125 



the St. Laurence, lat. 50"- to the confines of Florida, hit, 

 30"- but he does not mention that singular Guinocracy, or fe- 

 male government, that, according to La Fitau, 463, existed 

 amongst the Iroqtioh and the Hiirons, among whom the men 

 are only the deputies of the women. I suppose he did not 

 credit it : yet as to the Huions, it is confirmed by Masson 

 MorvilUers. Encylopedie selon I'ordre des Matieres. PIurons. 

 Yet they inhabit a country as cold as Canada. 



If violence is committed, the community tloes not inter- 

 fere ; it belongs to the family injured, or of whom any mem- 

 ber was slain, to avenge the wrong, or accept reparation, 2 

 Roberts. 95. 



But, south of latitude 30. the power of those vested with 

 authority, gradually increases. In Florida the authority of 

 the Sachems or chiels was not only permanent but hereditary. 

 Among the Natchez some families were reputed noble, and 

 enjoyed hereditary dignity ; the body of the people was con- 

 sidered as vile, and formed for subjection. The will of the 

 great chief is considered as law ; the lives of his subjects are 

 absolutely at his disposal. 2 Roberts. PTj 98, &c. 



The North Americans above lat. 60" subsist chiefly by 

 hunting or fishing. Li more temperate latitudes, in addition 

 to these they practise some species of cultivation, 2 Robert- 

 son, 83. Li the warm climates of South America, the roots 

 v,'liich the earlli produces spontaneously, fruits, berries and 



seeds 



