Chapter 8 MYTHS AND LEGENDS.

The Indians of the Yosemite Valley and vicinity have a great fund of mythological lore, which has been handed down verbally from generation to generation for hundreds of years, but they are very reluctant to speak of these legends to white people, and it is extremely difficult to get reliable information on the subject. Moreover, the Indians most familiar with them have not a sufficient knowledge of the English language to be able to express their ideas clearly.

Many Yosemite legends have been published at different times and in various forms, and it is probable that most of them have had at least a foundation in real Indian myths, but many are obviously fanciful in some particulars, and it is impossible to tell how much is of Indian origin and how much is due to poetic embellishment. When asked about some of these legends, many years ago, one of the old Yosemite Indians remarked contemptuously, "White man too much lie."

On the other hand, red men as well as white men are sometimes given to romancing, and I have known of cases where "legends" would be manufactured on the spur of the moment by some young Indian to satisfy an importunate and credulous questioner, to the keen but suppressed amusement of other Indians present.

It will therefore be seen that this subject is surrounded with some difficulty, and it must not be understood that the legends here given are vouched for as of wholly Indian origin. Some of them, notably those of the Tul-tok′-a-na and the second legend of Tis-sa′-ack, have been accepted by eminent ethnologists, and are believed to be purely aboriginal, while others have doubtless been somewhat idealized in translation and in the course of numerous repetitions.

The legend of To-tau-kon-nu′-la and Tis-sa′-ack is made up of fragments of mythological lore obtained from a number of old Indians at various times during the past fifty years. It varies somewhat from other legends which have been published regarding these same characters, but it is well known that the Indians living in Yosemite in recent years are of mixed tribal origin and do not all agree as to the traditional history of the region, nor the names of the prominent scenic features, nor even of the Valley itself. And this largely accounts for the fact that some of the legends do not harmonize with each other in details or in sentiment. All of them, however, are picturesque, and they certainly give an added interest to the natural beauties and wonders with which they are associated.

LEGEND OF TO-TAU-KON-NU′-LA AND TIS-SA′-ACK.

Innumerable moons and snows have passed since the Great Spirit guided a little band of his favorite children into the beautiful vale of Ah-wah′-nee [Yosemite Valley], and bid them stop and rest from their long and weary wanderings, which had lasted ever since they had been separated by the great waters from the happy land of their forefathers in the far distant El-o′-win (West).

Photograph by Boysen.

MARY.

Daughter of Captain John, one of the last Chiefs of the Yosemites.

Here they found food in abundance for all. The rivers gave them plenty of la-pe′-si (trout). They found in the meadows sweet ha′-ker (clover), and sour yu-yu-yu-mah (oxalis) for spring medicine, and sweet toon′-gy and other edible roots in abundance. The trees and bushes yielded acorns, pine nuts, fruits and berries. In the forests were herds of he′-ker (deer) and other animals, which gave meat for food and skins for clothing and beds. And here they lived and multiplied, and, as instructed by their medicine men, worshipped the Great Spirit which gave them life, and the sun which warmed and made them happy.

They also kept in memory the happy land of their forefathers. The story was told by the old people to the young, and they again told it to their children from generation to generation, and they all believed that after death their spirits would return to dwell forever in that distant country.

They prospered and built other towns outside of Ah-wah′-nee, and became a great nation. They learned wisdom by experience and by observing how the Great Spirit taught the animals and insects to live, and they believed that their children could absorb the cunning of the wild creatures. And so the young son of their chieftain was made to sleep in the skins of the beaver and coyote, that he might grow wise in building, and keen of scent in following game. On some days he was fed with la-pe′-si that he might become a good swimmer, and on other days the eggs of the great to-tau′-kon (crane) were his food, that he might grow tall and keen of sight, and have a clear, ringing voice. He was also fed on the flesh of the he′-ker that he might be fleet of foot, and on that of the great yo-sem′-i-te (grizzly bear) to make him powerful in combat.

And the little boy grew up and became a great and wise chieftain, and he was also a rain wizard, and brought timely rains for the crops.

As was the custom in giving names to all Indians, his name was changed from time to time, as his character developed, until he was called Choo′-too-se-ka′, meaning the Supreme Good. His grand o-chum (house) was built at the base of the great rock called To-tau-kon-nu′-la [El Capitan], because the great to-tau′-kons made their nests and raised their young in a meadow at its summit, and their loud ringing cries resounded over the whole Valley.

As the moons and snows passed, this great rock and all the great rocky walls around the Valley grew in height, and the hills became high mountains.

After a time Choo′-too-se-ka′ built himself a great palace o′-chum on the summit of the rock To-tau-kon-nu′-la, and had his great chair of state a little west of his palace, where on all festival occasions he could overlook and talk to the great multitude below; and the remains of this chair are still to be seen.

Choo′-too-se-ka′ was then named To-tau-kon-nu′-la, because he had built his o′-chum on the summit of the great rock and taken the place of the to-tau′-kons. He had no wife, but all the women served him in his domestic needs, as he was their great chief, and his wishes were paramount. The many valuable donations which he received from his people at the great annual festivals made him wealthy beyond all personal wants, and he gave freely to the needy.

One day, while standing on the top of the great dome [Sentinel Dome] above the south wall of the Valley, watching the great herds of deer, he saw some strange people approaching, bearing heavy burdens. They were fairer of skin, and their clothing was different from that of his people, and when they drew near he asked them who they were and whence they came.

And a woman replied, "I am Tis-sa′-ack, and these are some of my people. We come from cat′-tan chu′-much (far South). I have heard of your great wisdom and goodness, and have come to see you and your people. We bring you presents of many fine baskets, and beads of many colors, as tokens of our friendship. When we have rested and seen your people and beautiful valley we will return to our home."

Photograph by Foley

HALF DOME (TIS-SA′-ACK). 5,000 Feet.

Named for a woman in Indian mythology who was turned to stone for quarreling with her husband. See "Legend of Tis-sa′-ack."

To-tau-kon-nu′-la was much pleased with his fair visitor, and built a large o′-chum for her and her companions on the summit of the great dome at the east end of the Valley [Half Dome], and this dome still retains her name.

And she tarried there and taught the women of Ah-wah′-nee how to make the beautiful baskets which they still make at the present day; and To-tau-kon-nu′-la visited her daily, and became charmed with her loveliness, and wanted her to remain and be his wife, but she denied him, saying, "I must return to my people," and, when he still persisted, she left her o′-chum in the night and was never seen again. And the love-stricken chieftain forgot his people, and went in search of her, and they waited many moons for his return and mourned his long absence, but they never saw him more.

This was the beginning of a series of calamities which nearly destroyed the great tribe of Ah-wah-nee′-chees. First a great drouth prevailed, and the crops failed, and the streams of water dried up. The deer went wild and wandered away. Then a dark cloud of smoke arose in the East and obscured the sun, so that it gave no heat, and many of the people perished from cold and hunger. Then the earth shook terribly and groaned with great pain, and enormous rocks fell from the walls around Ah-wah′-nee. The great dome called Tis-sa′-ack was burst asunder, and half of it fell into the Valley. A fire burst out of the earth in the East, and the ca′-lah (snow) on the sky mountains was changed to water, which flowed down and formed the Lake Ah-wei′-yah [Mirror Lake]. And all the streams were filled to overflowing, and still the waters rose, and there was a great flood, so that a large part of the Valley became a lake, and many persons were drowned.

After a time the Great Spirit took pity on his children, and the dark cloud of smoke disappeared, the sun warmed the Valley again into new life, and the few people who were left had plenty of food once more.

Many moons afterwards there appeared on the face of the great rock To-tau-kon-nu′-la the figure of a man in a flowing robe, and with one hand extended toward the West, in which direction he appears to be traveling. This figure was interpreted to be the picture of the great lost Chieftain, indicating that he had gone to the "happy hunting grounds" of his ancestors, and it is looked upon with great veneration and awe by the few Indians still living in Yosemite.

At about the same time the face of the beautiful Tis-sa′-ack appeared on the great flat side of the dome which bears her name, and the Indians recognized her by the way in which her dark hair was cut straight across her forehead and fell down at the sides, which was then considered among the Yosemites as the acme of feminine beauty, and is so regarded to this day.

Photograph by Fiske

A BURDEN BEARER.

The women are the principal burden bearers and all loads are carried in large baskets, supported by a band across the forehead.

ANOTHER LEGEND OF TIS-SA′-ACK.

Tis-sa′-ack and her husband traveled from a far-off country, and entered the Valley footsore and weary. She walked ahead, carrying a great conical burden-basket, which was supported by a band across her forehead, and was filled with many things. He followed after, carrying a rude staff in his hand and a roll of woven skin blankets over his shoulder. They had come across the mountains and were very thirsty, and they hurried to reach the Valley, where they knew there was water. The woman was still far in advance when she reached the Lake Ah-wei′-yah [Mirror Lake], and she dipped up the water in her basket and drank long and deep. She was so thirsty that she even drank up all the water in the lake and drained it dry before her husband arrived. And because the lake was dry there came a terrible drouth in the Valley, and the soil was dried up and nothing grew.

And the husband was much displeased because the woman had drunk up all the water and left none for him, and he became so angry that he forgot the customs of his people and beat the woman with his staff. She ran away from him, but he followed her and beat her yet more. And she wept, and in her anger she turned and reviled her husband, and threw her basket at him. And while they were in this attitude, one facing the other, they were turned into stone for their wickedness, and there they still retain. The upturned basket lies beside the husband, where the woman threw it, and the woman's face is tear stained with long dark lines trailing down.

Half-Dome is the woman Tis-sa′-ack and North Dome is her husband, while beside the latter is a smaller dome which is still called Basket Dome to this day.

LEGEND OF THE GRIZZLY BEAR.

The significance and derivation of the name "Yosemite," as given by old Tenei′-ya, chief of the tribe, have been explained in another chapter, but there is also a legendary account of its origin, which may be of interest.

Long, long ago, when the remote ancestors of the Yosemite Indians dwelt peacefully in the valley called Ah-wah′-nee [Yosemite Valley], one of the stalwart young braves of the tribe went early one morning to spear some fish in the lake Ah-wei′-yah [Mirror Lake]. Before reaching his destination he was confronted by a huge grizzly bear, who appeared from behind one of the enormous boulders in that vicinity, and savagely disputed his passage.

Photograph by Foley.

EL CAPITAN (TO-TAU-KON-NU′-LA), 3,300 Feet.

Indians believe that this great rock grew from a small boulder. See "Legend of the Tul-tok′-a-na."

Being attacked in this unexpected manner, the Indian defended himself to the best of his ability, using for the purpose the dead limb of a tree which was near at hand, and, after a long and furious struggle, in which he was badly wounded, he at length succeeded in killing the bear.

His exploit was considered so remarkable by the rest of the tribe that they called him Yo-sem′-i-te (meaning a full-grown grizzly bear), in honor of his achievement, and this name was transmitted to his children, and eventually to the whole tribe.

LEGEND OF THE TUL-TOK′-A-NA.

There were once two little boys living in the Valley of Ah-wah′-nee, who went down to the river to swim. When they had finished their bath they went on shore and lay down on a large boulder to dry themselves in the sun. While lying there they fell asleep, and slept so soundly that they never woke up again. Through many moons and many snows they slept, and while they slept the great rock [El Capitan] on which they lay was slowly rising, little by little, until it soon lifted them up out of sight, and their friends searched for them everywhere without success. Thus they were carried up into the blue sky, until they scraped their faces against the moon; and still they slept on.

Photograph by Fiske.

NORTH DOME (TO-KO′-YA). 3,725 Feet.

This rock is believed by the Indians to represent Tis-sa′-ack's husband, turned into stone for beating his wife. The lower dome to the right is the basket which she threw at him. See "Legend of Tis-sa′-ack."

Then all the animals assembled to bring down the little boys from the top of the great rock. Each animal sprang up the face of the rock as far as he could. The mouse could only spring a hand's breadth, the rat two hands' breadths, the raccoon a little more, and so on. The grizzly bear made a great leap up the wall, but fell back like all the others, without reaching the top. Finally came the lion, who jumped up farther than any of the others, but even he fell back and could not reach the top.

Then came the tul-tok′-a-na, the insignificant measuring worm, who was despised by all the other creatures, and began to creep up the face of the rock. Step by step, little by little, he measured his way up until he was soon above the lion's jump, and still farther and farther, until presently he was out of sight; and still he crawled up and up, day and night, through many moons, and at length he reached the top, and took the little boys and brought them safely down to the ground. And therefore the rock was named for the measuring worm, and was called Tu-tok-a-nu′-la.

LEGEND OF GROUSE LAKE.

I will here relate a personal experience which occurred in September, 1857, while out with a large party of Indians on a deer hunt in the mountains.

One day, after a long tramp, I stopped to rest by the side of a small lake about eight miles from the present site of Wawona, and I then named it Grouse Lake on account of the great number of grouse found there. Very soon a party of Indians came along carrying some deer, and stopped on the opposite side of the lake to rest and get some water. Soon after they had started again for their camp I heard a distinct wailing cry, somewhat like the cry of a puppy when lost, and I thought the Indians must have left one of their young dogs behind.

When I joined the Indians in camp that night I inquired of them about the sound I had heard. They replied that it was not a dog-that a long time ago an Indian boy had been drowned in the lake, and that every time any one passed there he always cried after them, and that no one dared to go in the lake, for he would catch them by the legs and pull them down and they would, be drowned. I then concluded that it must have been some unseen water-fowl that made the cry, and at that time I thought that the Indians were trying to impose on my credulity, but I am now convinced that they fully believed the story they told me.

Po-ho′-no Lake, the headwaters of the Bridal Veil Creek, was also thought to be haunted by troubled spirits, which affected the stream clear down into the Yosemite Valley; and the Indians believed that an evil wind there had been the cause of some fatal accidents many years ago. The word Po-ho′-no means a puffing wind, and has also been translated "Evil Wind," on account of the superstition above referred to.

LEGEND OF THE LOST ARROW.

Tee-hee′-nay was a beautiful Ah-wah′-nee maiden, said to be the most beautiful of her tribe, and she was beloved by Kos-su′-kah, a strong and valiant young brave. Valuable presents had been made to the bride's parents, and they had given their consent to an early marriage, which was to be celebrated by a great feast.

To provide an abundance of venison and other meat for this banquet, Kos-su′-kah gathered together his young companions and went into the mountains in search of game. In order that Tee-hee′-nay might know of his welfare and the success of the hunt, it was agreed between the lovers that at sunset Kos-su′-kah should go to the high rock to the east of Cho′-lak [Yosemite Falls], and should shoot an arrow into the Valley, to which should be attached a number of grouse feathers corresponding to the number of deer that had fallen before the skill of the hunters.

Photograph by Fiske.

BRIDAL VEIL FALL (PO-HO′-NO). 940 Feet.

The source of this stream is supposed by the Indians to be haunted by troubled spirits, which affect the water along its whole course. The word Po-ho′-no means a "puffing wind."

At the time appointed Tee-hee′-nay went near the foot of the great cliff and waited, with her eyes raised to the towering rocks above, hoping with her keen sight to see the form of her lover outlined against the sky, but no form could she see, and no arrow fell into the Valley. As darkness gathered, gloomy forebodings took possession of her, and she climbed part way up the canyon called Le-ham′-i-tee [now known as Indian Canyon] because the arrow-wood grew there, and finally she stood at the very foot of the rocky wall which rose to dizzy heights above her, and there she waited through the long night.

With the first streak of dawn she bounded swiftly up the rough canyon, for she was fully convinced that some terrible fate had overtaken the brave Kos-su′-kah, and soon she stood upon the lofty summit [Yosemite Point], where she found her lover's footsteps leading towards the edge of the precipice. Drawing nearer she was startled to find that a portion of the cliff had given way, and, upon peering over the brink, what was her horror to discover the blood-stained and lifeless body of Kos-su′-kah lying on a rocky ledge far beneath.

Summoning assistance by means of a signal fire, which was seen from the Valley below, a rope was made of sapling tamaracks lashed firmly together with thongs from one of the deer that was to have furnished the marriage feast, and Tee-hee′-nay herself insisted on being lowered over the precipice to recover the body of her lover. This was at last successfully accomplished, and when his ghastly form lay once more upon the rocky summit, she threw herself on his bosom and gave way to passionate outburst of grief.

Finally she became quiet, but when they stooped to raise her they found that her spirit had fled to join the lost Kos-su′-kah and that the lovers were re-united in death!

The fateful arrow that was the cause of so much sorrow could never be found, and the Indians believe that it was taken away by the spirits of Kos-su′-kah and Tee-hee′-nay. In memory of them, and of this tragedy, the slender spire of rock [sometimes called "The Devil's Thumb"] that rises heavenward near the top of the cliff at this point is known among the Indians as Hum-mo′, or the Lost Arrow.

* * *

Appendix.

HINTS TO YOSEMITE VISITORS.

Secure stage seats in advance.

Take only hand baggage, unless for a protracted visit. For a short trip, an outing suit and two or three waists, with a change for evening wear, will be found sufficient. The free baggage allowance on the stage lines is fifty pounds.

Men will find flannel or negligee shirts the most comfortable.

In April, May and June wear warm clothing and take heavy wraps. In July, August and September wear medium clothing, with light wraps. In October and November wear warm clothing, with heavy wraps. The nights are cool at all seasons.

Dusters are always advisable, and ladies should provide some light head covering to protect the hair from dust. Sun bonnets are frequently worn.

Short skirts are most convenient.

Divided skirts are proper for trail trips, as ladies are required to ride astride. Heavy denim for skirt and bloomers is very satisfactory. Such skirts can be hired in the Valley.

Waists of soft material and neutral shades are appropriate. Avoid white.

Something absolutely soft for neckwear will be found a great comfort, both by men and women.

Leggings, stout, comfortable shoes, and heavy, loose gloves, will be found very serviceable.

A soft felt hat is preferable to straw. One that will shade the eyes is best. A cloth traveling cap is the worst thing to wear.

Smoked glasses will sometimes save the wearer a headache.

Except in April, May and November, an umbrella is apt to be a useless encumbrance.

If the skin is sensitive, and one wishes to avoid painful sunburn, the use of a pure cream and soft cloth is preferable to water, and far more efficacious.

A week is the shortest time that should be allowed for a trip to Yosemite. Two weeks are better. The grandeur of the Valley cannot be fully appreciated in a few days. Those not accustomed to staging or mountain climbing should make some allowance in their itineraries for rest. Many visitors spoil their pleasure by getting too tired.

Take a little more money than you think will be needed. You may want to prolong your stay.

Hunting, or the possession of firearms, is not permitted in the Yosemite National Park. Fishing is allowed, and in June and July an expert angler is likely to be well rewarded. Rods and tackle may be hired in the Valley.

There is no hardship, risk or danger in any part of the Yosemite trip. Many old people and children visit the Valley without difficulty.

A knowledge of horsemanship is not needed for going on the trails. The most timid people make the trips with enjoyment. Some of the finest views can only be obtained in this way.

There is a laundry in the Valley.

There is a barber shop.

There is a post office, telegraph and express. There is a general store and places for the sale of photographs, curios and Indian work.

Treat the Indians with courtesy and consideration, if you expect similar treatment from them. Do not expect them to pose for you for nothing. They are asked to do it hundreds of times every summer, and are entitled to payment for their trouble.

Kodak films and plates can be obtained in the Valley.

Developing and printing are done in the Valley.

TAKE YOUR CAMERA.

OFFICIAL TABLE OF DISTANCES AND LIVERY CHARGES.

The following are the legal rates for transportation of tourists in and about the Yosemite Valley:

CARRIAGES.

FROM HOTELS OR PUBLIC Estimated Rate for Rate for

CAMPS, AND RETURN. Distance Party of Party of

(Round Four or Less Than

Trip) More Four

Miles Each Each

Person Person

To Cascades, Yosemite and

Bridal Veil Falls 16.00 $1.50 $2.00

To Mirror Lake 5.82 1.00 1.00

To River View and Bridal

Veil Falls 10.41 1.00 1.50

To New Inspiration Point 14.38 2.00 2.50

To Happy Isles 4.00 .50 1.00

To Yosemite Falls 3.00 .50 .75

SADDLE HORSES.

FROM HOTELS OR PUBLIC Estimated Rate for Rate for

CAMPS, AND RETURN. Distance Party of Party of

(Round Four Less

Trip) or More Than Four

Miles Each Person Each Person

To Vernal and Nevada Falls 10.90 $ 2.50 $ 3.00

To Yosemite Falls and Eagle

Peak 13.18 3.00 3.00

To Glacier Point and

Sentinel Dome 11.14 3.00 3.00

To Yosemite Point 10.00 2.50 3.00

To Eagle Peak 13.00 3.00 3.00

To Vernal and Nevada Falls

and Glacier Point

(Continuous Trip) 19.22 4.00 5.00

To Glacier Point, Sentinel

Dome and Fissures 14.00 3.50 3.75

To Old Inspiration Point

and Stanford Point 16.00 4.00 4.00

To Vernal and Nevada Falls

and Cloud's Rest (Same Day) 22.00 4.00 5.00

Charges for Guide

(Including Horse)

When Furnished Free 3.00

1. Trips other than those above specified shall be subject to special arrangements between the parties and the stables.

2. Any excess of the above rates, as well as any extortion, incivility, misrepresentation, or riding of unsafe animals, should be reported to the Superintendent's office.

3. All distances are estimated from the Superintendent's office.

SUPPLEMENTARY TABLE OF DISTANCES.

FROM SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE. MILES

Bridal Veil Falls 4

Yosemite Falls, base ?

Upper Yosemite Fall, base 2 ?

Upper Yosemite Fall, top 4 ?

Little Yosemite Valley 8

Glacier Point (short trail) 4 ?

Glacier Point (via Nevada Falls) 14 ?

Cascades 8

* * *

INTERPRETATION OF INDIAN NAMES.

The Indians had names for all the prominent features of the Yosemite Valley, and these have been variously translated (sometimes with considerable poetic license), and variously spelled. The translations given below are as literal as possible, without embellishment, and are believed to be fairly accurate. The spelling adopted is such as best indicates the pronunciation.

The English names, by which the falls and peaks are commonly known, bear no relation to the Indian names, but were bestowed by the soldiers of the Mariposa Battalion at the time the Valley was discovered. The appropriateness and good taste of most of them are due to Dr. L.H. Bunnell, the surgeon of the expedition.

AH-WAH′-NEE (original name of Yosemite Valley)-"Deep grassy valley."

YO-SEM′-I-TE-"Full-grown grizzly bear."

PO-HO′-NO (Bridal Veil)-"A puffing-wind."

LOI′-YA (The Sentinel)-"A signal station."

CHO′-LACK (Yosemite Falls)-"The falls."

CHO-KO′-NI (Royal Arches)-"Canopy of baby basket." Strictly speaking, this name applies only to a deep alcove near the top of this cliff.

YO-WEI′-YEE (Nevada)-"Twisting."

TO-TAU-KON-NU′-LA (El Capitan)-Named from the To-tau′-kons, or cranes, which used to make their nests in a meadow near the top of this rock.

KU-SO′-KO (Cathedral Rock)-Interpretation doubtful.

PU-SEE′-NA CHUCK′-AH (Cathedral Spires)-"Pu-see-na" means mouse or rat, and might possibly be applied to a squirrel. "Chuck-ah" is a store house or cache.

WAW-HAW′-KEE (Three Brothers)-"Falling rocks." Pom-pom-pa′-sus, usually given as the Indian name of the Three Brothers, is the name of a smaller rock immediately to the West.

WEI-YOW′ (Mt. Watkins)-"Juniper Mountain."

TO-KO′-YA (North Dome)-"The Basket."

TIS-SA′-ACK (Half Dome)-A character in Indian mythology.

MAH′-TA (Cap of Liberty)-Said to mean "Martyr Mountain."

PI-WEI′-ACK (Vernal Fall)-Said to mean "Sparkling water."

LE-HAM′-I-TEE (Indian Canyon)-"The place of the arrow-wood."

HUM-MO′ (Devil's Thumb)-"The Lost Arrow."

AH-WEI′-YA (Mirror Lake)-"Quiet Water."

TOO-LOO′-LO-WEI-ACK (Illillouette Fall)-Interpretation doubtful.

WAH′-WO-NAH-"Big Tree." (Now commonly spelled and pronounced Wa-wo′-na.)

HEIGHTS OF YOSEMITE'S WATER-FALLS.

FEET

Cascades 700

Bridal Veil 940

Ribbon 3,300

Sentinel 3,270

Yosemite (Upper 1,600 ft.; Lower 400 ft.) 2,634

Royal Arch 2,000

Vernal 350

Nevada 700

Illillouette 500

YOSEMITE'S PEAKS AND DOMES.

WITH ALTITUDES ABOVE FLOOR OF VALLEY.

(The Valley Floor is about 4,000 feet above sea level.)

FEET

Inspiration Point 1,248

El Capitan 3,300

Cathedral Rock 2,678

Cathedral Spires 1,934

Royal Arches (span) 2,000

The Sentinel 3,100

Sentinel Dome 4,122

Three Brothers 3,900

Eagle Peak 3,900

Yosemite Point 3,220

Glacier Point 3,250

North Dome 3,725

Half Dome 5,000

Cap of Liberty. 3,062

Union Point 2,350

Cloud's Rest. 5,912

Mt. Starr King 5,100

NAMES OF INDIAN NUMERALS.

King-eet′ One

O-tee′-cat Two

Tul-o′-cat Three

O-e′-sart Four

Mo′-ho′′-cat Five

Te′-mo′′-cat Six

Te-tow′-ok Seven

Cow-in′-tuk Eight

El′-e′′-wok Nine

Ne-ah′-jah Ten

Larger numbers are expressed by combinations of these numbers.

INDIAN WORDS IN COMMON USE.

Wat-too′ The Sun

Co′-ma Moon

He-a′-mah Day

Cow-il′-la Night

Tum-aw′-lin North

Chu′-muck South

He′-home East

El-o′-win West

Het-a-poo′-pa Cold

Wool-tut′-tee Hat*

Come′-haw Burn

Chum′-haw Dead or Die

Na′-win Up or Above

Hoo′-ya Down or Below

Wool-ar′-nee To Hunt or Look For

Took′-hah To Kill

E′-win Now

Oo′-haw By and By

Man′-nik More

Ut′-tee Much

Wa′-le-co Quick

Now′-tah To Steal

Nung′-hah Man

O′-hock Woman

Es-el′-lo Baby or Infant

*Transcriber's note: This appears to be a typographical error for "Hot." See "Central Sierra Miwok Dictionary with Texts" by L. S. Freeland and Sylvia M. Broadbent (Publications in Linguistics vol. XXIII, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1960).

NAMES OF THE INDIAN TRIBES PLACED

ON THE FRESNO AND KINGS RIVER RESERVATIONS

IN 1850 AND 1851.

Names of Tribes- From-

Wil-tuk′-um-nees Tuolumne River

Yo-sem′-i-tees Yosemite Valley

Po-to-en′-sees and Noot′-choos Merced River

Chow-chil′-lies Chowchilla Valley

Me′-woos Fresno Valley

Chook-chan′-cies Fresno and San Joaquin Rivers

Ho-na′-ches San Joaquin River

Pit-cal′-chees and Tal-an′-chees San Joaquin Valley

Cas-was′-sees Fine Gold Gulch

Wah-too′-kees, Wat′-chees,

No′-to-no′-tose and We-mel′-chees Kings River

Cow-il′-lees and Tel-um′-nees Four Creeks

Woo′-wells and Tal′-chees Tule Lake