Summary: | A Red River oxcart and other wagon parked near fort with people visiting. one man carrying head with antlers of likely a moose. In background are buildings and likely guard tower of fort. Lithographs; Color images; 19 x 23 cm. "Sketches in the Northwest. Our first illustration on page 73 gives a view of old Fort Garry, the principal trading post of the Hudson Bay company in Manitoba. The sketch shows a portion of the fort, which is a formidable defense against Indian attacks, although it would not be much of an obstacle in the way of ordinary artillery. The building on the right is the company's store, where Indians and white trappers dispose of their furs and other spoils of the chase, and obtain in return supplies of food, ammunition, clothing, and any articles of outfit they may need. The lower illustration shows an interesting ceremony observed by the Sioux about the famous 'Standing Rock,' situated near the Missouri River in Northern Dakota. This rock is of a very peculiar shape, and with it are connected several Indian legends. Among the Sioux the one most generally believed is that the stone was, many years ago, a young and beautiful Indian girl, whose betrothed was slain in battle. She mourned for him with the deepest and most constant sorrow, and although many warrior suitors sought her in marriage, she remained true to her first and only love. When she died, many years afterward, the Great Spirit transformed her body into this stone, so that, instead of mouldering in the dust, it might remain forever as a memorial of her love and fidelity. It is an object of great veneration among the Sioux, who visit it frequently, strew tobacco leaves, medicine bags, food, and trinkets around it, and paint the surface with rude, fantastic designs." - Article accompany image, found on page 74. Title from caption with image. on same page is color engraving "Standing Rock, the sacred stone of the Sioux."
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