OF THE AMAZON. 361 



of this part of South America, is a degree of diffidence, bash- 

 fulness, or coldness, which affects all their actions. It is 

 this that produces their quiet deliberation, their circuitous way 

 of introducing a subject they have come to speak about, talking 

 half an hour on different topics before mentioning it : owing 

 to this feeling, they will run away if displeased rather than 

 complain, and will never refuse to undertake what is asked 

 them, even when they are unable or do not intend to perform 

 it. 



It is the same peculiarity which causes the men never to 

 exhibit any feeling on meeting after a separation ; though they 

 have, and show, a great affection for their children, whom they 

 never part with ; nor can they be induced to do so, even for 

 a short time. They scarcely ever quarrel among themselves, 

 work hard, and submit willingly to authority. They are ingeni- 

 ous and skilful workmen, and readily adopt any customs of 

 civilised life that may be introduced among them ; and they 

 seem capable of being formed, by education and good govern- 

 ment, into a peaceable and civilised community. 



This change, however, will, perhaps, never take place : they 

 are exposed to the influence of the refuse of Brazilian society, 

 and will probably, before many years, be reduced to the 

 condition of the other half-civilised Indians of the country, 

 who seem to have lost the good qualities of savage life, and 

 gained only the vices of civilisation. 



