| AUTHOR: | KELLY KINDSCHER AND DANA P. HURLBURT |
| TITLE: | HURON SMITH'S ETHNOBOTANY OF THE HOCAK (WINNEBAGO) |
| SOURCE: | Economic Botany 52 no4 352-72 O/D '98 |
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ABSTRACT
The
Hocak, commonly known as the Winnebago, are one of the original tribes
in the present state of Wisconsin. The field notes of Huron Smith,
compiled in the late 1920s and early 1930s, document the extensive use
of plant materials by Hocak people. Smith's notes contain references to
199 vascular plant species in 74 families, with recorded uses for 153
of these species. Medicinal plants (with 117 species) comprise the
largest category, followed by food (37 species), and fiber and material
uses (22 species). Smith's work is unique for its time because he
thoroughly explored the tribal uses of the plants in addition to
collecting voucher specimens and photographic plates, and because it
remains the most extensive Hocak ethnobotanical study. Added to Smith's
other works of tribes in Wisconsin (Menominee, Meskwaki, Ojibwe, and
Potawatomi), the Hocak ethnobotany broadens the cultural base of his
regional compilation of Native North American plant uses. In addition,
this is an important body of information for the Hocak people and those
interested in their use of plants.
Key Words: Hocak; Winnebago; ethnobotany; Smith, Huron; Wisconsin; North American Indians, Wisconsin ethnobotany.
HOCAK WAZIJACI: A STATEMENT
Waksik s'ak ra waire sunu na. Ma'una wana'i cu wak hahiwi na. Wana'i na
hanac hik'u kjawi hesge aire na. Waza hijawi ra, waza hanaxguwi ra,
goisip hiwiperes hanihe kjawi hesge na. Waksik wosga na hirasa aire na.
Wana'i nakre waza wokoresge u ruxuruk wa'u nk sana. Ma hogihi roha xji
hijihawi ra, wana'i homasja hesge ra, hukurujis hirahawi na. Waksik
hajawi na, egi ma hirakara wak hakererawi na. ze hawa'u wana'i homasja
ze'e hukurujis hirahawi na. Xawi nakre, na nakre, Hocak ra hanac
wawiperes hire na. Jagu hiroku pi wa'u nak hisge wawiperes hire na.
Wosga ze haniwi manegi hajijewire ja na. Wosga ze'e sge hoxawani rahe
na. Janakira sge maka masja ra wawiperes hire, hesge wagax nakre u
higikarahere ra, nacge stak ji haho wawiege, nunige, jagu sisik
hugiwawi ra, waksik wosga hi'uwi sunu na keni sge Mahi Xete ra hajire
ni, hegu hakarani hajawi na. Te pi, waksik hijane nakre hota sge
hoit'era gixawanine, wosga na sge hirasa.
Waksik ra, te, Huron
Smith Project akre u higijirairawi ra, hizaki sana wa'iginap sana.
Kansas Biological Survey Team ra racak pi wakik'une wagax te'e hirusja
hire ra. Huron Smith Ethnobotany of the Hocak ra, epa, wagax horucgus
haniwi na eja nige wois'ak eja nazi ksanahe na.
HOCAK WAZIJACI: A STATEMENT
Hocak means "Sacred Language, Parent Tongue, Master Language"
Wazijaci means "Hocak who lives in pine forests"
One of the teachings of the Hocak people is that the Creator of all
things has given us a mind. We are told to utilize it to the fullest,
as far as we can, using all of our senses. We have to remember and
recall everything we have heard and seen. This was a way of life with
our people. The mind has capabilities beyond anyone's imagination of
what it could and can do. Throughout the many centuries we have
gradually lost this trait. This degeneration of the most powerful
energy source we have has happened due to unrestrained invasion causing
genocide of a race of people that were caretakers of this continent.
The Hocak people knew about the gifts of plants and their uses and have
successfully been a part of their existence since the beginning of this
creation. Again due to the elimination of cultural values once
practiced by our people there are but a handful of our people who still
know of these powerful medicines. It is with a very heavy heart that I
have consented to be part of this project. However, regardless of all
tribulations we have experienced, we still to this day maintain all of
our ceremonies that we have been blessed with, before the appearance of
white people, which is very unique since many tribes have lost their
languages and ceremonials.
I want to express my personal gratitude
to my fellow tribes people who had the foresight to agree to become
involved with the Huron Smith Project. The staff of the Kansas
Biological Survey team from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, is to
be commended for furnishing this invaluable piece of work. The Huron
Smith Ethnobotany of the Hocak (Winnebago) will always have an honored
place in our tribal library for the benefit of our people now and in
the future. (Kenneth Funmaker, Hocak Wazijaci Language and Culture
Program)
THE HOCAK ETHNOBOTANY: HISTORY
The Hocak (Winnebago) are an important tribe in the Great Lakes Region,
with a long history in the present state of Wisconsin. Their long
occupancy of the Lake Winnebago-Fox River area is supported by
historical and archaeological sources (Dorsey and Radin 1910; Lawson
1906; Lurie 1978; Peske 1971) and by the tribe's traditions. Detailed
references in their folk literature to the flora, fauna and landforms
of the area confirm that Hocak knowledge of the local flora is
extensive (Bigony 1982; Radin 1990).
Huron Smith's previously
unpublished draft manuscript "Ethnobotany of the Winnebago" is the only
known work that focuses solely on the knowledge and use of plants by
the Hocak tribe. Melvin Gilmore's Uses of Plants by the Indians of the
Missouri River Region (1991), completed in 1914, contains Hocak names
for 48 medicinal plants used by the tribe on their Nebraska
reservation. Andros (1883) listed 23 plants (without Hocak names) used
by the Winnebago and Dakota for medicine during the period when the
majority of the Hocak were being relocated to Iowa, Minnesota, South
Dakota, and Nebraska. Radin's extensive work on Hocak culture in
Nebraska, completed in 1923, lists 50 Hocak plant names but includes no
Latin binomials and only limited information on uses (Radin
1990:69-70). Smith's ethnobotany is unique because of its thoroughness
(153 useful species, 91 photographic plates, and 201 voucher specimens)
and because it is the most extensive research conducted in the original
Hocak homelands in Wisconsin.
HOW THIS MANUSCRIPT ORIGINATED
This project is of mutual interest to botanists and to the Hocak
people, whose elders generously provided the original data to Huron
Smith. As Curator of Botany at the Milwaukee Public Museum from 1917 to
1933, Smith had already studied the uses of plants among the Menominee,
Meskwaki, Ojibwe, and Forest Potawatomi when he began to work with the
Hocak. Smith spent most of the summer of 1928 based at the farm of a
Hocak family near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. During that summer,
Smith learned about Hocak culture and plant uses from over fifteen
Hocak men and women. His consultants, acknowledged in his field notes
and photographs and in his publication "Among the Winnebago" (Smith
1928b), included the following people: John Bear, the family of Dave
Dekorah, Henry Dick, "Cahabige" (Annabelle Eagle), Mr. and Mrs. Jim
Henniger, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mallory, "Iwahonazika" and Beaver Woman
(Mr. and Mrs. George Monegar), Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, Ray White, and
Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses A. White.
Smith's field notes for the
"Ethnobotany of the Winnebago" were archived by the Milwaukee Public
Museum following his death. The manuscript has been photocopied and
circulated among Hocak people as well as among linguists researching
Native American languages. However, Smith's notes were never published
or examined in depth by ethnobotanists. The increasing interest in
ethnobotany has generated interest in publication of the manuscript. In
order to update this manuscript accurately, we consulted the Hocak
Wazijaci Language and Culture Program to obtain the correct Hocak plant
names corresponding to Smith's phonetics and to help us with historical
information.
THE HOCAK NATION
In 1994 the Wisconsin Winnebago adopted a new constitution, which
officially changed their name to the Hocak Sovereign Nation. Hocak (or
HoChunk), the name they have always called themselves, means "People of
the Big Voice" or "Sacred Language" (Hocak Nation Department of
Historical Preservation 1996). Traditions generally place the origin of
the Hocak at a place called Red Banks, located on Green Bay (Lurie
1960, 1978; Radin 1990:3, 17). Stories of the Hocak and related tribes
tell that over time, groups of Hocak people moved away, becoming the
Oto, Iowa, Missouri, Dakota, and several other tribes (Lurie 1978;
Radin 1990:2-4). The name "Winnebago," used for the Hocak tribe, is of
Algonquian origin, while "Sioux," used for the Hocak family of tribes
and languages, is a French derivation of an Algonquian name. Other
interpretations of names for the Hocak are given by Dorsey and Radin
(1910) and Lurie (1978).
At the time of earliest European contact,
the Hocak lived in the area of Green Bay, the Fox River, and Lake
Winnebago in east central Wisconsin (Lawson 1906; Lurie 1960, 1978;
Dorsey and Radin 1910; Thwaites 1902). They were surrounded by central
Algonquian neighbors, the Menominee, Potawatomi, Sauk, and Meskwaki
(Fox). The Menominee were also one of the original tribes inhabiting
the Green Bay region, while the Potawatomi, Sauk, and Meskwaki were
driven from the eastern Great Lakes region into Wisconsin by pressure
from the Iroquois (Dorsey and Radin 1910; Lurie 1978).
Early
European contacts with the Hocak were made by Jean Nicollet in 1634,
and by other French explorers, fur traders and priests (Lawson 1906;
Lurie 1960, 1978; Thwaites 1902). By 1670, the initially numerous and
powerful Hocak were severely reduced in numbers by warfare with the
Illinois, their neighbors to the south (Lurie 1960; Radin 1990:5-17),
and by epidemics, which occurred in the area as early as 1666 (Kay
1984). The Hocak and neighboring tribes participated in the fur trade
from approximately 1665 to 1840. Intensified use of an expanded
resource base during this period was associated with increases in
tribal populations (Kay 1984) and dispersal into smaller settlements
(Lurie 1960, 1978).
White encroachment on Hocak lands began in the
1820s when armed bands of prospectors intruded into Hocak lands where
lead could be mined (Abbott 1988). Pressure by lead miners, lumbermen,
and settlers for access to Hocak land forced the tribe to accept a
series of cession treaties with the U.S. government from 1825-1837. The
Hocak were thereby deprived of their lands east of the Mississippi (Fay
1966; Lurie 1978; Smith and Carstensen 1974). The 1837 treaty, signed
under duress by a delegation that had no authority to cede lands, was
considered to be fraudulent by the Hocak (Lurie 1966, 1978; Merrell
1876). Most of the Hocak were moved to the Turkey River in Iowa in 1840
(De La Ronde 1876; Merry and Green 1989; Thwaites 1892), and thereafter
to three different locations in Minnesota (1846-55), to South Dakota
(1862), and finally to Nebraska, where a reservation was given by
treaty in 1865 (Lurie 1978). From 1838 until 1874, the Wisconsin Hocak
led a fugitive existence in the face of repeated attempts by the U.S.
Government to remove them (De La Ronde 1876; Lurie 1978; Thwaites
1892). About six hundred Hocak people took up homesteads under special
legislation enacted in 1881 (Lurie 1978), leaving them scattered
throughout eleven Wisconsin counties (Smith 1928b). Today, all
Wisconsin Hocak lands have been repurchased. The 4,700 members of the
Wisconsin Hocak Nation hold title to 2,000 acres of land (Hocak Nation
Department of Historical Preservation 1996).
The Hocak originally
had access to a wide range of ecological communities and a rich and
varied resource base, as their homelands are within the ecotone or
floristic tension zone between the prairie-forest province and the
northern hardwoods province (Curtis 1959:15-20). The archaeological
sites associated with Hocak culture were located in the Fox River
drainage basin, which flows into Green Bay (Peske 1971). This area was
noted for its highly productive fishery and wild rice beds (Jenks 1900;
Thwaites 1902). European-Americans who explored the Fox River waterway
described its "channel choked with fields of wild rice" and "myriads of
ducks and waterfowl" (Schoolcraft 1975). In addition to these
riverine-lacustrine resources, the Hocak "were in easy reach of
prairies, oak openings, southern hardwoods, northern hardwoods, and
conifer stands" (Peske 1971). The Hocak maintained villages and
agricultural lands near waterways, but spent months away from the
villages hunting, fishing, and gathering. Hocak food resources thus
included cultivated corn, beans, squash, and tobacco, the Great Lakes
fisheries, wild rice, and waterfowl, and abundant game and wild berries
(Bigony 1982; Funmaker 1983; Radin 1990:61-70; Thwaites 1902).
It
is likely that the Hocak relied heavily on wild plant and animal
resources during the period of their attempted removal from Wisconsin.
However, by the time Huron Smith was working with the tribe, he
portrayed the Hocak people as agricultural, raising "potatoes, corn,
beans, carrots, hay, grain, hogs and chickens" (Smith 1928b). The Hocak
people at this time based their economy on seasonal work, picking
berries, selling handicrafts, harvesting crops, and hunting and
trapping (Lurie 1961:8-17, 1987). Smith did not attempt to quantify the
relative importance in the Hocak economy of cultivated versus wild
foods, or the degree to which traditional materials were still used for
crafts and items for household use.
HURON SMITH
Huron H. Smith (Figure 1) was Curator of Botany at the Milwaukee Public
Museum from 1917 to 1933 (Barrett 1933a). Beginning in 1921, he began
investigating the uses of plants by Wisconsin Indian tribes. Smith
attributed his initial interest in ethnobotany to being called upon
frequently "to identify plants or parts of plants used by various
Indian tribes" (Smith 1923). Before his untimely death at age 49 in an
automobile accident, Smith had published three of a proposed series of
six ethnobotanies of Wisconsin tribes. These included the ethnobotany
of the Menominee (Smith 1923), the Meswaki (Smith 1928a), and the
Ojibwe (Smith 1932). The ethnobotany of the Forest Potawatomi was
published later in the year of his death (Smith 1933).
Smith
understood that "the Winnebago were the original inhabitants of
Wisconsin, at least so far as the period immediately preceding White
occupation is concerned" (Smith 1933). He mentions their cultural and
linguistic differences from the adjacent Algonquian tribes as part of
his interest in working with the Hocak (Smith 1928b). Smith had
completed fieldwork for the Hocak ethnobotany and mentioned this in a
footnote in his Ojibwe study (Smith 1932). In Barrett's published
eulogy he reported the following:
[Smith's] last day of life had been devoted to writing on his Winnebago paper and he had carried on this work up to within three hours prior to his death, leaving the notes and data in place upon his desk where they could be taken up immediately upon his return. As is inevitable in the handling of such original observations and data, it will be extremely difficult for anyone else to take up these notes and complete the work. It is hoped that this can be done later but for the present it will be necessary to hold it in abeyance (Barrett 1933a).
Smith
was unusually suited to his work as an ethnobotanist in the early part
of the century. He understood the need to combine botanical fieldwork
with ethnology and linguistics. Smith was adept at acquiring Native
languages and often spent his summers with indigenous peoples (Barrett
1933b), learning their language while paying specific attention to
plant names. He believed that "the botanist must sharpen his
ethnological observing faculties" and he stated that "the investigator
must be able to write the Indian names so that they can be understood
again when pronounced to other Indians of the same tribe, as a basis of
checking back on the truth of the information" (Smith 1928a). He
believed it was important to spend time in the local communities
because different people knew different species of plants, and deplored
the brevity of time that he was spending with each tribe (Smith 1932).
He recognized that Native knowledge of plant use was being lost by
elders dying and through cultural change (Smith 1933).
Smith's
interest in indigenous culture and religion extended to both the
traditional Medicine Lodge and the Native American Church, which many
Hocak embraced in the early 1900s (Hill 1900; Radin 1990). He published
a version of the Medicine Lodge origin story and a Hocak translation of
the Lord's Prayer (Smith 1928b). In his last published work, Smith
wrote: "Previous experience with other tribes has taught the writer
that the way to an Indian's confidence is to recognize his philosophy
of life, to treat sacredly the things he holds sacred and to practice
hospitality and generosity in dealing with them" (Smith 1933). Smith
gave liberal donations of tobacco and other gifts to people with whom
he worked (Smith 1921) and developed friendships with members of
several tribes. He noted that a Native person "is quick to appreciate
favors and to acknowledge the respect that is given to him by the White
man, and becomes confident when he realizes that his confidence is not
abused" (Smith 1932). From his personal letters (archived at the
Milwaukee Public Museum) we found that he attended ceremonies and
pow-wows and called the 1928 Hocak pow-wow he attended a "very good
sight."
Although Smith's notes and writings reflect some of the
cultural biases of the times, he did not believe that Whites were
culturally superior to Indians. Smith was disturbed that there was not
more respect for the indigenous way of life and wrote that "it is the
fallacy of the white man in trying to impose his culture on other
peoples and in always assuming that it is superior to any other way of
living" (Smith 1932). He recognized with regret that the U.S.
government was involved in deliberately discouraging treatment by
medicine men, and that through its educational efforts was also
discouraging the Medicine Lodge ceremonies (Smith 1932).
Overall,
Smith greatly appreciated the wisdom of the people he came to know.
While working with Native people, Smith made great effort to collect
the plant species that he found in the area where tribal members lived.
He would then ask the Menominee, Meskwaki, Ojibwe, or Hocak people what
names and uses they knew for the plants he collected. Smith believed
that many of the medicinal plants could be important for medical
purposes and stated:
Much of the knowledge of white men originated from studying the Indian plant uses, in the early days. Eclectic practicioners sought the Indian herbs and observed carefully what parts of the plant were used. The mass of early information was sifted scientifically by the students of medicine, and finally tested physiologically on animals. Perhaps sixty-five per cent of their remedies were found to be potent and are included in our pharmacopeias; the other thirty-five per cent were discovered to be valueless medicinally (Smith 1932).
Smith's keen insights and
warm appreciation of traditional knowledge helped make his work a
valuable contribution to our body of Native American ethnobotanical
knowledge.
METHODS
HURON SMITH'S DATA COLLECTION
Huron Smith's methods for gathering ethnobotanical data among the Hocak
were similar to the methods used in his earlier ethnobotanical studies
of Native peoples of Wisconsin (Smith 1923, 1928a, 1932, 1933). During
most of the summer of 1928 Smith camped at the Ulysses A. White family
farm, 10.5 km south of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin (Figure 2), where he
began learning the Hocak language, met the people, and participated in
community life (Smith 1928b).
From his notes, it appears that Smith
collected plants and ethnobotanical information simultaneously. An
informant's name frequently appears at the start of a series of
specimens, and each entry identifies both the species and its uses.
Given that Smith participated in aspects of his hosts' daily and
ceremonial life, it is likely that he used participant observation
techniques; however, as was common for his time, Smith did not describe
his interview techniques in detail.
The Milwaukee Public Museum's
Department of Anthropology has archived the glass plate negatives for
91 of Smith's photographs. The plates depict his Hocak work, including
consultants and their families, ceremonies, processing of plant
materials (Figures 3-6), and food.
VOUCHER SPECIMENS
Smith collected 201 herbarium specimens representing 190 species during
the course of his work with the Hocak. Smith's voucher specimens are
housed in the Herbarium of the Botany Department of the Milwaukee
Public Museum (Smith 9167--9367 MIL). He reported uses for another 14
species for which he collected no specimens. As in his earlier works,
Smith collected species for which no use was identified by the Native
people he consulted, believing that further work with other consultants
was likely to reveal additional uses. He used Gray's New Manual of
Botany, 7th ed. (1908) for plant identification and nomenclature.
METHODS FOR MANUSCRIPT COMPLETION
After learning of Smith's Hocak manuscript, we contacted the Milwaukee
Public Museum and offered to complete and update it. We typed and
edited a photocopy of the handwritten manuscript, highlighting words
and phrases in need of possible correction. In November 1994, we
visited the Museum and compared our typewritten text with Smith's
original field notes. We also examined all of Smith's other published
and unpublished works, as well as his correspondence. This process
enabled us to verify all but a few illegible words of Smith's notes,
and to place this work in the context of his previously published
ethnobotanies.
VOUCHER SPECIMEN VERIFICATION AND NOMENCLATURE
During our November 1994 visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum, we
examined Smith's plant voucher specimens and verified plant
identification, in collaboration from the Museum's Department of
Botany. Vascular plant identification was verified according to Gleason
and Cronquist (1991). All scientific names have been updated to current
nomenclature for vascular plants (Kartesz 1996), mosses (Anderson 1990;
Anderson, Crum, and Buck 1990) and fungi (Smith, Smith, and Weber 1981).
CURRENT HOCAK LINGUISTIC INFORMATION
The linguistic information and phonetic key Smith used for the Hocak
language came from at least two Hocak informants. John Bear spent the
winter of 1927-28 at the Museum recording stories with anthropology
curator W. C. McKern, and Fred Mallory compiled a Hocak syllabary for
Smith (Smith 1928b).
The Hocak Wazijaci Language and Culture
Program was established in 1993 to maintain the viability of the Hocak
language and its cultural significance. The Program provided the Hocak
plant names corresponding to Smith's phonetics. This work places
Smith's Hocak plant names in conformity with currently accepted
spelling and phonetic symbols. We did not attempt to verify
correspondence of the Hocak name to the botanical name, as that would
require a fluent Hocak-speaking botanist.
HOCAK PLANT USES
The Hocak ethnobotany contains 199 vascular plant species in 74
families, one alga, two mosses, and two fungi. Smith recorded uses for
153 of these species (Appendix 1). The largest use category is
medicinal plants with 117 species, followed by food and beverages (37
species) and fiber and material uses (22 species). The vascular plant
families with the largest number of useful species are the Asteraceae
(22 species), followed by the Rosaceae (12), Fabaceae (10), Pinaceae
(6), Ericaceae (5), and Salicaceae (5).
Smith's notes on Hocak
plant use contain specimen numbers, Hocak and English common names, and
Latin binomials, followed by the uses of the plant. To bring the notes
into a format which could be compared to his other works, we have
organized the plant data by family within use categories (medicine,
food, dye, fiber and material uses, and animal medicines and foods).
Although the nomenclature has been updated, we have also retained
Smith's nomenclature to facilitate comparison with his earlier works.
We have edited the manuscript minimally for clarity, by expanding
abbreviations, adding articles, and correcting minor grammatical
errors. Our comments and interpretations within the plant list are
bracketed. Through our study of his other manuscripts, we feel certain
that Smith would have edited the text further. However, we wanted to
retain the original flavor of his vernacular speech and to avoid
altering his meaning by our own interpretations.
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Smith recognized "the sanctity of ... medicinal knowledge" of Native
people and observed in his earlier publications that medicines must be
gathered using the proper method (Smith 1923, 1928a, 1932, 1933).
However, he wrote only that the "Winnebago observe the same precautions
in gathering plants and place as great stress upon the manner of
gathering as do other Wisconsin Indians" (Smith 1928b), without
mentioning the religious observances related to the gathering,
preparation, and administration of medicinal plants. Hocak culture
specifies that a medicine's efficacy depends on appropriate payment for
the privilege of learning about it (Lurie 1961:61-65). Because this
information is not included in his field notes, we do not know whether
Smith ever learned the full details of medicinal plant use. He may have
omitted specific methods for plant gathering and use out of deference
to his consultants, or perhaps he disregarded this information as
botanically irrelevant.
Smith noted with interest that Native
people sometimes cultivated medicinal plants (e.g., see Rumex
orbiculatus below). Acorus americanus and Gymnocladus dioicus are two
other medicinal species in the Hocak ethnobotany which probably were
cultivated or propagated by indigenous peoples (Curtis 1959:463).
PLANT FOODS AND BEVERAGES
The Hocak traditionally relied on both cultivated and wild foods.
Gardens around old villages were said to be "as large as the distance
covered when you shoot an arrow three times" (Hocak Nation Department
of Historical Preservation 1996). Smith took interest in his Hocak
collaborators' industriousness in agriculture and noted that they
raised a variety of crops and livestock (Smith 1928b). His field notes
describe Fred Mallory as having "several garden patches, raising
potatoes, carrots, beans, peas and other garden truck." The field notes
contain lists of names of garden vegetables, including eight varieties
of corn and seven varieties of beans, which are not reproduced here.
Despite this interest in agricultural production, Smith affirmed the
value of wild foods, noting that "Indian foods are always described by
the Winnebago as being [healthful] for the partaker."
Before
European contact, Native peoples were actively involved in managing
plant communities and landscapes through the use of fire (Curtis
1959:461-462). Blueberries, mentioned below as an important food, were
encouraged by burning. State restriction of burning underbrush resulted
in a decline of this important wild crop (Lurie 1961:116). White
ownership of cranberry bogs also removed this wild resource from Native
control (Lurie 1978). Nevertheless, at the time of Smith's work with
the Hocak, food gathering was still important. Food gathering
activities described by Lurie (1961) include a reference to stealing
wild beans from mice (see Amphicarpaea bracteata below) and gathering
water lily roots. Smith does not discuss methods of food preparation or
preservation; however, some of these methods are described in Lurie
(1961:8-14) and Radin (1990:70).
ADDED MATERIAL
Kelly Kindscher
(Kansas Biological Survey, 2041 Constant Ave., University of Kansas,
Lawrence, KS 66047-2906 USA, k-kindscher@ukans.edu) and Dana P.
Hurlburt (Department of Systematics and Ecology, University of Kansas,
Lawrence, KS 66045 USA)
Received 14 July 1997; accepted 10 February 1998.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project has been greatly assisted by many people. At the Milwaukee
Public Museum, Neil Luebe, Curator of Vascular Plants, provided
invaluable assistance with the manuscript and plant species
identification, and interns John Christy and Kevin Lyman helped with
verification of herbarium specimens. Ann McMullen, Curator of North
American Ethnology, helped us find appropriate photographic and other
archived material and reviewed the manuscript. Nancy Oestreich Lurie
commented extensively on the manuscript and provided invaluable insight
into Hocak culture.
We are grateful to the Hocak Nation for their
participation in this project. Anna Wilson, member of the Hocak Nation
and University of Kansas biology student, served as our liaison with
the Hocak Nation. Her assistance in contacting tribal entities and
providing other information and support made publication of this work
possible. At the Hocak Wazijaci Language and Culture Program, Sheila
Shigley and Kenneth Funmaker, Sr. corrected the spelling of Hocak plant
names and informed us of the history of the Hocak people and the
meaning of their name. Kenneth Funmaker also provided the Hocak
translation of his statement. Nettie Kingsley, Director of Historic
Preservation, assisted with historical information.
At the
University of Kansas, Robert Rankin informed us of the existence of
Smith's Hocak manuscript and gave us our first photocopy. Alexandra
Fraser typed the handwritten field notes, and Jill Hanlon, Lisa Kahn
and Jeremy McLain edited the manuscript. Mary Adair, Ray Pierotti, and
Paul Rich reviewed and edited the manuscript. In addition, the
manuscript benefitted from outside review from the following
colleagues: M. Kat Anderson, National Plant Data Center, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Department of Environmental Studies,
University of California at Santa Cruz; Chuck Haines, Haskell Indian
Nations University; and Nancy Turner, Environmental Studies Program,
University of Victoria. The Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellowship
Program provided Dana Hurlburt's support while she worked on this
project.
Original assistance for the project was provided by Huron
Smith's colleagues at the Milwaukee Public Museum, including: William
C. McKern, Associate Curator of Anthropology; Towne L. Miller, Honorary
Curator of Archaeology; Samuel A. Barrett, Director.
This work
depended on the generosity and good will of the Hocak people with whom
Smith originally worked, including: John Bear, the family of Dave
Dekorah, Henry Dick, "Cahabige" (Annabelle Eagle), Mr. and Mrs. Jim
Henniger, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mallory, "Iwahonazika" and Beaver Woman
(Mr. and Mrs. George Monegar), Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, Ray White, and
Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses A. White. Ultimately, we need to acknowledge the
Hocak Nation for bringing this knowledge to all of us.
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Anderson, L. E., H. A. Crum, and W. R. Buck. 1990. List of the mosses
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Andros, F. 1883. The medicine and surgery of the Winnebago and Dakota
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Barrett, S. A. 1933a. In Memoriam. Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 7:4.
Barrett, S. A. 1933b. Huron Herbert Smith 1883-1933. Wisconsin Archeologist 12:69-74.
Bigony, B. A. 1982. Folk literature as an ethnohistorical device: The
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Ethnohistory 29:155-180.
Curtis, J. T. 1959. The vegetation of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin press, Madison.
De La Ronde, J. T. 1876. Personal narrative. Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin 7:345-365.
Dorsey, J. O. and P. Radin. 1910. Winnebago. Pages 958-961 in F. W.
Hodge, ed. Handbook of American Indians north of Mexico. Bureau of
American Ethnology Bulletin 30, part 2. Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D.C.
Fay, G. E. 1966. Treaties between the Winnebago
Indians and the United States of America. Journal of the Wisconsin
Indians Research Institute 2(1):7-49.
Funmaker, A. R. 1983. Effects
of dietary and ecological changes on Native American health: the case
of the Winnebago. California Anthropologist 13:15-20.
Gilmore, M.
R. 1991. Uses of plants by the Indians of the Missouri River region.
University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. Reprinted from the Thirty-third
Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, published by the
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., in 1919.
Gleason, H.
A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of Northeastern
United States and adjacent Canada. Second ed. New York Botanical
Garden, Bronx.
Gray, A. 1908. Gray's New Manual of Botany, a
handbook of the flowering plants and ferns of the central and
northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. 7th ed., rearranged and
revised by B. L. Robinson and M. L. Fernald. American Book Company, New
York.
Hill, T. W. 1990. Peyotism and the control of heavy drinking:
the Nebraska Winnebago in the early 1900s. Human Organization
49:255-265.
Hocak Nation Department of Historical Preservation. 1996. The HoChunk Nation.
Jenks, A. E. 1900. Wild rice gatherers of the Upper Lakes. Pages
1013-1137 in Bureau of American Ethnology 19th Annual Report.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Kartesz, J. T. 1996. A
synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States,
Canada, and Greenland. Revision. The Biota of North America Program of
the North Carolina Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina
Press, Chapel Hill.
Kay, J. 1984. The fur trade and Native American population growth. Ethnohistory 31:265-287.
Lawson, P. V. 1907. Habitat of the Winnebago, 1632-1832. Proceedings of
the State Historical Society of Wisconsin 54:144-166.
Lurie, N. O.
1960. Winnebago protohistory. Pages 790-808 in S. Diamond, ed. Culture
in history: Essays in honor of Paul Radin. Columbia University Press,
New York.
Lurie, N. O. 1961. Mountain Wolf Woman, sister of
Crashing Thunder: The autobiography of a Winnebago Indian. University
of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.
Lurie, N. O. 1966. A check list of
treaty signers by clan affiliation. Journal of the Wisconsin Indians
Research Institute 2(1):50-79.
Lurie, N. O. 1978. Winnebago. Pages
690-707 in B. G. Trigger, ed. Handbook of North American Indians. Vol.
15: Northeast. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Merrell, H. 1876. Pioneer life in Wisconsin. Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin 7:367-404.
Merry, C. A. and W. Green. 1989. Sources for Winnebago history in
Northeastern Iowa, 1837-1848. Journal of the Iowa Archaeological
Society 36:1-8.
Peske, G. R. 1971. Winnebago cultural adaptation to the Fox River waterway. Wisconsin Archaeologist 52(2):62-70.
Radin, P. 1990. The Winnebago tribe. University of Nebraska Press,
Lincoln. Reprinted from the Thirty-seventh Annual Report of the Bureau
of American Ethnology, published by the Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D.C., in 1923.
Schoolcraft, H. R. 1975. Personal
memoirs of a residence of thirty years with the Indian tribes on the
American frontiers. Arno Press, New York. Reprint of 1851 edition
published by Lippincott, Grambo and Co., Philadelphia.
Smith, A. E.
and V. Carstensen. 1974. Economic and historical background for the
Winnebago Indian claims. Pages 225-456 in D. A. Horr, ed. Winnebago
Indians. Garland Series in Ethnohistory, North Central and Northeastern
Indians. Garland Publishing, New York.
Smith, A. H., H. V. Smith, and N. S. Weber. 1981. How to know the non-gilled mushrooms. Wm. C. Brown Co., Dubuque, Iowa.
Smith, Huron H. 1921. Ethno-botanical Collecting on the Menomini
Reservation. Yearbook of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee
1:50-56.
Smith, Huron H. 1923. Ethnobotany of the Menomini Indians. Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 4:1-174.
Smith, Huron H. 1928a. Ethnobotany of the Meskwaki Indians. Bulletin of
the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 4:175-326.
Smith, Huron H. 1928b. Among the Winnebago. Yearbook of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 8:76-82.
Smith, Huron H. 1932. Ethnobotany of the Ojibwe Indians. Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 4:327-525.
Smith, Huron H. 1933. Ethnobotany of the Forest Potawatomi Indians.
Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 7:6-230.
Thwaites, R. G., ed. 1892. The Wisconsin Winnebagoes. An interview with
Moses Paquette. Collections of the State Historical Society of
Wisconsin 12:399-433.
Thwaites, R. G., 1902. The French regime in Wisconsin-I. Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin 16:2-477.
APPENDIX 1 HOCAK ETHNOBOTANY, HURON SMITH'S NOTES
Smith's notes are organized within use categories (medicinal plants,
foods and beverages, dye plants, fiber and material uses, animal uses),
following the format he used in his other published works. Each use
category contains plants arranged alphabetically by family and species.
Each entry is organized as follows: Botanical name (Smith's original
identification), common name [standard common name], collection number,
"Hocak name" (Smith's translation), and uses and cultural information.
Plant entries are numbered and are cross-referenced to other use
categories (M=medicinal; F=food or beverage; D=dye; C=fiber and
material culture; A=animal food or medicine). All collection numbers
are Huron H. Smith's. Plants are native to the region unless otherwise
noted.
HOCAK MEDICINAL PLANTS
Several of the plant species included in this section are toxic.
Medicinal plants should not be experimented with or used without proper
observances and guidance.
VASCULAR PLANTS
Acoraceae, Sweet Flag Family
1. Acorus americanus (Raf.) Raf. (A. calamus L.) Calomel [Calamus],
Sweet Flag. Smith 9358. "Makatek" (Medicine bitter) or "Makakerekerep"
(Medicine spotted). A very important medicine for physic and colds, but
very dangerous unless only a little bit is used. It is great medicine
for camping out. Spray it around the tent to keep out spiders and
snakes.
Anacardiaceae, Cashew Family
2. Rhus hirta (L.)
Sudworth (R. typhina L.) Staghorn Sumac. Smith 9171. "Haznihu"
(Berries, water leaking out). The green leaves at the top are cooked to
cure stomach-ache and diarrhoea and cramps. It is also a stomachic to
clean out the system. The inner bark and the root bark are both used
for poultices for sores. The berries are also used in combinations with
other medicines. (F120, C163)
3. Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze
(Rhus toxicodendron L.) Poison Ivy. Smith 9340. The root and leaves are
used. Chop a little very fine and open up a boil or carbuncle and put a
little in, and it will draw the swelling. One must know just how or
else it is very dangerous.
Apiaceae, Carrot Family
4. Cicuta
maculata L. (Conium maculatum L.) [Common water-hemlock.] Smith 9218.
"Manuske" (Smells good). The roots are used to restore lost appetite.
[Both Cicuta and Conium are considered to be highly toxic and should
not be experimented with. It is possible that the original contributor
may have confused Cicuta with Sium L., water-parsnip.]
5. Heracleum
maximum Bartr. (H. lanatum Michx.) Cow parsnip. Smith 9309.
"Maka'apxete" (Medicine big leaves). The roots are used for the sweat
bath. The Hocak sweat bath has a three foot pit over which a small
wigwam is erected ... The covering is burlap or flour sacks. In this
pit, the kettle or flat pan of water is placed and the hot rocks [are
placed] in on top of the medicines.
6. Sanicula marilandica L.
Black snakeroot. Smith 9313. "Maka'apzazac" (Medicine leaves fine small
roots). Chew the root up, spray it on the feet and no snakes will
approach you.
Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family
7. Apocynum
androsaemifolium L. Spreading dogbane. Smith 9192. "Waruhaxawi"
(Fireflies' weed). The leaves are used as a medicine for babies when
they have the colic. (C164)
Aquifoliaceae, Holly Family
8.
Nemopanthus mucronatus (L.) Loes. Northern holly. Smith 9235. "Makahas"
or "Naco" (Stick green). When someone wants to vomit, they use the bark
for tea.
Araceae, Arum Family
9. Arisaema triphyllum (L.)
Schott. [Jack-in-the-pulpit.] [No specimen.] Root is "Waxge." The root
is made into a bitter compound much like a mustard plaster for
neuralgia or rheumatism.
Araliaceae, Ginseng Family
10.
Aralia nudicaulis L. Sarsaparilla. Smith 9276. "Makakirikiri" (Medicine
soft). When [one is] cut with a sharp instrument, the root is cut and
mashed to make a poultice to cure.
11. Aralia racemosa L. Indian
spikenard. Smith 9180. "Pejahu" (Sand hill crane-lake). The root is
boiled for sores, boils and carbuncles.
Aristolochiaceae, Birthwort Family
12. Asarum canadense L. [Wild ginger.] [No specimen.] "Wamaxe." A food seasoner, used to make a tonic tea. (F122)
Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family
13. Asclepias exaltata L. (Asclepias phytolaccoides Pursh) [Tall]
milkweed. Smith 9307. "Mahic." The root is a medicine. A tiny piece
boiled is a lactuary for a squaw [to increase lactation]. (F123, C165)
14. Asclepias tuberosa L. Orange milkweed [Butterflyweed]. Smith 9363.
"Makaska" (Medicine white). A very great remedy for the Hocak. The root
is chewed and placed in a wound to heal. In case of hemorrhage one
should drink it [the root].
Asteraceae, Sunflower Family
15.
Achillea millefolium L. (A. lanulosa Nutt.) Yarrow. Smith 9191.
"Makawirirotapanahi" (Medicine smudge). The smoke is an important
medicine used to revive consciousness.
16. Ageratina altissima (L.)
King & H.E. Robins. (Eupatorium urticaeifolium Reichard.) White
snakeroot. Smith 9285, 9303. "Wakamaka" (Snake medicine). The root is
macerated and used to poultice a rattlesnake bite and cure it. The bite
won't swell.
17. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Ragweed. Smith 9195.
"Makahikikuruza" (Medicine headache wash). The tops of this are used to
make a wash to cure headache.
18. Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. [White sage.] Smith 9364. "Xawiskarawirotapanahi." A smudge to revive consciousness.
19. Aster cordifolius L. var. sagittifolius (Wedemeyer ex Willd.) A.G.
Jones (A. tradescantii L.) [Arrowleaved aster.] Smith 9206. "Poaxu"
(Sweat). Used in the sweat bath.
20. Aster furcatus Burgess. Forked Aster. Smith 9207. "Poaxu." Used in the sweat bath.
21. Aster sericeus Vent. [Western silvery aster.] Smith 9365.
"Paxsisik'umaka" (Diarrhoea medicine). For colic and diarrhoea, eat the
leaves only. Eat them raw, just as they are.
22. Erechtites
hieraciifolia (L.) Raf. ex DC. [Pilewort.] Smith 9200. "Poaxu" (Sweat).
Used in the sweat bath to tincture steam with healing ingredients.
23. Erigeron strigosus Muhl. ex Willd. (E. ramosus (Walt.) BSP.)
Fleabane. Smith 9204. "Poaxu" (Sweat). Used in the sweat bath.
24.
Eupatorium maculatum L. (E. purpureum var. maculatum (L.) Darl.) Joe
Pye. Smith 9220. "Wirotapanahi" (Smudge). Used as a smudge for
illnesses.
25. Eupatorium perfoliatum L. Boneset. Smith 9221.
"Maka'apgihap" (Medicine stem three leaves). The tea is used to cause
sweating and break up a fever. If one spits blood, it will cure that,
too.
26. Helianthus giganteus L. [Giant sunflower]. Smith 9225. "Poaxu" (Sneeze). Used for the sweat bath.
27. Helianthus strumosus L. [Rough-leaved] sunflower. Smith 9257.
"Sawazi" or "Hinuc" (Yellow legs). Of the class called "Poaxu" or
snuff. The fumes of the leaves on coals are used to cure headache.
28. Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. Blazing star; Dotted button snakeroot.
Smith 9300, 9302. "Cesichosok" (Buffalo's tail; like buffalo tails).
The root extract cures sunburn. The powdered root is a healing, dusting
powder for cancer, sore throat, etc. The root is dried, powdered, and
swallowed dry, followed by a drink of water. Swallow down just a little
at a time. It is also used for poulticing and tied on over night. (A184)
29. Oligoneuron rigidum (L.) Small (Solidago rigida L.) [Stiff
goldenrod.] Smith 9362. This is much like S. speciosa in use. A blood
purifier and a great female remedy, taken three times a day.
30.
Prenanthes alba L. White lettuce. Smith 9238. "Na'apparas." When a boy
goes swimming sometimes he gets lumps all over his body. Then he rubs
with this, and they all go away.
31. Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
(L.) Hilliard & Burtt (Gnaphalium polycephalum Michx.) Many headed
everlasting. Smith 9202. "Makawirirotapanahi" (Medicine smoke or
smudge). When someone is bad sick, use a funnel to smoke and revive
them.
32. Rudbeckia hirta L. Black-eyed Susan. Smith 9354. "Poaxu." Used for the sweat bath.
33. Solidago canadensis L. Canada goldenrod. Smith 9214. "Poaxu" (Sneeze). Used for the sweat bath.
34. Solidago speciosa Nutt. [Showy goldenrod.] Smith 9361.
"Makarejuserec" (Medicine root long). For incontinent urine. The best
blood purifier of the Hocak.
35. Solidago uliginosa Nutt. [Northern bog-goldenrod.] Smith 9222. "Poaxu" (Sneeze). Used for the sweat bath.
Betulaceae, Birch Family
36. Alnus incana (L.) Moench. [Speckled] alder. Smith 9234. "Hapuruc"
(Bark good to eat). When the stomach is sour and out of whack they eat
the bark.
Brassicaceae, Mustard Family
37. Armoracia
rusticana P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey., & Scherb. (Radicula armoracia (L.)
Robinson) Horseradish. Smith 9336. "Makatakac" (Medicine hot). Used in
compounds to cure old sores. Very good for internal cramps.
[Naturalized from Europe.]
38. Brassica nigra (L.) W.D.J. Koch.
Black mustard. [No specimen.] "Xawipanatek" (Medicine with strong
smell). The seeds are ground up for tonic and used in compounds for
internal ailments, colds, and stomach troubles. [Escaped cultigen,
native to Europe.]
39. Lepidium virginicum L. Peppergrass. Smith
9188. "Xawisuroha" (Lots of seed). When one is tired and the feet and
legs ache, this plant is cooked and the tea is used to wash the tired
members.
Campanulaceae, Bellflower Family
40. Campanula
aparinoides Pursh. Long leaf stitchwort, [Marsh-bellflower]. Smith
9244. "Maka'apserec" (Medicine leaf small long). Used to make a steam
to inhale.
41. Lobelia inflata L. Indian tobacco. Smith 9258.
"Waksiktani" (Indian tobacco). Used for smoking in Indian ceremony.
Before the white man came, they used to use it almost exclusively for
every day smoking. Does this mean Hocak had no native tobacco? [George]
Monegar's snuff for a cold is Lobelia inflata L., slippery elm [Ulmus
rubra Muhl.] bark, coffee tree [Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch] bark,
and ginseng [Panax quinquefolius L.] root, powdered together. [This
species is considered to be quite toxic.]
Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family
42. Diervilla lonicera P. Mill. Bush honeysuckle. Smith 9187.
"Makanaksik" (Medicine--little stick). The root is cooked for a tea to
clean out after childbirth. Also used by both sexes to make urine come.
43. Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. Bolli (S. canadensis L.)
Elderberry. Smith 9272. "Hicocox" (Hollow stem). A teaspoon of the
inner bark in a cup of hot water is a quick physic.
44. Sambucus
racemosa L. Red elderberry. Smith 9312. "sosoc." The bark is physic and
emetic. It is also used as an injection in constipation.
45.
Triosteum aurantiacum Bickn. Tinker's weed, [Horse-gentian]. Smith
9308. "Makakirikirik" (Medicine soft) or "Makahazminak" (Medicine with
berries on). Injections of the tea are given for stomach troubles and
chronic constipation, in the regular Indian way. They drink the tea for
kidney trouble. One of the greatest Hocak medicines.
Celastraceae, Staff-tree Family
46. Celastrus scandens L. [American bittersweet.] [No specimen.]
"Makazi" (Medicine yellow). The root is used in compounds, especially
the one I drank for a cold. This had nine medicines in it.
47.
Euonymus atropurpurea Jacq. Wahoo. [No specimen.] "Naksikhazminak"
(Little stick berries). The inner bark and the root bark both were used
in treating chills and fevers. The hot tea is used for a foot bath. The
root bark is a tonic, and is used very thinly diluted for women to
drink during childbirth.
Cornaceae, Dogwood Family
48. Cornus amomum P. Mill. [Knob-styled dogwood.] Smith 9288. "Cawaruc" (Deer feed). They smoke the bark.
49. Cornus racemosa Lam. (C. paniculata L'Hér.) Panicled dogwood,
[Northern swamp-dogwood]. Smith 9263. "Masigusge" (Arrow wood). They
use the bark for smoking, and it has almost the same flavor but is
milder than their regular kinnikinnick. The inner bark and the root
bark is medicine as a cleanser for female illnesses. (C168)
50.
Cornus rugosa Lam. (C. circinata L'Hér.) Silky cornel, [Rough-leaved
dogwood]. Smith 9255. "Rugisucge" (Smoking bark). It is used as a
kinnikinnick and the bark is efficient in a combination for measles.
Cucurbitaceae, Gourd Family
51. Cucurbita pepo L. Squash. [No specimen.] "Wicawacozu." The seeds
are used to dispel worms. The shells are removed and the seed eaten raw.
52. Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. & Gray. Squirting cucumber.
Smith 9304. "Xa'o'oke" (Hoot owl). The roots are used by some of the
Hocak. The seeds are used as a urinary [medicine].
Cupressaceae, Cypress Family
53. Thuja occidentalis L. Arbor vitae. Smith 9306. "Waziparasge" (Pine
cedar). One of the greatest Hocak medicines. Combined with red willow
bark and cedar leaves pounded together, it is drunk cold, for curing
measles.
Dennstaedtiaceae, Bracken Family
54. Pteridium
aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (Pteris aquilina L.) Bracken fern. Smith 9293.
"Coserekehu" (Fern). This root [rhizome] is used in several remedies,
most of them for female complaints.
Ericaceae, Heath Family
55. Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. (Vaccinium pensylvanicum Lam.)
Blueberry. Smith 9262. "Hastik" (Wonderful berries). The berries are
dried and sometimes added to medicine to flavor it. This is the type of
tonic used to stimulate a lost appetite. (F130)
Euphorbiaceae, Spurge Family
56. Euphorbia corollata L. Flowering spurge. Smith 9267, 9360.
"Na'apraxatake" (Leaf milk); "Xawisaska." A piece of the root 2 1/2
inches long is used to clear out the stomach. The leaves are steeped to
make a tea to cure a baby's colic.
Fabaceae, Bean Family
57.
Amorpha canescens Pursh. Leadplant. Smith 9270, 9331. "Xawisku" (Sweet
root); "Taxumaka" (Burnt medicine). The leaves are medicine for scalds.
It is powdered, then wet and put on. (F133)
58. Baptisia alba (L.)
Vent. (B. leucantha Torr. & Gray) [No specimen.] "Capakginusge."
The root is a single remedy to use for injured womb alone. Cook the
root and mash it to form a poultice to bind on. Wash with water and
draw out the inflammation. Change twice a day until healed.
59.
Desmodium cuspidatum (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC. ex Loud. (D. grandiflorum
(Walt.) DC.) Tick trefoil. Smith 9261. "Waraxgaxgapkeparasti" (Stickers
flat). The root is used as a seasoner for other medicines. It gives a
good flavor, but very little is needed.
60. Gleditsia triacanthos
L. Honey Locust. Smith 9357. "Naksikpahik" (sharp bushes[?]). The root
is used in a hot bath or sweat bath.
61. Gymnocladus dioicus (L.)
K. Koch. Kentucky coffee tree. [No specimen.] "Napacaknakhu." They
steep the bark or the root bark and drink it. For colds, take a hot
bath, and drink this tea as hot as you can stand. This is one of the
ingredients in [George] Monegar's snuff recipe [see Lobelia inflata
L.]. I took pictures of this. George Monegar was quite anxious to
locate where this grew so he could get some. I told him about the
Fountain City, Wisconsin grove [located] 1 1/2 miles south of town
towards Winona, Minnesota. (C170)
62. Lespedeza capitata Michx. [Bush-clover.] Smith 9341. "Xawizi" (Weed yellow). The root is used in the sweat bath.
63. Robinia pseudoacacia L. Black locust. Smith 9356. The root is used in a hot bath or sweat bath.
Fagaceae, Beech Family
64. Quercus alba L. White oak. Smith 9169. "Nahaska" (Tree nuts). The
bark and root bark are used in mixture for curing flux. (F135)
65.
Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J. Hill. Hill's Oak. [Northern pin-oak.] Smith
9280, 9339. "Piksikrakekhu"; "Piksigu'ap." The root bark is a medicine
used in compounds. (F136)
66. Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (var.
oliviformis (Michx. f.) Gary) Bur oak. Smith 9316. "Piksigu." The bark
is used in combinations of medicines. (F137)
67. Quercus rubra L.
Red oak. Smith 9170. "Huksigu" or "Piksigu" (Nut tree). The inner bark
is mixed with apple bark for worms. (F138, A188)
Hamamelidaceae, the Witch Hazel Family
68. Hamamelis virginiana L. Witch hazel. Smith 9177. "Huksik" (Squirrel
berries). The root is used as a seasoner for other medicines, to make
them taste right.
Iridaceae, Iris Family
69. Iris versicolor
L. Blue flag. Smith 9250. "Makasagre" (Medicine fast). A strong physic
and a quick one. It is dangerous and must be used correctly, as an
overdoes would kill. For a baby, use one-half inch; for an adult, use
one inch only.
Juglandaceae, Walnut Family
70. Juglans cinerea L. Butternut. Smith 9283. "Cazuke" (Fruit tree). The bark is a physic. (F140, D156)
71. Juglans nigra L. Black walnut. [no specimen.] The tree itself is
"Cakhu." The bark is boiled down with maple sugar until it is about the
consistency of black strap molasses, and used for a blood tonic. A
teaspoonful in the morning every other day is the dose. (F141, D157)
Lamiaceae, Mint Family
72. Monarda fistulosa L. Wild bergamot. Smith 9284. "Poaxu" (Sweat).
Used in the sweat bath. They inhale the fumes to cure a cold.
73.
Nepeta cataria L. Catnip. Smith 9273. "Nikjakmaka" (Baby medicine). A
sweetened tea is given to babies when they are prone to cry and not
sleep. Then they will get a good sleep. [Naturalized from Europe.]
74. Prunella vulgaris L. Self heal. Smith 9294. "Wirasarak" (Heal all). The plant itself is used to heal up sores.
Liliaceae, Lily Family
75. Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf. Northern clintonia. Smith 9260.
"Sumaka" (Dog medicine). The root is used to kill worms in a dog, and
in a person, too. (A189)
76. Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link
(Smilacina racemosa (L.) Desf.) False spikeweed [False Solomon's seal].
Smith 9217. "Wakewaruc" (Coon berries). The root is a physic.
Monotropaceae, Indian Pipe Family
77. Monotropa uniflora L. Indian pipe. Smith 9291. "Xawiska" (Flowers
white). This is used as a "Poaxu" or smudge to revive consciousness in
one ill who has fainted.
Myricaceae, the Bayberry Family
78.
Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult. (Myrica aspleniifolia L.) Sweet fern.
Smith 9184. "Makaihira" (Medicine sweat bath). When someone catches
cold this is put into a sweat bath to cure him.
Nymphaeaceae, Water-lily Family
79. Nymphaea odorata Ait. (Castalia odorata (Ait.) Wood) Sweet white
water lily. Smith 9241. "Kecoksik" (Red turtle feet). The root is
cooked to make a female remedy to cure after a woman gives birth.
Osmundaceae, Royal Fern Family
80. Osmunda claytoniana L. Ostrich fern [Interrupted fern]. Smith 9179.
"Cukeresge" or "Cusereke" (Stand up--lots of leaves). The root is
medicine. (C173)
Oxalidaceae, Wood Sorrel Family
81. Oxalis stricta L. Yellow sorrel. Smith 9277. "Xawisku" (Weed sweet). Give to a baby sick with colic. (F144, D158)
Papaveraceae, Poppy Family
82. Sanguinaria canadensis L. Bloodroot. Smith 9367. "Pexhisuc" (Red gourd). This is a dye and a medicine also. (D159)
Pinaceae, Pine Family
83. Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch. Tamarack. Smith 9325. "Casak." The
gum and the bark are medicines. The gum is used on wounds and cuts.
(C174)
84. Pinus resinosa Soland. Norway or Red pine. Smith 9168.
"Rugihasarasarake." (Tree has no branches.) The pitch from the cones is
mixed with some kind of fat to make a salve to heal sores.
85.
Pinus strobus L. White pine. Smith 9167. "Wazi." The white pine is used
by the Hocak and was important to them. It is plentiful around in Wood
Co., where the soil is sandy and jack pines and Norway pines are second
and third in order of occurrence. They use the gum boiled out of the
cones to cure sore throat, and also to apply on a sore which would be
apt to leave a scar when it heals. Use this and there will be quick
healing and no scar left. They also cook the inner bark and make a
poultice to cure burns and make them heal quickly. The leaves are also
used in the sweat baths. (C176)
86. Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr..
Hemlock. Smith 9355. "Sihu" (Rice stem). The leaves and bark are used
in compounds. It is a medicine for a child. Grind the red part of the
bark, and when dry its flavor is good. Eat it when dry to cure
diarrhoea.
Plantaginaceae, Plantain Family
87. Plantago
media L. Plantain. Smith 9323. The leaves heal old sores. They chop the
leaves as fine as they can get them for a poultice. [Native of
Eurasia.] (A190)
Polygalaceae, Milkwort Family
88. Polygala
sanguinea L. Milkwort. Smith 9226, 9227. "Cesicosok" (Buffalo tail).
The whole plant is used for a tea to cure sunburn. If there is cancer
in the throat, this is gargled. (A191)
Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family
89. Rumex orbiculatus Gray (R. britannica Amer. auct. non L.) [Great
water-dock.] [No specimen.] "Hisuc" (Water red). This large root does
not occur right here, but the Hocak can get it at the grist mill at
Necedah or at Kilbourn. It is one of their greatest medicines, a great
tonic and for consumption. George Monegar didn't have any growing but
had seed which he got from the Meskwaki at Tama, Iowa, and was going to
plant it to raise his own medicine root. (D160)
Potamogetonaceae, Pondweed Family
90. Potamogeton natans L. [Floating pondweed.] Smith 9252.
"Kecoksikxununik" (Turtle feet small water weed). This is much used in
combination with other medicines.
Ranunculaceae, Buttercup Family
91. Anemone cylindrica Gray. Anemone. Smith 9335. "Makawira'aphi."
They use the fuzz part to chew up and put on boils or carbuncles and
bandage. After 24 hours they will open. It is somewhat similar in
strength to poison ivy, but is not so dangerous a remedy. The root tea
is an eye lotion for sore eyes.
92. Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb.
Gold thread. Smith 9320. "Xawitanisara" (Weed club leaves), "Rejusini"
(root yellow). The root is used to cure sores in a baby's or an adult's
mouth.
93. Thalictrum dasycarpum Fisch. & Av%-Lall. Meadow rue.
Smith 9281. "Xawipanapi" (Smells good). Used to make a sachet bag and
to perfume smoke.
Rhamnaceae, Buckthorn Family
94. Ceanothus americanus L. [New Jersey tea.] Smith 9332. "Cawaruc" (Deer food). The root is fine medicine for women. (A192)
95. Rhamnus alnifolia L'Hér. Buckthorn. Smith 9183. "Naconik" (Little
green stick). The inner bark is a strong physic, and the root too.
Rosaceae, Rose Family
96. Aronia arbutifolia (L.) Pers. Chokeberry. Smith 9236. "Tocgigik."
When the berries are dry in the fall, they are ground up and used to
stop flux or diarrhoea.
97. Potentilla norvegica L. (P.
monspeliensis L.) [Strawberry-weed.] Smith 9198, 9297. "Hisucxununik"
(Yellow flower). The root is a remedy to clean up the afterbirth.
98. Prunus pensylvanica L.f. Pin cherries. Smith 9176. "Napaksuc" (Red
cherries). The cherries are dried for medicine, pounded in a mortar to
a powder and then steeped to make a tea to stop flux.
99. Prunus
serotina Ehrh. Wild black cherry. Smith 9264. "Napakwijanik" (Tree
cherry drunk). This is called the drunk cherry, because if you eat too
many you get drunk. The inner bark is used as a seasoner in 20 kinds of
combinations, and it sweetens and gives a good taste. A tea of its bark
is considered a good tonic. (F148)
100. Rosa carolina L. (R.
humilis Marsh.) Pasture rose. Smith 9196. "Hassuc" (Red berries). The
root is cooked for a baby medicine when the mother is going to have
another baby. The [first] baby will get sick easily then and needs this
remedy to keep it well. The skin of the rose hip is a stomachic. The
root of rose is for diarrhoea.
Rosa carolina L. (R. humilis), gall
on stem. Smith 9345. This gall was gathered on the chance that it might
have particular medicinal properties but it did not. [Specimen consists
of stem only; authors could not verify to species.]
101. Rubus
allegheniensis Porter. Blackberry. Smith 9173. "Hassep" (Black berry).
The root is used to make a tea to cure sore eyes. (F150)
Salicaceae, Willow Family
102. Populus grandidentata Michx. Large tooth aspen. Smith 9174.
"Wasge." This bark mixed with red oak was used to cure worms. (C178,
A194)
103. Populus tremuloides Michx. Trembling aspen. Smith 9175.
"Wasge." No recognition of difference from P. grandidentata in name,
although the Hocak know that the trees are different. The use is the
same. (C179, A195)
104. Salix amygdaloides Anderss. [Peach-leaf
willow.] Smith 9351. "Rugixete." The root bark is used in a mixture for
soreness and for female weakness.
105. Salix bebbiana Sarg. [Beaked
willow.] Smith 9318. "Ruki" (Crooked). They say of this one that it
never grows straight. They use the root bark in compounds.
106.
Salix candida Fluegge ex Willd. [Sage-leaved] Willow. Smith 9317.
"Rugixoc" (Willow). The root is medicine in compounds.
Sarraceniaceae, Pitcher-plant Family
107. Sarracenia purpurea L. Pitcher plant. Smith 9271. "Canacawa"
(Deer's ear). The root, though small, is the part used. It is a female
remedy to drink when sick at the stomach of pregnancy.
Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family
108. Verbascum thapsus L. Mullein. Smith 9203. "Caskanacawa" (Sheep's
ear). Heat the leaves and apply to reduce a swelling. [Naturalized from
Europe.]
109. Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. (Leptandra
virginica (L.) Nutt.) Culver's root. Smith 9359. "Makaski" (Medicine
root bitter) or "Makarejuzi" (Medicine root yellow). This is a physic,
but also is used for a poultice for a pain anywhere.
Smilacaceae, Catbriar family
110. Smilax tamnoides L. (S. hispida Muhl. ex Torr.) Bristly
sarsaparilla, [Bristly greenbriar]. Smith 9292. "Waxacsep" (Black
stickers). If the berries are ground up and the powder gets in the
eyes, it will blind and no medicine can cure you. The root flavor is
esteemed and the root is used in a tonic medicine. (A196)
Tiliaceae, Linden Family
111. Tilia americana L. Basswood. Smith 9315. "Hisge." The root is used for female weakness. (C180)
Ulmaceae, Elm Family
112. Ulmus rubra Muhl. (U. fulva Michx.) Slippery elm. Smith 9282.
"Makarak Ap" (Elm leaves). Used as a sore throat lozenge and in many
combinations.
Verbenaceae, Vervain Family
113. Verbena
hastata L. Blue [common] vervain. Smith 9223. "Makarejuksuksik"
(Medicine--fine roots). The fine hair roots are used for female
weakness.
114. Verbena stricta Vent. Blue [hoary] vervain. Smith
9301. "Caxiwico" (Green flowers). When someone is bad sick, vomits and
spits blood, this root stops it.
Vitaceae, Grape Family
115.
Vitis sp. Wild grape. [No specimen.] "Hapsic." The vines are sappy and
in the spring exude a sap which can be used as a hair tonic. They also
hard boil the root in water to get a hair tonic. (F154)
FUNGI
116. Calvatia gigantea (Pers.) Lloyd. Giant puffball. [No specimen.]
"Wanagipoaxu" (Ghost sneeze). Used for a haemostatic, but it is too
strong by itself and so is mixed with other medicines.
117.
Scleroderma citrinum Pers. (Lycoperdon or Sclerodermatum). Smith 9278.
"Wanagipoaxu" (Ghost sneeze). When the nose bleeds, a small quantity is
puffed up the nose to stop it.
PLANT FOODS AND BEVERAGES
VASCULAR PLANTS
Aceraceae, Maple Family
118. Acer rubrum L. Red maple. Smith 9172. "Wisebu" (Black growing).
The Hocak like the maple syrup made from this, better than the sugar
maple. They say it is sweeter and whiter in color than sugar maple.
(C162)
Alismataceae, Water-plantain Family
119. Sagittaria
latifolia Willd. (S. latifolia var. gracilis) Broadleaved arrow head.
Smith 9224. "Siporo" (Rice round). This is the Indian potato whence St.
Paul, Minn. was named. In early times they dried and stored it.
Anacardiaceae, Cashew Family
120. Rhus hirta (L.) Sudworth (R. typhina L.) Staghorn sumac. Smith
9171. "Haznihu" (Berries, water leaking out). The fruit is used for a
beverage, sweetened by maple sugar. (M2, C163)
Araliaceae, Ginseng Family
121. Aralia hispida Vent. Bristly sarsaparilla. Smith 9208. "Tosanak
Axucge" (Otter armband). In olden times the root and the berries were
used as food. The root is still used in vegetable soup, but the berries
are not used now.
Aristolochiaceae, Birthwort Family
122.
Asarum canadense L. [Wild ginger.] [No specimen.] "Wamaxe." A food
seasoner cooked with any hard meat like fish or raccoon to make it
tender and to give it good flavor. (M12)
Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family
123. Asclepias exaltata L. (A. phytolaccoides Pursh). [Tall] Milkweed.
Smith 9307. "Mahic." The flowers or buds are eaten in soups in the
spring. (M13, C165) 124. Asclepias syriaca L. Milkweed. Smith 9253.
"Mahic" (Oatmeal). The flowers and buds are used in soup.
Asteraceae, Sunflower Family
125. Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers. Dandelion. Smith 9201.
"Xawizi" (Make wine). They use the blossoms to make wine when somebody
is going to get married. [Native of Eurasia.]
Betulaceae, Birch Family
126. Betula papyrifera Marsh. (Betula alba L. var. papyrifera) Canoe
birch. Smith 9185. "Nahaska" (Tree--white skin). The inner bark is a
substitute for white man's tea. (C166)
127. Corylus americana Walt. Hazelnut. Smith 9256. "Huksik" (Indian nut). Food. (C167)
Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family
128. Chenopodium album L. Goosefoot, Lamb's quarters. Smith 9190.
"Raxgemakejahagep" (Old ground growing). Used as greens when it first
comes out, cooked with beef or any meat in soup. [A European weed.]
Ericaceae, Heath Family
129. Gaultheria procumbens L. Wintergreen. Smith 9209. "Wasjikpuc" (Rabbit's nose). Indian beverage tea.
130. Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. (Vaccinium pensylvanicum Lam.)
Blueberry. "Hastik" (Wonderful berries). Smith 9262. Food. The berries
are dried. (M55)
131. Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Cranberry. Smith 9251. "Hocake." Where the Hocak get their name. A food.
132. Vaccinium myrtilloides Michx. (V. canadense Kalm.) Huckleberry, [Velvetleaf-blueberry]. Smith 9328. "Hawu." Food.
Fabaceae, Bean Family
133. Amorpha canescens Pursh. Leadplant. Smith 9270, 9331. "Xawisku"
(Sweet root); "Taxumaka" (Burnt medicine). The root is used as a food.
(M57) 134. Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fern. (A. monoica (L.) Ell.)
Wild bean. Smith 9212, 9314. "Hunikboija" (Wild bean; Indian beans;
Sets in the ground). The Indians eat the beans and storage tubers. They
follow the rat trails and find storage of half a bushel or more. When
beans grow full size and are harvested in October they are highly
relished by the Hocak.
Fagaceae, Beech Family
135. Quercus alba L. White oak. Smith 9169. "Nahaska" (Tree nuts). Soup is made from the acorns like hominy is made. (M64)
136. Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J. Hill. Hill's oak [Northern pin-oak].
Smith 9280, 9339. "Piksigu'ap"; "Piksikrakekhu." The acorns "Huc" are
to eat. (M65)
137. Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (var. oliviformis
(Michx. f.) Gray) Bur oak. Smith 9316. "Piksigu." They eat the acorns.
(M66)
138. Quercus rubra L. Red oak. Smith 9170. "Huksigu" or
Piksigu" (Nut tree). They make soup from the acorns in the same way as
above [see Q. alba]. (M67, A188)
Grossulariaceae, Gooseberry Family
139. Ribes cynosbati L. Prickly gooseberry. Smith 9279. "Napunupunuke." A favorite food.
Juglandaceae, Walnut Family
140. Juglans cinerea L. Butternut. Smith 9283. "Cazuke" (Fruit tree). (M70, D156)
141. Juglans nigra L. Black walnut. [No specimen.] "Cakhu." (M71, D157)
Lamiaceae, Mint Family
142. Stachys tenuifolia Willd. (var. aspera (Michx.) Fern.) Rough hedge
nettle. Smith 9265. "Nitasjakna'ap" (Indian tea tree leaf). The leaves
of this plant are dried and kept for tea, and it substitutes for
regular tea from the store.
Liliaceae, Lily Family
143.
Polygonatum biflorum (Walt.) Ell. (P. commutatum (J.A. & J.H.
Schultes) A. Dietr.) Solomon's seal. Smith 9342. "sukhi" (Dog teeth).
The root is a vegetable food to the Hocak. They cook it, then dry and
store it for winter and use it in soup.
Oxalidaceae, Wood Sorrel Family
144. Oxalis stricta L. Yellow sorrel. Smith 9277. "Xawisku" (Weed sweet). To eat. (M81, D158)
Rosaceae, Rose Family
145. Amelanchier laevis Wieg. Juneberries. Smith 9178. "Wixcawux" (Duck's berry). Food.
146. Crataegus flabellata (Spach) Kirchn. (C. grayana Egglest.) Thorn
apple, [Fanleaf-hawthorn]. Smith 9287. "Cosawahu" (Berries on trees).
Used as a food.
147. Fragaria vesca L. [Thin-leaved wild strawberry.] Smith 9343. "Hastekhu." They eat the fruit.
148. Prunus serotina Ehrh. Wild black cherry. Smith 9264.
"Napakwijanik" (Tree cherry drunk). This is called the drunk cherry,
because if you eat too many you get drunk. (M99)
149. Prunus virginiana L. Choke cherry. Smith 9290. "Napak" (Tree choke cherry). Food.
150. Rubus allegheniensis Porter. Blackberry. Smith 9173. "Hassep"
(Black berry). The Indians gather large quantities for food. (M101)
151. Rubus hispidus L. [Swamp dewberry]. Smith 9211. "Hassepxununok" (Blackberry--little). For food.
152. Rubus idaeus L. Red raspberry. Smith 9338. "Hazesucge" (Red
raspberries). They eat them. The leaves and vines are used as a tea
substitute beverage.
Solanaceae, Nightshade Family
153. Physalis virginiana P. Mill. Ground cherry. Smith 9334. "Hapokhisjasu" (Owl's eyes). They eat the berries.
Vitaceae, Grape Family
154. Vitis sp. Wild grape. [No specimen.] "Hapsic." [Fruits] are eaten. (M115)
DYE PLANTS
VASCULAR PLANTS
Balsaminaceae, Touch-me-not Family
155. Impatiens capensis Meerb. (I. biflora Walt.) Spotted touch-me-not.
Smith 9275. "Xawizi." An old time yellow dye plant to dye woven woolen
bags or basswood bags.
Juglandaceae, Walnut Family
156.
Juglans cinerea L. Butternut. Smith 9283. "Cazuke" (Fruit tree).
Butternut bark dye is about the same [as walnut], "Cak." The bark is a
dye to get a chocolate brown color. (M70, F140)
157. Juglans nigra L. Black walnut. [No specimen.] Black walnut dye is "Cak" while the tree itself is "Cakhu." (M71, F141)
Oxalidaceae, Wood Sorrel Family
158. Oxalis stricta L. Yellow sorrel. Smith 9277. "Xawisku" (Weed
sweet). The Sorrel dye is called a tan or buckskin color and the whole
plant is boiled to get the color. (M81, F144)
Papaveraceae, Poppy Family
159. Sanguinaria canadensis L. Bloodroot. Smith 9367. "Pexhisuc" (Red gourd). This is used for a red or pink dye. (M82)
Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family
160. Rumex orbiculatus A. Gray (R. britannica Amer. auct. non L.)
[Great water-dock.] [No specimen.] "Hisuc" (Water red). This is another
fine red dye and somewhat a tanning agent at the same time. This large
root does not occur right here, but the Hocak can get it at the grist
mill at Necedah or at Kilbourn. It is a fine red dye. They say it is
their best. (M89)
ALGAE
161. The Hocak use the blue moss--algae [no specimen] that grows in
spring water and sometimes floats to the top. They gather and burn this
to make a dye. It is called "maji" (water moss).
FIBER AND MATERIAL USES
VASCULAR PLANTS
Aceraceae, Maple Family
162. Acer rubrum L. (Red Maple). Smith 9172. "Wisebu" (Black growing).
The wood is used in making large spoons and dishes, especially the dice
and bowl game bowls. (F118)
Anacardiaceae, Cashew Family
163. Rhus hirta (L.) Sudworth (R. typhina L.) Staghorn sumac. Smith
9171. "Haznihu" (Berries, water leaking out). The wood is used for
making the flutes with holes in them, love song flutes. The stick is
split in half while green and the holes are then cut out in half
circles. Then the two halves are glued together. (M2, F120)
Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family
164. Apocynum androsaemifolium L. Spreading dogbane. Smith 9192.
"Waruhaxawi" (Fireflies' weed). Late in the fall it furnishes a thread
material. (M7)
Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family
165.
Asclepias exaltata L. (A. phytolaccoides Pursh). [Tall] Milkweed. Smith
9307. "Mahic." In the fall this furnishes thread from the rind or bark.
(M13, F123)
Betulaceae, Birch Family
166. Betula papyrifera
Marsh. (B. alba L. var. papyrifera (Marsh.) Spach.) Canoe birch [Paper
birch]. Smith 9185. "Nahaska" (Tree-white skin). Baskets and canoes are
made from the bark. (F126)
167. Corylus americana Walt. Hazelnut. Smith 9256. "Huksik" (Indian nut). Used for bag fiber, rough made. (F127)
Cornaceae, Dogwood Family
168. Cornus racemosa Lam. (C. paniculata L'Hér.) Panicled dogwood.
Smith 9263. "Masigusge" (Arrow wood). Its chief use is to make arrows.
(M49)
Cyperaceae, Sedge Family
169. Scirpus cyperinus (L.)
Kunth. Rushes. Smith 9259. "Caiksap." Before the whitemen came, there
were no locks, so if the Indians wanted to hide something, they dug a
hole, lined it with this rush and concealed it again.
Fabaceae, Bean Family
170. Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch. Kentucky coffee tree. [No
specimen.] "Napacaknakhu." The seeds are used for chips and dice in
Indian dice and bowl game. (M61)
Juncaceae, Rush Family
171. Juncus canadensis J. Gay ex Laharpe. (J. scirpoides Lam.) Canadian rush. Smith 9233. "Sa." For making mats.
Oleaceae, Olive Family
172. Fraxinus nigra Marsh. Black ash. Smith 9289. "Rakhap." For basket splits.
Osmundaceae, Royal Fern Family
173. Osmunda claytoniana L. Ostrich fern [Interrupted fern]. Smith
9179. "Cukeresge" or "Cusereke" (Stand up--lots of leaves). Hocak use
it for making a bed when they go hunting. (M80)
Pinaceae, Pine Family
174. Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch. Tamarack. Smith 9325. "Casak."
Bark wigwams are made from the big ones--1 1/2 feet in diameter. You
can't find them now. (M83)
175. Pinus banksiana Lamb. Jack pine.
Smith 9299. "Wazigusge" (Pine wood). The central part of the root is
used to sew birch bark canoes.
176. Pinus strobus L. White pine.
Smith 9167. "Wazi." The Hocak preferred the white pines for making big
dugout canoes and say that they will last a long time. (M85)
Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family
177. Polygonum convolvulus L. [Black bindweed]. Smith 9248. "Waruczugu"
(Growing in field). Used as a string for tying. [Native of Europe.]
Salicaceae, Willow Family
178. Populus grandidentata Michx. Large tooth aspen. Smith 9174. "Wasge." Indian children make toys out of it. (M102, A194)
179. Populus tremuloides Michx. Trembling aspen. Smith 9175. "Wasge." The use is the same as P. grandidentata. (M103, A195)
Tiliaceae, Linden Family
180. Tilia americana L. Basswood. Smith 9315. "Hisge." Used to make
string, bags, fancy and hunting bags. The wood is used for cradles or
baby boards. (M111)
Typhaceae, Cat-tail Family
181. Typha
latifolia L. Cattails. Smith 9242. "Wicihu" (Leaves mats) or "Ksohi"
(Baby's coat). Used as a padding or to make mats.
MOSSES
Polytrichaceae
182. Polytrichum commune Hedw. (P. juniperinum (Willd.) Hedwig.) Smith
9181. "Xaje" (Soft, spongy). Used to keep tree [roots] wet a long time
before planting.
Sphagnaceae
183. Sphagnum fallax (Klinggr.)
Klinggr. (S. warnstorfii Russ. var. virescens Russ. in Warnst.)
[Sphagnum moss.] Smith 9182. "Xaje" (Soft, spongy). The Indians say it
is soft or spongy and use it to keep tree roots wet.
ANIMALS
Glue was made from deerhorn [Odocoileus sp., Cervidae], but it doesn't
hold long. The best glue is made out of the egg of the sturgeon
[Acipenser fulvescens Raf., Acipenseridae]. Glue can also be obtained
from the back bones of the sturgeon.
ANIMAL FOODS AND MEDICINES
Asteraceae, Sunflower Family
184. Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. Blazing star; Dotted button
snakeroot. Smith 9300, 9302. "Cesichosok" (Buffalo's tail). Fed to a
weak pony, it fleshes him up. When horses are ill, they feed the root
to pep them up. (M28)
Equisetaceae, Horsetail Family
185.
Equisetum arvense L. [Common horsetail]. Smith 9347. "Hinik." Should
horses eat too much of this, they would die right away if one ran them.
Let them stand for two days. If they eat only a little, they will get
fat. The root is horse medicine. The tea acts as a urinary for horses.
Fabaceae, Bean Family
186. Trifolium pratense L. Red clover. Smith 9189. "Xawijop" (Four
leaved). No use except to feed horses. [Native of Europe.]
187.
Vicia americana Muhl. ex Willd. [American Vetch]. (Lathyrus sp.) Smith
9268. "Pisgehunik" (Night hawk bean). Eaten by horses. No [other] use
ascribed.
Fagaceae, Beech Family
188. Quercus rubra L. Red
oak. Smith 9170. "Huksigu" or "Piksigu" (Nut tree). It is used to cure
worms in horses. The tincture or tea of this combination is used to
soak corn which is fed to the horses to expel worms. (M67, F138)
Liliaceae, Lily Family
189. Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf. Northern clintonia. Smith 9260.
"^Sumaka" (Dog medicine). The root is ground up for dog medicine, [in
case of] distemper. It is also used to kill worms in a dog. (M75)
Plantaginaceae, Plantain Family
190. Plantago media L. Plantain. Smith 9323. Feed a little at a time to horses to cure them. [Native of Europe.] (M87)
Polygalaceae, Milkwort Family
191. Polygala sanguinea L. Milkwort. Smith 9226, 9227. "Cesicosok"
(Buffalo tail). If horses have distemper, this is cut up and put in
their feed. (M88)
Rhamnaceae, Buckthorn Family
192. Ceanothus americanus L. [New Jersey tea.] Smith 9332. "Cawaruc" (Deer food). The deer eat the leaves. (M94)
Rubiaceae, Madder Family
193. Mitchella repens L. Partridge berry. Smith 9319. [They] don't use
the partridge berry and only know that the quail eat the berries.
Salicaceae, Willow Family
194. Populus grandidentata Michx. Large tooth aspen. Smith 9174.
"Wasge." This bark mixed with red oak was used to cure worms in horses.
(M102, C179)
195. Populus tremuloides Michx. Trembling aspen. Smith 9175. "Wasge." The use is the same as P. grandidentata. (M103, C180)
Smilacaceae, Catbriar Family
196. Smilax tamnoides L. (S. hispida Muhl.) Bristly sarsaparilla. Smith
9292. "Waxacsep" (Black stickers). When horses are weak, a little of
the root at a time, fed once a day in their feed, will build them up.
(M110)
NOT USED, OR USE UNKNOWN
VASCULAR PLANTS
Aceraceae, Maple Family
197. Acer negundo L. Box elder. Smith 9269. "Nahosge" (Tree grows
fast). No use for it is known. They merely note the rapidity with which
the tree grows in its name.
Asteraceae, Sunflower Family
198. Arctium minus Bernh. [Common burdock.] Smith 9274. "Waraxgaxgapke" (stickers). Not used. [Native of Eurasia.]
199. Artemisia campestris L. ssp. caudata (Michx.) Hall & Clem.
(Artemisia caudata Michx.) [Wormwood; Sage] Smith 9353. [Consultants]
don't know [it].
200. Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. (B. trichosperma
(Michx.) Britt). [Northern tickseed-sunflower.] Smith 9240, 9266.
"Rakesep" (Black weed). Don't know.
201. Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. (Erigeron canadensis L.) Horseweed. Smith 9296. "Rake" (Weed). Not used.
202. Coreopsis sp. (C. grandiflora Hogg. ex Sweet). [Tickseed.] Smith
9232. [Specimen is in poor condition and may be C. verticillata L. or
C. tinctoria Nutt.] Don't know.
203. Coreopsis palmata Nutt. [Finger-tickseed.] Smith 9330. Don't know it.
204. Doellingeria umbellata (P. Mill.) Nees (Aster umbellatus P. Mill.)
[Tall flat-topped white aster.] Smith 9239. "Poaxu." [No note of use,
but species called "Poaxu" are generally used as smudges.]
205.
Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. (Solidago graminifolia (L.) Salisb.)
Fragrant Goldenrod. Smith 9205. "Jiraisagu." No use ascribed to it,
unless maybe sweatbath.
206. Hieracium scabrum Michx. [Sticky hawkweed.] Smith 9215, 9216. Not known, although some think it is used by others.
207. Tanacetum vulgare L. [Tansy.] Smith 9310. [The Hocak] don't use
it. [They] know the whites use it. [Native of the Old World.]
Betulaceae, Birch Family
208. Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel (B. glandulifera (Regel)
Butler). Dwarf birch. Smith 9243. "Nasip" (Tree dwarf). No use.
Campanulaceae, Bellflower Family
209. Campanula rotundifolia L. [Harebell.] Smith 9350. [Consultants] don't use it, but some others use the root.
Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family
210. Viburnum acerifolium L. Maple leaved viburnum. Smith 9186. "Nahuc" (Tree bear). Not used so far as known.
Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family
211. Silene noctiflora L. Bladder campion. Smith 9193. "Xawihokirukisa"
(Close at night). No use discovered. [Native of Europe.]
Commelinaceae, Spiderwort Family
212. Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. (T. reflexa Raf.) [Smooth spiderwort.] Smith 9337. Don't know.
Cornaceae, Dogwood Family
213. Cornus canadensis L. Bunchberry. Smith 9210. "Wakere" (Bad taste). Some use it, but [informant does] not know how.
Cyperaceae, Sedge Family
214. Eriophorum viridicarinatum (Engelm.) Fern. [Dark-scale cotton-grass.] Smith 9322. Don't use it.
Equisetaceae, Horsetail Family
215. Equisetum hyemale L. [Common scouring-rush.] Smith 9348.
[Collected after E. arvense, which is a horse medicine; no note about
use.]
Ericaceae, Heath Family
216. Andromeda polifolia L.
var. glaucophylla (Link) DC. (A. glaucophylla Link). [Bog-rosemary.]
Smith 9249. "Naksikrupak" (Sticks bunch). No use.
217. Epigaea repens L. Trailing arbutus. Smith 9326. "Xawiskapanapi" (White smells good). Don't use it.
218. Gaultheria hispidula (L.) Muhl. ex Bigelow (Chiogenes hispidula
(L.) Torr.& Gray). [Creeping Snowberry.] Smith 9327. Don't know it.
Fumariaceae, Fumitory Family
219. Corydalis sempervirens (L.) Pers. [Corydalis.] Smith 9305. Used but name forgotten.
Geraniaceae, Geranium Family
220. Geranium bicknellii Britton. [Wild geranium.] Smith 9298. "Xawiwasara" (Pretty flowers). Not used.
Lamiaceae, Mint Family
221. Hedeoma hispidum Pursh. [Rough false pennyroyal.] Smith 9366. Don't know.
222. Lycopus uniflorus Michx. [Northern water-horehound.] Smith 9324. Don't know.
Linaceae, Flax Family
223. Linum usitatissimum L. Flax. Smith 9333. Don't use it. [Escaped European cultigen.]
Lycopodiaceae, Clubmoss Family
224. Lycopodium obscurum L. [Princess-pine]. Smith 9321. "Wazininisge"
(Looks like pine). The Hocak don't use it, but gather it for white
people to use in decorations.
Malvaceae, Mallow Family
225. Malva rotundifolia L. [Dwarf mallow.] Smith 9247. "Xawiwaiskap" (weed bead [?]). No use. [Native of Europe.]
Onagraceae, Evening Primrose Family
226. Epilobium angustifolium L. Fire weed. Smith 9199. Said to be a
recent migrant to [Hocak] country and not known to them. It has been
here only five or six years.
227. Epilobium coloratum Biehler. [Eastern willowherb.] Smith 9237. Don't know.
228. Oenothera biennis L. Evening primrose. Smith 9194. "Raxgesuserec" (Long seed). No use discovered.
Orchidaceae, Orchid Family
229. Malaxis unifolia Michx. (Microstylis unifolia (Michx.) BSP.) [Green adder's mouth.] Smith 9213. No use.
230. Spiranthes cernua (L.) Richart. [Nodding ladiestresses.] Smith 9229. Don't know.
Poaceae, Grass Family
231. Hordeum jubatum L. Squirrel tail grass. Smith 9254. "Xawisicserec"
(Weed long tail). While they have a name for this, it has no use in any
manner.
Polygalaceae, Milkwort Family
232. Polygala polygama Walt. [Bitter milkwort]. Smith 9344. They don't know it.
Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family
233. Polygonum amphibium L. (Polygonum muehlenbergii (Meisn.) Wats.)
[Water smartweed.] Smith 9245. "Xawiokeresuc" (Weed red flowers). No
use.
234. Polygonum arifolium L. [Halberd-leaved tearthumb.] Smith 9246. "Xawimaisu" (Yellow head). No use.
235. Polygonum pensylvanicum L. (var. laevigatum Fernald, f. pallescens
Stanford) [Pennsylvania smartweed.] Smith 9228. Don't use it.
236. Polygonum sagittatum L. [Arrow-leaved tearthumb.] Smith 9219. "Waraxgapxgapke" (Sticky). Not used.
Primulaceae, Primrose Family
237. Lysimachia quadriflora Sims. (Steironema quadriflorum (Sims.)
Hitchcock). Fourleaved loosestrife. Smith 9197. "Raxge'apjop" (Four
leaves). [There is] a use, but not known to informant.
238. Trientalis borealis Raf. (Trientalis americana Pursh). [Starflower.] Smith 9329. Don't know.
Pyrolaceae, Shinleaf Family
239. Chimaphila umbellata (L.) Barton. [Prince's pine.] Smith 9346. Don't know it.
Ranunculaceae, Buttercup Family
240. Clematis virginiana L. [Virgin's bower.] Smith 9311. Don't know it.
Rosaceae, Rose Family
241. Agrimonia gryposepala Wallr. [Common agrimony.] Smith 9295. "Waraxgaxgapke" (Stickers). No use.
242. Spiraea alba DuRoi (S. salicifolia L.) [Meadowsweet.] Smith 9230. Don't know.
243. Spiraea tomentosa L. var. rosea (Raf.) Fern. (S. tomentosa L.) [Hardhack.] Smith 9231. Don't know.
Rubiaceae, Madder Family
244. Galium concinnum Torr. & Gray. [Shining bedstraw.] Smith 9352. Don't know.
Rutaceae, Rue Family
245. Zanthoxylum americanum P. Mill. Prickly ash. [No specimen.]
"Napahi" (Tree stick sharp). They use it, too, but none grows right
close to Monegar's.
Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family
246. Linaria vulgaris Miller. [Butter-and-eggs.] Smith 9349. Don't know. [Native of Europe.]
Vitaceae, Grape Family
247. Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. (Psedera quinquefolia
(L.) Greene). Virginia creeper. Smith 9286. "Na'apxete" (Big leaves).
Not used.