Note 4 — Chapter XXXII · FROM CHITA TO NERTCHINSK.

The natives believe that their shamans have more power than other people with the spirits infesting the mountains. Accordingly, sacrifices are offered to these spirits, and are carried off secretly by the shamans. Horse-hair seems to hold a conspicuous place in connection with their superstitions. Mr. Erman speaks of the practice of the Yakutes in tying knots of it on trees; and Mr. Hill states that the Yakutes informed him that the rites of their ancient worship consisted for the most part in sacrifices to invisible spirits, and that portions of the horses’ tails were attached to trees to notify to the spirits who might chance to pass by that such rites had been performed, and that thereabouts they would find the offered sacrifice. From the oldest times the Buriats have been accustomed about midsummer, when the cattle are in good condition, to celebrate festivals for the good spirits, the rites being followed by wrestling matches, and other popular amusements; and the crafty Buddhist lamas have recognised and sanctioned these ancient usages, in order that the Buriats may regard the new religion only as an extension or completion of the old.