or fruit?
Why would the people honor the one who taught them to preserve food
by drying it?
Can you think of anything which could be used as food when it was
boiled, that would not be a good food eaten raw?
Name a bitter vegetable. What happens to the water in which a
bitter vegetable is boiled?
Name a sweet vegetable. What happens to the water in which a sweet
vegetable is boiled?
What do you mean by "parboiling?"
Do you think the Cave-men will learn how to boil food?
_How the Cave-men Learned to Boil and to Dry Foods_
Again the salmon feast came, and again the neighboring clans camped at
the rapids. This time they caught more salmon than they had ever
caught before. And this was the summer that the Cave-men began to dry
salmon and to fish with harpoons.
It was Willow-grouse who thought of drying salmon, and carrying it to
the caves. She remembered the berries dried on the bushes, and the
dried meat she found in a tree. No doubt all the Cave-men had eaten
dried meat many times before. Often the Cave-men left strips of meat
hanging from the trees.
Anybody could leave meat which he did not care to eat. Anybody could
eat meat which had been dried in the sun. But not every one was bright
enough to think of drying meat.
Chew-chew had never dried meat, nor had any of the women. It was
enough for them to prepare the meat which they needed day by day. Few
of the people ever thought of laying up stores for the morrow. They
lived a "hand-to-mouth" life.
But Willow-grouse remembered the famines. She knew food was scarce in
the early spring. And when she saw the river full of salmon, she
thought of the sun-dried meat.
And so Willow-grouse caught some salmon and cleaned them and hung them
on the branches of a tree. And when they had dried, she took them down
and the Cave-men said that dried salmon were good. And so all the
people caught salmon and dried them in the sun.
The first few days the people fished as they had fished before. They
waded in the water and caught salmon with their hands, or they stunned
them with clubs or with stones. But soon the men began to catch salmon
by spearing them with barbed harpoons.
[Illustration: _Harpoons of reindeer antler used for fishing._]
Afterward the Cave-men fished with harpoons which had barbs on only
one side. Perhaps they first used a broken harpoon. Perhaps they found
they could throw with a surer aim when the barbs were on only one
side. At any rate, the Cave-men used harpoons with barbs on one side
for fishing, while they used harpoons with barbs on both sides when
they went out to hunt.
It was about the time of the salmon feast that people began to boil
food. Pigeon first boiled food to eat. She remembered the broth and
partly boiled meat which Chew-chew said the gods had left. And she
boiled meat and gave it to the men, and they all sounded her praises.
For a while the only boiling pot Pigeon used was a hole in the ground
which she lined with a skin. Then she used a water-tight basket for
boiling little things.
[Illustration: _A flint harpoon with one barb._]
Pigeon always boiled by dropping hot stones into the water. She had
never heard of a boiling-pot which could be hung over the fire. She
had never heard of a stove. The Cave-men knew nothing about such
things as stoves. It would have done them no good if they had, for
their boiling-pots could not stand the heat. So instead of putting the
boiling-pot over the fire, the Cave-men brought the fire to the
boiling-pot by means of hot stones.
In times of famine, Pigeon learned to boil all sorts of roots and
leaves. Many bitter plants, when boiled, were changed so that they
tasted very well. Some plants which were poison when eaten raw were
changed to good foods by being boiled.
[Illustration: _A spoon-shaped stone made and used by the Cave-men._]
And so the young women had their share in procuring food for the
clans. While the young men invented new weapons for hunting, and tried
to control the animals by magic, the young women learned to preserve
foods and to keep them for times when game was scarce.
When the end of the salmon feast came, the people had dried many
salmon. It was soon after this that the young men captured wives and
took them to new hunting grounds. And one of the very bravest young
men was the one who captured Pigeon.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Find some kind of raw food which you can dry. Dry it and tell what
happens. What dried foods do we eat? In what kind of a place do we
keep dried foods?_
_Find the best way of boiling bitter vegetables. Tell what happens
when you boil them. Find the best way of boiling sweet vegetables._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Catching salmon just below the rapids._
_Drying salmon._
_Pigeon boiling meat for the Cave-men._
XL
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Do you think that any of the young men and their wives would live
with Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse? Where do you think Flaker will
live?
Can you think why Willow-grouse would take great pains to embroider
her baby's clothing?
Why would Willow-grouse want pretty colors? Think of new ways she
might find of getting pretty colors. How could she get the color
out of plants into the stuff she wished to color?
Why was it easier to make pretty dyes after people knew how to
boil?
_The New Home_
A year or so passed and Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse were settled with
their kinsfolk in a new rock shelter. Its framework was covered with
heavy skins instead of woven branches. Heavy bone pegs and strong
thongs served to keep the skins in place.
Flaker and other young men with their wives lived in the rock shelter.
There were little children, too, and tiny babies.
[Illustration: _A baby's hood._]
Willow-grouse had a baby and she thought he was a wonderful child. She
dressed him in the softest skins which she embroidered with a prayer.
And she hung a bear's tooth about his neck because she thought it was
a charm. In winter she put him in a skin cradle and wrapped him in the
warmest furs. In summer he played in a basket cradle which
Willow-grouse wove on a forked stick.
In all that Willow-grouse did, she always asked the gods for help. The
baskets she made for boiling food, were also prayers to the gods.
[Illustration: "_In summer he played in the basket cradle which
Willow-grouse wove on a forked stick._"]
She searched for the choicest grasses and spread them on a clean spot
to dry. No one knew so well as Willow-grouse when to gather the twigs.
She knew the season when they were full-grown and gathered them before
the sap had hardened. She gathered them when the barks peeled easily
and when the rich juices flowed.
When the twigs were gathered the women soaked them and peeled off the
bark. They left some of the twigs round, but others they made into
flat splints. Sometimes they stained them with the green rind of
nuts, and sometimes they dyed them with pretty dyes.
[Illustration: _First step in coiled basketry._]
[Illustration: _Second step in coiled basketry._]
Instead of weaving the baskets, Willow-grouse sewed them with an
over-and-over stitch. In this way she made the soft grasses into a
firm basket. She began by taking a wisp of grass in the left hand and
a flat splint in the other. She wound the splint around the wisp a few
times then turned the wrapped portion upon itself. When she had
fastened it with a firm stitch, again she wound the splint around the
wisp and took another stitch.
[Illustration: _Three rows of coiled work._]
Sometimes Willow-grouse made baskets for boiling food, and sometimes
she made them for carrying water. The baskets she prized most were the
ones into which she put a prayer. The prayer was a little pattern
which she made for a picture of one of the gods. Sometimes it was a
wild animal and sometimes it was a bird. Sometimes it was the flowing
river and sometimes a mountain peak. And sometimes it was a flash of
lightning, and sometimes it was the sun.
All the Cave-men wanted the gods to be friendly and they wanted them
to stay near. That is why they took so much pains in making pictures
of them. That is why that soon after the rock shelter was made they
engraved a reindeer upon the wall.
[Illustration: "_Greybeard, now old and feeble, walked all the way to
the spot._"]
Greybeard, now old and feeble, walked all the way to the spot.
Fleetfoot and Flaker wanted him to perform the magic rites.
[Illustration: _A water basket._]
Not all the people who lived there were allowed to take part in the
ceremonies. Only the grown people were allowed to see the first part.
And only the wisest and bravest ones went into the dark shelter.
For a moment, those who went in stood in silence waiting for a sign.
Then, by the light of a torch, Fleetfoot chiseled a reindeer on the
hard rock, and Greybeard, holding a reindeer skull, murmured earnest
prayers.
A feeling of awe came over them while they worked. They began to feel
that the god of the reindeer was really there with them. They asked
the god to take good care of those who lived in the rock shelter, and
to send many herds of reindeer to the Cave-men's hunting grounds.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Make a rock shelter with walls of skin instead of plaited
branches. Use bone pegs to keep the curtains drawn tight._
_Find a forked stick and several smaller ones and make a framework
for a basket-cradle. If you cannot weave such a cradle as the one
shown in the picture, make one in some other way and fasten it to
the framework._
_Find grasses and splints and see if you can make a sewed mat or
basket. Make a simple pattern for your mat._
_Look at the picture of a water basket. Why do you think it was
made to bulge near the bottom? Why was the bottom made flat? Why
was the neck made narrow? Why were handles put on this basket? Tell
or write a story about this basket._
_Turn to the frontispiece and find a picture with this legend: "A
feeling of awe came over them while they worked."_
XLI
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
What might happen that would lead the Cave-men to work together? At
what times might the clans help one another?
Think of as many ways as you can of making tents out of poles and
skins.
_How the Clans United to Hunt the Bison_
In spite of all the Cave-men did to appease the wrath of the gods, it
seemed to them that a powerful god was trying to do them harm. Soon
after the bison came, the grass near the caves disappeared. Then the
herds scattered and the Cave-men said, "The god has driven them away."
As the word passed from cave to cave, all the people were frightened.
Wise men shook their heads and looked about in despair. Then it was
that the younger men spoke of Fleetfoot and Flaker.
Scarface knew of Fleetfoot's courage. And when he heard of Flaker's
magical power, he sent messengers, bearing gifts, to invite them with
their people to a meeting of the clans.
Fleetfoot and Flaker accepted the gifts and made ready to go. The
women made a stretcher for Flaker. And when they had buried their
household treasures, all set out to the meeting of the clans.
They arrived at the Fork of the River where Fleetfoot had lived when
he was a child. There the frightened clans had gathered to seek aid
against a common foe.
When the people saw Flaker upon the stretcher, their voices were
hushed and all was still. And when Flaker, arising, fixed his eyes
upon something that no one else could see, they scarcely breathed.
They were sure that something was going to happen.
Instead of offering gifts, Flaker threatened the angry god. He made
faces at him; he shook his fists, and he made a great noise. And the
people, becoming excited, joined Flaker in making threats. They made
faces, they joined hands, they danced about and they made such a
horrible noise that they began to feel that the god was frightened and
that he had gone away.
When the ceremony was ended, the people hoped to find the herds.
Scarface asked for young men to go ahead and act as scouts. Several
young men at once stepped forward from different parts of the circle
of the clans. And Scarface selected Fleetfoot and Blackcloud to go in
search of the herds.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's engraving of a tent showing the interior
structure._]
The people listened as Scarface spoke thus to the young men: "Go
follow the tracks; listen to each sound; find where the herds are
feeding. Do not frighten them away. Return quickly and report what you
have seen. If you speak not the truth when you return, may the fire
burn you; may the lightning strike you; may the Big Bear shut you in
his dark cavern!"
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's engraving of a tent showing the
exterior._]
The scouts nodded their heads, and looked to Flaker for a sign. And
Flaker, turning to the scouts, said, "The gods will lead you. Follow
where the green grass is cropped. Follow where the grass is trampled.
These are the signs which the gods will give to show that you are on
the right way."
The scouts departed. The first day the clans made ready to move. The
second day the scouts returned and brought news of the herds. The
third day all the clans were traveling toward the fertile plains.
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's engraving of a tent with covering pulled
one side so as to show the ends of the poles which support the roof._]
Fleetfoot and Blackcloud led the way and at midday caught sight of the
herds. At once, Fleetfoot gave the signal and Scarface ordered the
clans to stop. Then the men prepared to attack the herds, while the
women built the tents.
There were no large trees in sight, but there were a few small ones. A
grassy plain stretched all around for a long, long way. And so the
women built their tents out of slender saplings.
[Illustration: _Framework showing the best kind of a tent made by the
Cave-men._]
Most of the women made a framework by leaning poles against the branch
of a tree. The roof and the walls of such a tent were one and the same
thing. Willow-grouse and her companions tried a different way.
It was by trying different ways in the different places where they
camped, that the women at length learned to make tents with the roof
separated from the wall. The Cave-men made pictures of some of these
tents upon a piece of antler.
[Illustration: _A tent pin._]
When the men parted from the women, they considered ways of attacking
the herd. It was hard to approach it on the grassy plain without being
seen. And the men knew that if the herd was alarmed, it would gallop
far away.
At length Fleetfoot showed the Cave-men a plan for surrounding the
herd. And he asked who would volunteer to follow two leaders in
separate lines.
All the bravest men volunteered, for they were eager to make an
attack. Fleetfoot placed them in two lines and told them what each one
was to do.
Fleetfoot led one of the lines through the grass to the right, and
Blackcloud led the other to the left. They crept softly through the
tall grass until they had surrounded the herd. Approaching the herd
cautiously, they drew nearer and nearer together.
Fleetfoot gave the signal to attack when they were about a spear's
throw away. At once the harpoons whizzed through the air and struck
many a mortal blow. The bison were taken by surprise and they
attempted to escape. But no sooner had they run from one side than
they were attacked from the other.
Many a bison was killed that day and many others were wounded. Many of
the Cave-men carried away marks of an ugly bison's horns.
But all of the people had food and all the people were happy. And to
show that they honored both Fleetfoot and Flaker they bored holes
through their batons.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Make such a stretcher as you think the women made to carry
Flaker._
_Make tents whose roof and walls are one and the same thing. Make a
tent whose roof and walls are separated. Tell how you think people
learned to make such perfect tents._
_Dramatize one of the following scenes and then draw a picture to
illustrate it:_--
_The fear of the people at the disappearance of the herds._
_Bearing gifts to Fleetfoot and Flaker._
_Flaker threatening the angry god._
_Sending the scouts._
_Surrounding the herds._
_Showing honors to Fleetfoot and Flaker._
XLII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If there were not men enough to surround a herd can you think of
anything the Cave-men might do to drive them where they wanted them
to go?
How do we get animals into traps?
Why do you think people first began to make fences and walls?
How do you think they used them?
Why do we have fences? What do we use them for?
_How Things were Made to Do the Work of Men_
When the clans returned to their own hunting grounds, they could not
surround the large herds. There were not enough men in one cave to
hunt in this way. Sometimes they partly surrounded a herd and drove
the animals over a cliff, but unless the herd was near the cliff,
there were not enough men to drive them.
And so the men tried to coax the animals to the edge of the cliff.
Sometimes they did it by imitating the cries the animals made.
Sometimes they did it by dressing so as to look like the animals
themselves. But even then they often failed to get the animals into
their trap.
It was when Fleetfoot saw a bison frightened by a feather that he
thought of making things do the work of live men.
The greater part of the day the bison fed some distance from the
cliff. Fleetfoot wanted to find a way of driving them up to the very
edge. The bison drive which he invented was the way he succeeded in
doing it.
It was shaped like a letter #V# with the point cut off. The sides were
piles of brush, or stones, or vines stretched from tree to tree. At
the edge of the cliff where they started, the sides were only a short
distance apart. But the farther out they extended, the farther they
were apart.
Men, women, and children joined in making the bison drive. They piled
stones and heaped up brush, and they hunted for long vines. Then they
hunted for feathers and bits of fur, which they tied along the lines.
Flaker performed the magical ceremony before the hunt began. Fleetfoot
dressed in a bison's skin so as to coax the herd along. Women and
children hid behind piles of stone and brush. And the men formed
themselves in line far out from the cliffs in the rear of the herd.
Everybody kept still until Fleetfoot's signal sounded. Then the men
sprang up and with loud shouts they ran after the herd. The bison saw
Fleetfoot in disguise; and, thinking he was one of the herd, they
followed where he led.
When the bison came near a pile of stones a woman or child frightened
them. When they came near the fence of vines they were frightened away
by the feathers and fur. And so the herd kept on toward the steep
cliff.
And with loud shouts and drumbeats, with the clatter of weapons and
hard hoofs, the bellowing herd galloped madly on toward the steep
cliff. Then Fleetfoot, throwing off his disguise, slipped under one of
the lines; but the frantic herd rushed headlong to the brink of the
precipice. Then, seeing the danger, the foremost ones attempted to
escape. But the maddened herd pressed blindly on and pushed them over
the cliff.
After such a hunt as this, there was food enough for many days. Very
likely the women dried meat during this time.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Model in your sand-box a good place for the bison drive. Make the
drive and show what happened from first to last._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
_Bison feeding some distance from the cliff._
_Building a bison drive._
_Fleetfoot leading the herd._
_The bison at the edge of the cliff._
_Drying meat._
XLIII
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Can you think why people make rules and laws? Why do we have them?
What kind of rules and laws do you think the Cave-men made?
What laws do you think they would make about hunting animals?
What laws would they make about the use of plants?
What people did the Cave-men honor most? What must any one do to be
honored? What were some of the signs that a man was honored?
When dangerous work needs to be done, what kind of men and women
are needed?
[Illustration: _After the bison hunt._]
_How the Cave-men Rewarded and Punished the Clansmen_
Again the clans went to hunt on the fertile plains. Again the women
built the tents while the men went out to hunt. But before the tents
were finished, the women heard the thunder of the galloping herd.
Angry shouts followed, and the women began to feel alarmed.
All the men were angry with Blackcloud. He had frightened the herd
away. Fleetfoot had planned to surround the bison as they were
surrounded before. But a stronger and braver young man than
Blackcloud, helped Fleetfoot lead the lines.
[Illustration: _Handle of a Cave-man's hunting-knife with engraving of
a man hunting the bison._]
Nobody dreamed that Blackcloud would do it. Everybody knew that each
one must be careful not to frighten the herd. The men crept quietly
through the grass when they saw a bison browsing near the line. But
when Blackcloud saw a young cow, he rushed forward and made an attack.
The loud bellow of the wounded cow gave the alarm to the herd. And
before the Cave-men could stop them, the bison were galloping madly
away.
And so all the men were angry with Blackcloud. Bighorn wanted to have
him flogged. Others wanted to kill him. He dared not come near them
for many days. No one would hunt with him, and no one would give him
food.
[Illustration: _A hunter's tally._]
Afterward, when he begged to be taken back, the people let him come.
But first they gave him a hard flogging in the presence of the clan.
As years passed, the custom grew of making rules for the hunt. And
those who broke any of the rules were punished by the clan.
Every day the Cave-men recited the brave deeds of the clan. They
watched every one carefully, so as to know who the brave men were.
Those who were found most useful to the clan were given special
honors. And when a man did a very brave deed he was given a hole in
his baton.
Brave hunters, besides keeping trophies, engraved a record of their
brave deeds. Sometimes they kept a hunter's tally, and sometimes they
engraved the animal they killed.
[Illustration: _Fragment of Cave-man's baton engraved with reindeer._]
Many of the Cave-men engraved these records upon the weapons they used
in the chase. They believed that the weapons which had such engravings
were of great value for their magical powers. The wise men, who led
the people, engraved their records upon their batons. Others engraved
them upon their trophies or upon bone hairpins which they used in
their hair.
[Illustration: _Engraving of a seal upon a bear's tooth._]
The engraving of a seal upon a bear's tooth probably recorded a trip
to the sea, while the rude sketch of the mammoth made on the mammoth's
tusk, probably recorded a great hunt.
By all these signs of brave deeds, the Cave-men knew who the brave men
were. And these same records help to tell the story of THE LATER
CAVE-MEN.
#THINGS TO DO#
_Write out some of the rules you have helped make for your games._
_Do you think the rules are good ones?_
_See if you can engrave or carve an ornament on some weapon you
have made. Before doing it, think what you would like to have the
ornament mean._
_Draw one of these pictures:_--
"_All the Cave-men were angry with Blackcloud._"
_Engraving records upon trophies and batons._
_Tell a story of how bone hairpins came to be used._
_Tell a story of the Cave-men's trip to the sea._
_Tell a story of a mammoth hunt._
[Illustration: _A Cave-man's hairpin engraved with wild horses._]
* * * * *
[Illustration: SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS]
"The Industrial and Social History Series," of which this is the third
number, emphasizes, first of all, the steps in the development of
industrial and social life. But in addition to its use as a series of
text-books in history or social science, it has a place as a mode of
approach to the different subjects included in the curriculum of the
elementary school. Whether the work suggested under "Things to Think
About" and "Things to Do" is carried out in the period devoted to the
study and recitation known as history (possibly some may prefer to
call it reading), or in those periods devoted to geography, nature
study, language, constructive work, and art, is largely a question of
administration. The point for the teacher to make sure of is that the
interests of the child which are aroused through the use of the books
be utilized not merely in history, but in geography, nature study,
reading, language, constructive work, and art. If this is done,
subjects which too long have been isolated from the interests of real
life, will become the means of stimulating and enriching all of the
activities of the child.
The list of references and the tabulated facts presented in _The Early
Cave-men_, pp. 159-165, will be of service to the teacher who wishes
to engage in a further study of the subject.
SPECIAL SUGGESTIONS
_Lesson I._ It seems best to let the child read the first story before
asking questions. Afterwards, however, the following questions may be
of service: Did you ever see a reindeer? Where do reindeer live now?
Where were the reindeer at the time of the Tree-dwellers? Where were
they at the time of the early Cave-men? (See _The Tree-dwellers_, pp.
125-129, and _The Early Cave-men_, pp. 163-167.) Why did the reindeer
come to the wooded hills by the caves at the time of the Cave-men? Why
do reindeer live in herds? Name other animals that live in herds. Do
you think the reindeer herds would stay near the caves all the year?
Should any child inquire how we know that it was once very cold here,
tell him of the tracks that the glaciers made, and of the work of the
glaciers in grinding hard rocks so as to make fertile soil. Let the
children turn to the picture of a glacier on page 136, and let them
hunt for a rock which has markings made by glacial action. But reserve
the fine points of this topic for a later period.
The children will be helped to get a conception of the great number
of reindeer in a herd partly through the story, partly through
illustrations, and partly through tearing reindeer from paper and
mounting them so as to represent great herds. The child's experiences
in seeing processions or large numbers of people assembled can also be
used in forming a picture of the large number of reindeer that met at
the ford.
In this and in succeeding lessons, which refer to the women carrying
the fresh meat to the cave, remember that animals no larger than the
reindeer were carried to the cave. Larger animals, such as the wild
horse, the cow, and the bison, were divided on the spot. The bones
having the greater amount of flesh were removed from the carcass and
carried to the cave where the flesh was eaten and the bones left.
Three women could carry the flesh of one bison without the skin. When
the skins were good they were carried to the cave. In addition to the
skin and the flesh the Cave-men prized the head as a trophy and also
as a means of gaining control over the animals by sympathetic magic.
All the skulls were broken, probably for the sake of removing the
brains, which are usually considered a delicacy among primitive
peoples.
_Lesson II._ Help the children to see that when people had no books,
the person who knew most was of great service to the clan. The older
people, because they had more experience, took the place of books.
That is one reason why people were glad to take care of older and
wiser people than themselves, when the latter were no longer able to
do hard work.
_Lesson III._ This lesson illustrates one form which education among
primitive peoples takes. Relate what is given regarding the speed of
the wild horse in the lessons on pp. 61-71, in _The Tree-dwellers_,
which show the influence of such flesh-eating animals as wolves in
developing the speed of the wild horse on the grassy uplands.
_Lesson IV._ This lesson illustrates the ideas of primitive peoples
regarding sickness and methods of treating the sick, which consisted
largely of ceremonies for driving the "angry god," the "evil spirit,"
away. In dealing with a superstition of primitive peoples always try
to lead the child to discover the mistaken idea which gave rise to it.
_Lesson V._ Let the children experiment in making straight shafts. The
value of this work is not in the product--the shaft--but in its power
to arouse the inventive spirit, to call forth free activity, and to
yield an experience which lies at the basis of a great variety of
subjects.
_Reference_: Katharine E. Dopp, _The Place of Industries in Elementary
Education_, pp. 133, 140, 145.
_Lesson VI._ In most places throughout the United States there is some
one who has a small collection of Indian arrows. If the children can
see some of these arrows or other flint implements, it will add
greatly to their interest in this subject. In places where flint can
be found, the children should collect specimens and experiment in
chipping and flaking off small pieces. Where no flint is to be found,
it is possible to get good specimens by exchanging materials with
children in other localities.
_References_: Katharine E. Dopp, _The Place of Industries in
Elementary Education_, pp. 72, 138-140.
_Lessons VII and VIII._ The habit horses have of pawing the ground is
thought to be a survival of the ancient habit of pawing snow away from
the grass. The horses and reindeer stayed in the neighborhood of the
caves all through the winter, going to protected places only in times
of severe storms. The bison and wild cattle, on the contrary, went to
the lowland plains and forests at the close of summer, and returned
only after the snow had melted.
Since few children now have the opportunity to observe the bison, and
no child has the opportunity to see great herds, they must rely upon
books, pictures, and other symbols as sources for the necessary facts.
In bringing the sources of knowledge to the children, the teacher
should remember that the modern European bison, which is a descendant
of the aurochs of Pleistocene times, the species of bison we are
considering, is smaller than the ancient form. The Pleistocene bison
of Europe was similar to the American type that lived in the
woodlands.
Although the teacher should make use of available materials in
supplying herself with information regarding the bison, the following
summary is presented, especially for those who do not have access to
public libraries.
The bison are naturally shy, avoiding the presence of man; they have a
keen sense of smell, and hence man has difficulty in approaching a
herd, except from the leeward side. They have little intelligence, are
sluggish and timid, rarely attacking man or beast, except when wounded
or in self-defense. In migrating they travel in large herds, but when
feeding they separate into herds of about two or three hundred each.
The leader maintains his position by superior intelligence and brute
force. If he fails in duty he is punished. Scouts go ahead of the herd
in search of new pastures; and guards, or sentinels surround the herd
and guard it while feeding and during the night. When the guards have
been on duty awhile, they give place to fresh guards. In case of
danger, the guards give a signal of alarm by tossing up the head and
bellowing furiously. At this the leader gives a signal and the herd
starts off at once. Bison run swiftly for a short distance, but are
not able to continue a rapid flight. They can run faster than cattle,
however, and when pursued always run against the wind. When surprised
or wounded, they turn upon their assailants and attack them furiously,
fighting with horns and hoofs. They show their rage by thrusting out
the tongue, lashing the tail, and projecting the eyes. At such times
they are fierce and formidable. The enemies of the bison are the
carnivorous animals. A herd of bison has no cause to be afraid of
wolves or bears, but solitary bison are often killed by these
creatures. The cry of a bison resembles that of a groan or grunt.
In case the leader is killed and no bison is able to assert his
authority, there is great confusion until the question of leadership
is settled.
_References_: Richard Irving Dodge, _The Plains of the Great West_,
pp. 119-147. W. T. Hornaday, _The Extermination of the American
Bison_, in "The Smithsonian Report of the U. S. National Museum,"
1887, pp. 367-548. Poole's Index will supply references to magazines,
and the encyclopedias and natural histories will furnish further
facts.
_Lessons IX and X._ Boiling is such a common process that one seldom
thinks of the importance of the discovery of the art. These lessons
will show the child how people may have learned to boil and the
explanation they would be apt to give of the changes which take place
during the process. Boiling was undoubtedly used as a religious
ceremony long before it was used for cooking food.
_Lessons XI and XII._ If possible let the children take a field trip
in connection with these lessons. If there are no nuts or wild fruits
to gather, let the children gather fruits from a garden or some of the
products of the farm. The particular conditions in which the children
are placed will determine the form this lesson shall take. At any
rate, there will be an opportunity to observe birds, squirrels, or
rabbits.
_Lessons XIII and XIV._ The shelter described is a very early form and
is important as a step in the evolution of shelter. The remains found
give ample evidence that such a form was adopted by the Cave-men of
France.
_Lesson XV._ It was a common practice among primitive peoples to adopt
a child or even a grown person into the clan. The custom is important
as revealing one method of introducing new ideas at a time when means
of communication were undeveloped.
The description of the method of softening skins by beating and
treading upon them illustrates the common use of rhythm and song as
a means of holding the attention to what otherwise would be tedious
work.
_Lessons XVI and XVII._ The data for these lessons is taken from
drawings made by the Cave-men and from the results of anthropological
research among primitive peoples. It will be best not to confine the
children to any one mode of clothing, but to allow them to express
their own ideas regarding the first forms used.
_Lesson XVIII._ In connection with this lesson the children will be
interested in observing the signs of a storm, the actions of animals
before and during a storm, methods they adopt to protect themselves,
as well as the animals and birds which migrate from the place where
the children live.
_Lesson XIX._ Let the children think of ways in which snowshoes might
be invented, and the things the Cave-men would be able to do after
having the snowshoes.
_Lesson XX._ The invention of traps requires more forethought than the
invention of weapons and was at a later date. The accidental catching
of animals in natural traps, such as vines, pot-holes, soft places in
the marshes and cliffs, offered a suggestion; and the tediousness of
lying in wait, on the one hand, and the danger of a direct conflict
with large animals, on the other, offered a strong motive for the use
of nature's suggestions in the way of traps. Undoubtedly women made a
large use of traps in catching the smaller animals before men gave
much attention to this mode of hunting.
If the children make as many simple traps as they can think of and
arrange them in the order of their complexity, they will be able after
a few months to work out a fairly complete series in the evolution of
traps.
_Lesson XXI._ This lesson illustrates the constant interaction between
man's inventions and the animal's habits. A new invention which gives
man greater power in hunting, makes the animals more timid, more
watchful, more skillful in escaping from man's presence. Hence, man
is constantly stimulated to make new inventions, in order to be
successful in the hunt.
_Reference_: Katharine E. Dopp. _The Place of Industries in Elementary
Education_. (See Index under _Animals_ and _Traps_.)
_Lesson XXII._ No animal was more difficult to hunt than the wild
horse. Herds of horses were organized under a leader and sentinels
which were very alert in detecting the least sign of danger; and as
soon as the alarm was given, the herds would run with great speed
until they were out of sight. When unable to escape they would fight
furiously with hoofs and teeth. When in need of a new pasture,
scouts--the old, experienced, wise, cautious, and observant members of
the herd--would be sent out to search for good feeding grounds and to
report to the herd.
_Lesson XXIII._ Help the children to see that, although the children
of the caves did not go to such schools as we have, they had lessons
to learn and tests to take. Those who lived together had to learn
to work together. Each one must learn to be patient, brave, and
self-controlled. The thoughtless, impatient, and cowardly were apt to
prevent the capture of wild animals in the hunt, and to risk the lives
of their clansmen. Hence, from early childhood the old men and women
gave attention to teaching the children, preparing them for the tests
which must be passed before they ranked with the men and women.
_Lesson XXIV._ Instances of stags meeting death by having their horns
interlocked are well known.
_Lesson XXV._ Encourage the children to notice the difference between
those animals which live in herds and those which lead a solitary
life. Although the dog has changed greatly since it was domesticated,
a study of the dog will be helpful in understanding the habits of
packs of wolves. Jack London's _Call of the Wild_, and Ernest Thompson
Seton's stories will be helpful in this connection. The cat, having
changed less than the dog, will furnish the child with a good type of
carnivorous animals that lead a solitary life.
_Lesson XXVI._ From an examination of the skeletons which have been
referred to the late Pleistocene period, it is evident that the
Cave-men were able to treat wounds and to set bones. "No one could
have survived such wounds as we have described," writes Mr. Nadaillac,
"but for the care and nursing of those around him, such as the other
members of his tribe. The wounded one must have been fed by the others
for months; nay more, he must have been carried in migrations, and his
food and resting place must have been prepared for him."
_Lesson XXVII._ There was little difference between weapons and tools
until the period of the later Cave-men. A piece of chipped stone
served as a tool and a weapon. The children learned when they read
_The Tree-dwellers_ how people used the tools in their bodies and how
they supplemented these by the use of natural tools, such as sticks,
stones, shells, bones, and horns. In reading _The Early Cave-men_ they
learned how people chipped flint and bound strong handles to heavy
spear points and axes. At this time they can learn how people came to
make use of new materials--materials which require the use of _tools_
in shaping into weapons. Tools had been used by women from a very
early time. The digging-stick, the hammer-stone, the chopper, the
knife, and the bone awl are tools which every woman used. Men, on the
contrary, were more interested in weapons than in tools, and it is
quite likely that the first steps which led to the differentiation of
tools from weapons was made by a man who had been wounded and thus
disabled for the hunt.
The incident of Bighorn making fun of the bone dagger is introduced
to illustrate the conservative tendency which is still present in
society, a tendency less powerful now than in early times, yet strong
enough to keep many people out of sympathy with the forces which work
for progress.
Let the children examine a real antler, if possible, and notice its
fitness for being made into a variety of tools and weapons. If no
antler can be found let them examine the picture of one, so as to
determine what part of it is used in making a dagger, a hammer, a
baton, a tent peg, and an awl.
_Lesson XXVIII._ The invention of the flint saw marks an important
step in the evolution of both tools and weapons. Without the saw it
would have been impossible to use such material as bone, horn, and
ivory. It is interesting to notice that the saw was at first not
clearly differentiated from the file and the knife, the three tools
being united in one piece of flint.
_Lesson XXIX._ In representing the action of a story by means of
pantomime, let the children choose a leader who shall take charge
of the action. Where this has been tried the results have been very
satisfactory. The children, because they feel the responsibility, are
stimulated to their best thought. The pleasure they take in the play
leads them to a far more careful study of the book than they would
make without this stimulus. In addition to this, it leads them to be
alert in making use of various sources of knowledge.
_Lesson XXX._ Hunting peoples, because they live a hand-to-mouth life,
have either a feast or a famine. Game was so plentiful during the late
Pleistocene period that we may suppose that the Cave-men usually had
plenty of food. The time when a famine was most likely to occur was
early spring, before the grass furnished food for the herds which came
a little later. When food supplies begin to fail, the clan breaks up
into smaller groups, and, in case of great scarcity, each of these
groups subdivides so that food may be found.
The worship of the bear and other large animals can be traced back to
a very ancient period. It undoubtedly originated in the Pleistocene
period when man first stood in fear of these animals and tried to win
their favor by offering gifts.
_Lesson XXXI._ In Central France, the region from which the greater
part of the data used in this book is derived, small glaciers were to
be found in the upper portions of the mountain valleys, but they did
not extend far down the river valleys. In other places, however,
glaciers extended far down into the lowlands.
While this is not the place for a thorough study of the glacier, it is
possible for the children of primary grades to understand certain
phases of the subject. The teacher who attempts to make clear the
formation of the glacier may find the following quotation from Prof.
Shaler helpful: "When a glacial period comes upon a country, the
sheets of ice are first imposed upon the mountain tops, and then the
ice creeps down the torrent and river beds far below the snow line,
in a manner now seen in Switzerland and Norway. As long as the ice
streams follow the torrent-channels, they act in something like the
fashions of the flowing waters--to gouge out the rocks and deepen the
valleys; but as the glacial period advances and the ice sheet spreads
beyond the mountains enveloping the plains as well, when the glacier
attains the thickness of thousands of feet, it disregards the valleys
in its movements and sweeps on in majestic march across the surface of
the country. As long as the continental glaciers remain the tendency
is to destroy the river valleys. The result is to plane down the land
and, to a certain extent, to destroy all preëxisting river valleys."
If this subject is studied while snow is on the ground it will be
interesting to the children to experiment out of doors in making
glaciers. If there are no hills present the children can readily make
small hills on their playground and the falling and partial melting of
the snow will do the rest.
_Lesson XXXII._ Neighboring clans are accustomed to meet at the rapids
of a river during the salmon season. At such places, and in all places
where abundant sources of food are to be found, neighboring clans
participate in feasting, dancing, and general merrymaking. Just as
scarcity of food tends to separate people, so abundance of food tends
to draw them together. At such gatherings people of different clans
exchange ideas, learn new ways of doing things and become accustomed
to act in larger groups for the accomplishment of a common purpose.
_Lesson XXXIII._ On the side of invention the throwing-stick is
a point to be emphasized in this lesson. On the side of social
coöperation, the organization of the brotherhood is the point of
interest. Such organizations are characteristic of primitive peoples,
and similar organizations among children are of common occurrence.
_Lesson XXXIV._ This lesson serves to bring out the contrast between
Fleetfoot, the brave, active young man, who is beginning to develop
the arts which require great personal bravery and force, and Flaker,
the crippled young man, whose ability is directed toward the
development of tools and the arts which later make him a priest and
medicine man. Originally, there was no sharp distinction between the
priest and the medicine man. One person performed both functions, and
in many cases this person was a woman. Later, those who made use of
supplication and entreaty constituted the priesthood, while those who
attempted to frighten the gods were known as medicine men.
_Lesson XXXV._ Overhanging rocks were made use of for natural shelters
from the earliest times. The improvement of the natural shelter by the
addition of front and side walls was a later step and was doubtless an
invention of woman. The motives for such an invention may be found in
the fact that in many places near good hunting grounds there were not
enough caves to shelter the people. Under such circumstances, as well
as in districts where no caves abound, women would not be slow to take
advantage of the overhanging rocks and to use their ingenuity in
converting them into comfortable habitations.
Let the children compare summer and winter skins, if possible; if not,
let them notice the difference between the horse's coat in winter and
summer.
_Lesson XXXVI._ To help the children to realize the importance of the
discovery of the use of poison, let the children think of the many
advantages which the Cave-men enjoyed because they could use it.
The dependence of man upon animals for his food supply is shown here.
The disappearance of the herds caused Fleetfoot and Willow-grouse to
leave the rock-shelter. This is the beginning of a series of events
which culminates in a famine. With this in mind, the teacher can
emphasize the points which lead up to the famine.
_Lesson XXXVII._ Let the children bring together from various sources
the materials and tools required to make needles by the processes of
the Cave-men. Do not require the children to make needles, but permit
them to experiment with the materials so as to understand the subject.
If the children label and arrange the collection they make in an
orderly way, the work itself will be of great value to them, and the
collection will constitute an interesting feature in the children's
industrial museum.
_Lesson XXXVIII._ Such a lesson as this ought to be helpful in freeing
the child from superstitions without putting him out of sympathy with
people who entertain them. In their origin superstitions are
unsuccessful attempts to explain the phenomena of life. In spite of
the fact that many of the beliefs of mankind have been false, they
have served a useful purpose in the development of the individual and
in uniting individuals into social groups.
The art of the Cave-men, as illustrated in this and in other lessons,
shows a belief in sympathetic magic, a belief that is universal among
primitive peoples. The fear formerly entertained by the American
Indians of having their photographs taken was due to a belief in
sympathetic magic. The one who possessed the likeness was supposed to
have some mysterious power over the person.
Help the children to distinguish between the things the Cave-men did
which really helped and those which they thought helped. Notice that
Flaker actually learned a great deal about the topography of the
country, the location of the best hunting grounds, the movements and
habits of the herds, and, because of this, was often able to give the
Cave-men good advice. The magical ceremonies he practiced were of use
to him in getting the people to believe in his wonderful power. (See,
also, notes under _XXXIV_.)
_Lesson XXXIX._ Although there was a great variety and abundance of
fish, not all the Cave-men used fish. From the remains which have been
found, however, we know that different clans used nearly all the
varieties of fish which still may be found in our rivers and lakes;
and we may readily believe that a salmon stream would be held as
property common to all the neighboring tribes, as it is to-day among
hunting and fishing peoples.
Fishing tackle of the Cave-men was very crude. Fish were sufficiently
abundant, however, to be caught with the hands or by means of stones
and clubs. A fish hook made of a bear's tooth, by removing the enamel
and crown and lessening the thickness by rubbing, has been found. The
barbed harpoons, which were originally made for hunting, were later
used in spearing fish. Harpoons with barbs on both sides were well
adapted for throwing through the air, while those with barbs on one
side were better adapted for use in the water. An experiment with a
pencil in a glass of water will show the child that the part in the
water is not where it appears to be, and from this he can readily
reach the conclusion given above.
_Lesson XL._ If one will notice the clothing and the cradles of the
North American Indians in a museum, he cannot fail to observe that
care was taken in their preparation. They are comfortable and, in many
cases, beautiful. We may well believe from what is known that among
all primitive peoples the beauty, especially that of ornamentation,
was for the sake of some supposed magical power. The representation of
an animal was supposed to secure the especial protection of that
animal, which was worshiped as a god. The bear's tooth, which was
pierced and strung about the neck of an infant, served a useful
purpose when the child was cutting teeth, and it was supposed to be
a charm which served to protect the child.
_Lesson XLI._ The strongest motives for coöperation were doubtless
the common need of protection from dangerous beasts of prey and the
need of adopting methods of hunting wild animals which required the
united efforts of many people. Notice that the different batons and
fragments of batons represented in this book differ in the number of
holes bored through them. It is thought that the number of holes
indicated the rank of the owner. Although many theories are given
regarding the use of batons, the one which seems most tenable to
the author is that which views them as marks of distinction and
instruments used in magical ceremonies and in hunting dances.
_Lesson XLII._ The method of hunting herds by surrounding them is a
coöperative method suitable to such regions as grassy plains, and
comparatively level tracts which are sparsely wooded. The drive, on
the contrary, is adapted to regions where steep cliffs are to be
found. It is a natural development of the earlier method of hunting by
taking advantage of the proximity of animals to steep cliffs. In that
case man's part was to lie in wait until a favorable opportunity
presented itself for frightening the animals over. The lesson in _The
Tree-dwellers_ on "How the Hyenas Hunted the Big-nosed Rhinoceros,"
and the one in _The Early Cave-men_ on "Hunting the Mammoth,"
illustrate early stages of this method.
Notice that there is a new principle employed in this lesson--that of
the decoy--and that the method of hunting by means of the drive makes
use of various ideas worked out before.
_Lesson XLIII._ The experience of children in games is sufficient to
enable them to realize the necessity of making laws and rules for
regulating the conduct of the members of the group. This lesson should
serve to connect this narrow experience with that of the race.
Many of the representations of the Cave-man's art, as shown in the
illustrations of this book, might well have been made the subjects of
special lessons. The limits of this book, however, forbid further
expansion.
* * * * *
Industrial and Social History Series
_By KATHARINE ELIZABETH DOPP, Ph. D._
_Lecturer in Education in the Extension Division of the University of
Chicago. Author of "The Place of Industries in Elementary Education."_
WHAT THE BOOKS ARE
_Book I._ #THE TREE-DWELLERS.# THE AGE OF FEAR.
_Illustrated with a map, 14 full-page and 46 text drawings in
half-tone by Howard V. Brown. Cloth, square 12mo, 158 pages. For
the primary grades._
This volume makes clear to the child how people lived before they had
fire, how and why they conquered it, and the changes wrought in
society by its use. The simple activities of gathering food, of
weaving, building, taming fire, making use of stones for tools and
weapons, wearing trophies, and securing coöperative action by means of
rhythmic dances, are here shown to be the simple forms of processes
which still minister to our daily needs.
_Book II._ #THE EARLY CAVE-MEN.# THE AGE OF COMBAT.
_Illustrated with a map, 16 full-page and 71 text drawings in
half-tone by Howard V. Brown. Cloth, square 12mo, 183 Pages. For
the primary grades._
In this volume the child is helped to realize that it is necessary not
only to know how to use fire, but to know how to make it. Protection
from the cold winters, which characterize the age described, is sought
first in caves; but fire is a necessity in defending the caves. The
serious condition to which the cave-men are reduced by the loss of
fire during a flood is shown to be the motive which prompts them to
hold a council; to send men to the fire country; to make improvements
in clothing, in devices for carrying, and in tools and weapons; and,
finally, to the discovery of how to make fire.
_Book III._ #THE LATER CAVE-MEN.# THE AGE OF THE CHASE.
_Illustrated with 27 full-page and 87 text drawings in half-tone by
Howard V. Brown. Cloth, square 12mo, 197 Pages. For the primary
grades._
Here is portrayed the influence of man's presence upon wild animals.
Man's fear, which with the conquest of fire gave way to courage, has
resulted in his mastery of many mechanical appliances and in the
development of social coöperation, which so increases his power as to
make him an object of fear to the wild animals. Since the wild animals
now try to escape from man's presence, there is a greater demand made
upon man's ingenuity than ever before in supplying his daily food. The
way in which man's cunning finds expression in traps, pitfalls, and in
throwing devices, and finally in a remarkable manifestation of art, is
made evident in these pages.
_Book IV._ #THE EARLY SEA PEOPLE.# FIRST STEPS IN THE CONQUEST OF THE
WATERS.
_Illustrated with 21 full-page and 117 text drawings in half-tone
by Howard V. Brown and Kyohei Inukai. Cloth, square 12mo, 224
pages. For the intermediate grades._
The life of fishing people upon the seashore presents a pleasing
contrast to the life of the hunters on the wooded hills depicted in
the previous volumes. The resources of the natural environment; the
early steps in the evolution of the various modes of catching fish, of
manufacturing fishing tackle, boats, and other necessary appliances;
the invention of devices for capturing birds; the domestication of the
dog and the consequent changes in methods of hunting; and the social
coöperation involved in manufacturing and in expeditions on the deep
seas, are subjects included in this volume.
_Other volumes, dealing with the early development of pastoral and
agricultural life, the age of metals, travel, trade, and
transportation, will follow._
_Write us for detailed information regarding these books and a
complete list of our up-to-date publications._
#RAND McNALLY & COMPANY#
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS
CHICAGO NEW YORK LONDON
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