INDIAN HOME LIFE. 91 



move them, even if they have to wash them while 

 themselves naked, and wait in the shade while they 

 dry in the sun. In washing they use their hands in 

 scrubbing the clothes, and do not belabor them with 

 clubs, as in the more civilized districts, and in Mar- 

 tinique, where the sound of the washing is loud in 

 the land. 



The prettiest picture of Indian life I have seen was 

 during a hunt in a secluded nook among the hills 

 behind the settlement of Salibia. The Riviere Col- 

 lette tumbles over and among great rocks, through 

 narrow chasms shaded by tree-ferns and mountain 

 palms. Many water plants grow in clumps, and little 

 pools are formed among the rocks. As I was leap- 

 ing the stones, in crossing, I heard a low murmur of 

 song, and looking up, saw a young girl of sixteen 

 sitting on a large bowlder, mending a handkerchief. 

 Around her, drying in the sun, were her clothes, 

 which she had washed — probably all she possessed. 

 She was so absorbed in her work, so carelessly happy 

 in the freedom of this wild seclusion, that I had nearly 

 crossed before she observed me, when, with maid- 

 enly modesty, she covered her face with the handker- 

 chief. 



The majority of the people go about lamentably 

 ragged. There are few shoes and stockings in the 

 community, and those who have them only put them 

 on upon great occasions, when they appear ill at ease, 

 cramped and uncomfortable. So it is with regard 

 to dress ; while, with a dress well made and fitting 

 nicely, the women consider themselves magnificently 

 arrayed, to me they appeared at a great disadvantage. 

 In short frock descending to the knees, gathered about 



