2M DESCRIPTION OF NATIVES. 



destroyed by those odious labrets, of which some wore 

 but one, others one on each side of the mouth ; they 

 were of beads or stone, and it is incomprehensible how 

 these people can consent to make unsightly gashes in 

 their faces for such a purpose, I estimate them to be 

 of great strength and activity, indeed of the latter 

 sufficient proof was afforded. The women Avere 

 generally short, the visages of the younger ones 

 tolerably good, but truth compels me to add, that the 

 very reverse was the case with the dames of more 

 advanced age. Their figures inclined to the squat, 

 their mien and expression promised intelligence and 

 good nature. Although both sexes had in most 

 instances the round flat face of the Mongolian cast, a 

 few individuals possessed well-defined, though petite 

 features, and all had fine eyes. The women, unlike 

 our lady friends on the Asiatic coast, wore closely 

 fitting breeches of sealskin, and as these always looked 

 old and worn, T have little doubt that they were the 

 castings of their husbands' wardrobes ; their figures 

 were, therefore, not displayed to advantage, particularly 

 as they turned in their toes and walked with a waddle. 

 All were horribly filthy in person and habits ; a 

 perceptible odour of train-oil pervaded the assembly, 

 and effectually banished on our side any lingering 

 penchant for their caresses, which were however freely 



