122 



is equally extraordinary, they are often mothers at the age of 

 12 or 13, and feel no pain in parturition. 



In other respects their disposition is mild, nay timid ; the 

 least noise frightens them. Miserable as their condition is, 

 they prefer it to all the conveniencies of civilized life, which 

 some of them saw at Moscow. They viewed them \fith()ut 

 curiosity, and with a stupid indifference; they regretted their 

 deserts, and hastened to return to them. 



The Toungousi. 



The Toungousi inhabit much milder climates than the sava- 

 ges above mentioned; when at war they elect chiefs to com- 

 mand them ; they respect the descendants of their ancient 

 chiefs, from among whom they elect their commanders, un- 

 less they find some one else of distinguished merit. They 

 delight to wander from place to place, and subsist in winter 

 by hunting, and in summer b}' fishing, and some by pastu- 

 rage. These last have often 1000 Rhen-deer, and the more 

 Southern possess horses, sheep, goats and camels. 



Their cloaths and habitations are much the same as those al- 

 ready nientioned ; but they are strangers to intoxication. 

 They never eat their meat raw, but rather boil or roast it. 



Vohigaimi 



