10^ HOSPITALITY. 



their existence, many were very large, and five or 

 six childi'en might pretty generally be reckoned upon 

 to each woman. Thus Wootair could not upon my 

 estimate contain less than two hundred persons, and 

 I am disposed to think it exceeded that number. 



Upon reaching Mooldooyah's habitation, we found 

 Captain Moore installed at his ease, with every pro- 

 vision made for comfort and convenience. Water 

 and venison were suspended over the lamps in prepa- 

 ration for dinner ; skins nicely arranged for couches, 

 and the hangings raised to admit the cool air; oiur 

 baggage was bestowed around us with care and 

 in quiet, and we were free to take our own way 

 of enjoying such unobtrusive hospitality, without a 

 crowd of eager gazers watching us like lions at feed ; 

 nor were we troubled by importunate begging, such 

 as detracted from the dignity of Metra's station, which 

 was undoubtedly high in the tribe. Indeed, the 

 entire deportment of om* host and his wife, who 

 seemed to have an innate perception of propriety, was 

 in marked contrast to that of him whose apparently 

 unwelcome guests we had so lately been. 



We enjoyed much interesting conversation with 

 om' friends here, any hiatus in speech being supplied 

 by signs, which answered very well. 



This part of the country was, we were informed, 



