of North Carolina. 261 



Pitch or Tar. In these Vessels likewise they carry Goods, 

 Horses, and other Cattle from one Plantation to another 

 over large and spacious Eivers; they frequently trade in 

 them to Virginia and other places on this continent, no Ves- 

 sel of the same Burthen made after the European manner is 

 able to out Sail one of these Periaugers. 



The Canoes are of less Burthen than the former, some will 

 carry two or three Horses over these large Kivers, and others 

 so small that they will carry only two or three Men. These 

 are more ticklish than Boats, but no Boat in the World is 

 capable to be rowed as fast as they are, and when they are 

 full of Water they will not sink, and not only the Indians 

 but even the Christians are very dexterous in managing of 

 them. 



Before the arrival of the Christians in these parts (as I 

 have been credibly inform'd) the Indians had no other 

 Method in making these Periaugers and Canoes, but by 

 Fire, burning them hollow with Gums and Eosins and 

 scraping them with sharp Stones or Shells, prepared for that 

 use, according to the shape and size they proposed to make 

 them, having neither Handsaws, Axes, Adds, Chizel, or any 

 other Instruments made of Iron or Steel, wherewith to fash- 

 ion or make them; but at present they have all manner of 

 Instruments proper for such uses, which they have purchased 

 from the Christians. It is most certain, that no People in 

 the World are more handy and dexterous in managing their 

 Periaugers, and Canoes, with either Sail, Oar, or Paddle, 

 than they are; and when ever it happens that their Canoes 

 are full of Water, they will very nimbly leap out, and hold- 

 ing the Canoe with one Hand, throw out the Water with a 

 Gourd with the other, and so proceed on their intended Voy- 

 age. They likewise very often set their Periaugers and 

 Canoes, along the Shear with long Poles. 



The 



