296 The Natural Historic 



one of them for a Bedfellow, and has got Bum to sell, he 

 always fees the King with a large Dram, to confirm the 

 Match. 



When any such Question is proposed to these Savages, 

 they will debate the Matter amongst themselves with all the 

 sobriety and seriousness imaginable, every one of the Girls 

 Relations arguing the Advantage or Disadvantage that may 

 ensue from such a ISTights Encounter, all which is done with 

 as much steadiness and reality, as if it were the greatest 

 Concern in the World, not so much as one Person shall be 

 seen to smile so long as the Debate lasts, making no manner 

 of difference betwixt an Agreement of this Nature, and any 

 other Bargain. If they comply with the Men's desire, then a 

 particular Bed is provided for them either in a Cabin by 

 themselves, or else all the young People turn out to another 

 Lodging, that they might not spoil sport betwixt these Lovers, 

 and if the old People are in the same Cabin along with them 

 all E^ight, they lye as unconcerned as if they w^ere so many 

 Statues or logs of Wood, in nowise offering to disturb them, 

 and that the Man may have the Satisfaction of his new pur- 

 chase, which pleasure is sometimes bought at too dear a rate. 

 If it be an Indian of their own Town or INTeighbourhood that 

 wants a Mistress, he comes to none but the Girl who receives 

 what presents she thinks fit to ask, and so lyes with him all 

 Night without the knowledge or previous consent of her 

 Parents or Relations. This familiarity so kindles lust, that 

 the young Men will likewise go in the Night time from one 

 House to another to visit the young Women, after which 

 rambling manner they frequently spend the whole NigLt. 

 In their adresses they find no delays, for if she is willing 

 to entertain the Man, she gives him encouragement, and 

 grants him admittance, otherwise she withdraws her Face 



from 



