176 ASIATIC TRIBES OF NORTH AMERICA, 
comment ; and Martin Sauer in this respect accords the palm to the 
Tungus over all the Siberian peoples he met with in his journeyings. 
By this feature the Tinneh are separated from the Tartar Yakuts, in 
spite of the Yakutats being Tinneh, and from the Peninsular 
tribes represented by the Koriaks and Ainos. The latter, especially, 
are fierce, intractable warriors, which the Tinneh are not, for, 
although cruel enough in their conduct towards the feeble 
Esquimaux, they stand in wholesome dread of the Algonquin Cree, 
who, though of a widely different race, reminds them of their ancient 
foe, the Yakut. Mongolian craft and cunning mark the Athabascan, 
who, with all his docility, is wanting in the savage nobility, the 
regard for truth and honor, that characterize equally the Algonquin 
and the Iroquois. He is in no sense the typical red-man of history 
and romance, but affords an opportunity for novel portraiture of 
Indian character to the Coopers and Mayne Reids of the North-West. 
In domestic and social relations there is absolute identity of custom 
among Tungus and Tinneh. Government and laws they have 
virtually none, and are thus incapable of any combination for purposes 
of conquest. In this respect, however, the Mantchus, a Tungusic 
people, present a notable exception. The understanding among them 
relative to property in game, berries and personal effects coincides on 
both continents. The marriage ceremony is a simple act of purchase in 
either case, the only difference being that the modern Tungus having 
domesticated the reindeer, barters that animal for his wife, while the 
Athabascan must needs offer some other equivalent. Polygamy 
characterizes the two peoples, who are equally jealous in regard to 
their wives. But they agree, also; in the absence of chastity among 
the unmarried, and in the un-American custom of lending their 
daughters, sisters and female slaves to those whom they honor with 
their hospitality. The first wife occupies the highest position among 
Tungus and Tinneh, and, although the place of the married woman 
is as in most barbarious nations, one of subjection, a larger share in 
domestic and even in public counsels is granted her in both nations 
than is generally accorded to American Indian matrons. In matters 
of religion there is much resemblance, both families being demon- 
olators and sacrificing to evil spirits, the dog being an object of 
reverence, and their festivals and religious dances partaking of the 
same character. They agree in consulting young men who have 
previously propared themselves by a process of fasting in the inter- 
