SQUIRREL. 



137 



the fury of gratified revenge. Such are the descen- 

 dants of those vast tribes, to whom once belonged 

 the valley of the Mississippi; but such they were not 

 always, for William Penn thus writes concerning 

 those of the same country: " In liberality they 

 excel; nothing is too good for a friend, give 

 them a fine gun or coat, it may pass twenty hands 

 before it stick. Light of heart, strong affections, 

 but soon spent. The most merry creatures that 

 live ; feast and dance perpetually, they never have 

 much, nor do they want much ; wealth circulates 

 with them like the blood; yet still they possess 

 great national sagacity, and speak on great occasions 

 with much elegance." Such was the Indian of the 

 Mississippi, before oppression and strong liquor 

 changed his character. 



SQUIRREL PETAURUS. 



