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U T A H HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
we frequently find etched on the rocks. He is the symbol of mirth, trickery, playfulness and good cheer. He was once a great personage—one of these playful, tricky, cheerful chaps whom everybody loved and invited to their parties. But having a good appetite, he developed a thieving (sticky fingered, I believe is the scientific cognomen for it) propensity toward the picnic, and he was so quick and sly in the matter that the other guests often went home hungry from a picnic. Now, nothing is so aggravating, especially to a man, as going home hungry from a picnic. They laughed it off for awhile, but in time something had to be done. A great pleading went up to the god Tobats to reduce the culprit. Prayers have always been answered, even of Pahutes, and so the great Mouseman is now simple mouse, but he is still the same cheerful, tricky, thieving fellow as before. Because of the good things he eats, he is himself good to eat. If you don't believe it fry him and try him. The quills fairly bristle with warnings to the evils that would embrace you. You are Indian enough, by absorption at least, to know that quills do bristle and that should strengthen your faith. These bags are worn tied either around the neck or around the waist. W o r n in the first position, they produced the original "pain in the neck" that you read about in the Scriptures; while tied around the waist they become the proverbial "thorn in the side." Being educationally minded, I thought you should be in possession of this important bit of knowledge. If worn under the clothing, the warmth of the body renders the medicine more potent and the odors more pungent. As thy faith so be it unto thee. The fringe is a charm against ticklishness. After one has worn his medicine for several years he can then put on flannel underwear. Suit yourself how you wear yours, but if worn under the clothing I suggest that you remove the quills. In this age when we have so much scientific skill to resort to in case of trouble, we might sacrifice that much of the charm in the interest of bodily comfort. This bag was made by Yantana (flowering cactus), whose grandfather was an eminent medicine man and the medicine was compounded by Yoko Jake so I know it is correct as to formula in every detail. If it does not do all that I have promised, it will be because of your faithlessness. W i t h all good wishes for a Happy Yuletide and believing implicitly that the medicine will take care of your future, I am, Sincerely, (Signed) W m . R. Palmer. P. S. All blessings of the medicine are hereby extended to you and yours. "Noonie tucuben, tucuben noonie, i-oo-ie i-oo-ie." Translation—If you and yours are friends, I am a friend; and my friends are welcome to all these good blessings.
