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Humboldt Bay Indians
The small yellow butterfly they call Sera wank, apparently meaning spirit, and they believe that the souls of their dead children animate them. These are often seen hovering around graves. They wash the bodies of the dead and and bury their property with them. 
The women seclude themselves rigorously during menstruation. The first occurrence in a girl is attended by the visit of all the squaws, who swim with her. They bathe frequently during the period in cold water. When pregnant if delivery is difficult or retarded they steam the parts with certain herbs, & they bathe their breasts with a de-