246 VOYAGE UP THE TAPAJOS. Cuap. IX. 
I bought of the Tushatia two beautiful feather sceptres, with their 
bamboo cases. These are of cylindrical shape, about three feet in 
length and three inches in diameter, and are made by gluing with wax 
the fine white and yellow feathers from the breast of the toucan on stout 
rods, the tops being ornamented with long plumes from the tails of 
parrots, trogons, and other birds. The Munduructs are considered to 
be the most expert workers in feathers of all the South American tribes. 
It is very difficult, however, to get them to part with the articles, as they 
seem to have a sort of superstitious regard for them. They manufacture 
head-dresses, sashes, and tunics, besides sceptres ; the feathers being 
assorted with a good eye to the proper contrast of colours, and the quills 
worked into strong cotton webs, woven with knitting sticks in the 
required shape. The dresses are worn only during their festivals, which 
are celebrated, not at stated times, but whenever the Tushatia thinks 
fit. Dancing, singing, sports, and drinking, appear to be the sole objects 
of these occasional holidays. When a day is fixed upon, the women 
prepare a great quantity of taroba, and the monotonous jingle is kept 
up, with little intermission, night and day, until the stimulating beverage 
is finished. 
We left the Tushatia’s house early the next morning. The impression 
made upon me by the glimpse of Indian life in its natural state obtained 
here, and at another cluster of houses visited higher up, was a pleasant 
one, notwithstanding the disagreeable incident of the Pardrauate visit. 
The Indians are here seen to the best advantage ; having relinquished 
many of their most barbarous practices, without being corrupted by too 
close contact with the inferior whites and half-breeds of the civilised 
settlements. The manners are simpler, the demeanour more gentle, 
cheerful, and frank, than amongst the Indians who live near the towns. 
I could not help contrasting their well-fed condition, and the signs of 
orderly, industrious habits, with the poverty and laziness of the semi- 
cilivised people of Altar do Chad. I do not think that the introduction 
of liquors has been the cause of much harm to the Brazilian Indian. 
He has his drinking bout now and then, like the common working 
people of other countries. It was his habit in his original state, before 
Europeans visited his country ; but he is always ashamed of it afterwards, 
and remains sober during the pretty long intervals. The harsh, slave- 
driving practices of the Portuguese and their descendants have been the 
greatest curses to the Indians ; the Munduructis of the Cupari, however, 
have been now for many years protected against ill-treatment. This is 
one of the good services rendered by the missionaries, who take care 
that the Brazilian law in favour of the aborigines shall be respected by 
the brutal and unprincipled traders who go amongst them. I think no 
Indians could be in a happier position than these simple, peaceful, and 
friendly people on the banks of the Cupari. The members of each 
family live together, and seem to be much attached to each other; and the 
authority of the chief is exercised in the mildest manner. Perpetual 
summer reigns around them ; the land is of the highest fertility, and a 
moderate amount of light work produces them all the necessaries of 
their simple life. It is difficult to get at their notions on subjects that 
require a little abstract thought ; but the mind of the Indian is in a very 
