BLACK ELK. 217 



of cultivation in the manioc. Those who prepare 

 the meal are aware of its pernicious qualities, and 

 take the most efficacious method to expel them, by 

 drying and baking the pounded root. 



Beautifully has it been observed by one of the 

 most elegant and philosophic of the Latin poets, that 

 the discouragements which often thwart the labours 

 of the husbandman may be ascribed to the appoint- 

 ment of heaven, in order to excite his vigilance, 

 and quicken his faculties, lest drowsiness should 

 overspread the minds, and dulness foil the active 

 instruments of thought. The subtle poison which 

 exists in the manioc root, calls equally for the 

 exercise of skill, of labour, and of patience; it affords 

 too, an impressive instance, that good and evil are 

 often mysteriously blended in the occurrences of life, 

 and that he who is truly wise, will thankfully apply 

 himself to enjoy the one, and to neutralize the other. 

 In our present state of being, were all things minis- 

 tered to us spontaneously, without the necessity of 

 taking thought concerning them, many of the arts 

 and sciences would be laid aside, and there would be 

 no practical difference between the man who thank- 

 fully applies the gifts which his Maker has assigned 

 him, and the one who regards them not. 



The forty-fourth and fifty-third degree of north 

 latitude, including the vicinity of the great lakes, 

 with the whole extent of Canada and New Bruns- 

 wick, restrain within their limits, as if by some 

 mighty spell, the Moose, or Black Elk, (Cervus 

 alces?) which has also his assigned locality in Europe, 

 and in Asia. He is a bold and fearless ranger, who 

 has never bent his towering neck to the yoke of 



