HISTORY OF VERMONT. 197 



disorders, made the capital articles in the histo- 

 ry of the Indian diseases. But that numerous 

 and fearful train of maladies, which arise from 

 luxury, sloth, intemperance, and want of exer- 

 cise, were unnamed, and unknown among the 

 Indian tribes. In their villaq-es there seemed to 

 be a greater number of decayed and aged per- 

 sons, than are generally to be found among an 

 equal number of white people. l^ut as they 

 had not the art of numbers and computation, 

 no exact accounts could be procured of their 

 age. This article rests therefore rather upon 

 appearance, and indication derived from decre- 

 pit and shrivelled bodies, than from any proper 

 and authentic accounts of the years and lona;evi-- 

 ty to which they attain. All appearances howev- 

 er seem to indicate, that activity, vigour, health, 

 and age, were to be found to great advantage 

 in the savage state. 



Favourable to Firmness and Forti- 

 tude OF Mind. The situation and employ- 

 ment that promoted the vigour and health of 

 the body, tended to produce independence, 

 firmness, and fortitude in the mind. Inured to 

 suffering, hardship, and danger, the mind of the 

 savage was formed to an habitual firmness and 

 courage. His mind became composed and col- 

 lectr;d in critical and dangerous situations : 

 And he suffered but little from apprehensions of 

 fear. The spirit of freedom and independence 

 was cultivated and confirmed by every circum- 

 stance attending his education, employment 

 and reputation. Neither corrected nor checked 

 in His early years, retarded or stopped in any 

 pursuit, he knew of no controul or restraint.--- 



VOL. I. A 2 



7 



