s descried
on the lake at the distance of about three miles,--completely
verifying the prediction of the High Priest, in point of time.
From the people on board this canoe they learned that the
traders would be at the portage on the second day thereafter,
at which time they actually did arrive.

[4] Indian traditions by Cusick.

INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER III.

The aborigines of America, although divided into many different
tribes, inhabiting various climates, and without a community of
language, are yet assimilated to each other in stature and complexion,
more strikingly than are the inhabitants of the different countries of
Europe. The manners and customs of one nation, are very much the
manners and customs of all; and although there be peculiarities
observable among all, yet are they fewer and less manifest than those
which mark the nations of the old world, and distinguish them so
palpably from each other. A traveller might have traversed the
country, when occupied exclusively by the natives, without remarking
among them, the diversity which exists in Europe; or being impressed
with the contrast which a visit across the Pyrennes would exhibit,
between the affability and vivacity of a Frenchman at a theatre or in
the Elysian fields, and the hauteur and reserve of a Spaniard at their
bloody circus, when "bounds with one lashing spring the mighty
brute."

[26] Nor is there much in savage life, calculated to inspire the mind
of civilized man, with pleasurable sensations. Many of the virtues
practised by them, proceed rather from necessity or ignorance than
from any ethical principle existing among them. The calm composure
with which they meet death and their stoical indifference to bodily
pain, are perhaps more attributable to recklessness of life and
physical insensibility,[1] than to fortitude or magnanimity;
consequently they do not much heighten the zest of reflection, in
contemplating their character. The christian and the philanthropist,
with the benevolent design of improving their morals and meliorating
their condition, may profitably study every peculiarity and trait of
character observable among them; it will facilitate their object and
enable them the more readily to reclaim them from a life of heathenish
barbarity, and to extend to them the high boons of civilization and
christianity.

It has been observed that the different tribes of natives of North
Ameri