216 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



and situation of the Indians, there were fewer 

 circumstances favourable to population, than in 

 any other state of society. In the constitution, 

 form, and vigour of his body, nature was boun- 

 tiful to the Indian. In the dimensions and size 

 of his body, in the proportion and perfection of 

 all his limbs, members, and organs, he rather 

 exceeded than fell short of the European. All 

 that have been acquainted with the savages, 

 have been struck with this circumstance. In 

 no race of men, has the human body appeared 

 to be better formed, more nicely adjusted, or to 

 be more perfectly proportioned in all its mem- 

 bers and parts. No deficiency therefore arose 

 from an}' impotency, or w^ant of \igour, in any 

 of the powei's of nature. 



But whatever may be the original powers of 

 nature, they are weakened and impaired v.ithout 

 proper food, and nourislftment : And it is onty, 

 where suitable and nutritive food is to be ob- 

 tained in regulai' and sufficient quantities, that 

 animals will become the most prolific. In this 

 respect, the situation and state of the savage, 

 was greatly unfavourable to increase and popu 

 lation. Destitute of anv certain or regular food 

 and nourishment, the Indians suffered severely 

 this way. At one period, all was gluttony and 

 excess ; at another, famine and hunger became 

 extreme and distressing. The heaviest part of 

 this distress fell upon the women, who were the 

 least able to bear it : And at no time did they 

 enjoy that regular and steady supply of food^ 

 which nature required. In the male, this tend- 

 ed to impair the animal passion : In the female, 

 It tended not only t» weaken itj but to render it 



