134 : Notices of the Floridas, &c. 
e men are fond of ardent spirits and tobacco, the 
ay articles they ask for importunately ; but if refused, no 
dissatisfaction is expressed. When presented with a bottle 
of whiskey, it is fairly distributed among the adult males 
present, but | observed none was offered to the women 
and children, who did not appear to expect or desire any, 
though often requesting tobacco and segars for smoking, of 
which the smallest are fond. 
The Indians we had communication with were honest 
and fairin their dealings, evincing no thievish disposition ; 
we were received with kinduess and hospitality, our wants 
supplied, and they cheerfully put themselves to considera~ 
ble inconvenience for our accommodation. They are in 
general tall and well-formed. The Seminoles differ con- 
siderably in their manners from northern tribes, being 
very curious, lively, and inquisitive. Our clothes, arms, 
knives, umbrellas; &c. were carefully examined ; and some 
marked on the ground with much exactness the compo- 
"nent parts of a coat, or other garment, they fancied. 
Our mode of cooking and eating was to the natives a 
source of much amusement and laughter, eliciting many 
humerous remarks. They are usually cheerful, and the 
the intercourse of relatives and neighbours evinced good 
At he Indian village of Sanfalasco not far from the 
river Santa Fee, we witnessed the amusements of wres- 
tling and dancing. Dances are. held at night on a level 
hard beaten central spot; males and females move in In- 
dian file around a fire, singing a wild song; there is little 
diversity in the steps, but the tunes are varied, each dance 
is terminated by a general whoop. 
chief conducted us toa bower, where we were 
seated with some of the head men, the villagers not en- 
gaged in dancing located themselves in an opposite arbour. 
oung men, unusually dressed and ornamented, 
spurs attached to their showy long mocasins, and with 
cheeks blackened to represent whiskers, and faces painted, 
made a ludicrous appearance. Small terrapin shells filled 
with pebbles affixed to the ankles of the female dancers, 
excited by the dancing and various amusing tricks. The 
dogs responded to the Indian yell, and numerous owls at- 
