MANv 51 



the rarioas nations dispersed over that extensive 

 co'-.tiiient, scarcely any variation can be found in the 

 colour of the skin, and less than might be expected, 

 in the formation of the body, and the contour of the, 

 features. All have high cheek-bones, flat noses, and 

 small eyes : all have thick, black, and lank hair, and 

 their beards are remarkably thin. Both men and 

 women paint their bodies and their faces ; and in this 

 particular, among some of the tribes, fashion and 

 taste seem to be as much studied as in the various 

 modes of dress among civilized nations. 



The original natives of America are more pusilla- 

 nimous than the Europeans ; at least, they are more 

 backward in facing danger. This, however, may 

 proceed from the circumstance of their having fewer 

 inducements to spirited enterprize. Their habitual 

 difficulties and wants render them patient in adver- 

 sity. Whether their patience may be considered as 

 the effect of habit, or a mark of fortitude, it is certain 

 that the greatest philosopher cannot possess in a more 

 eminent degree the art of maintaining an appearance 

 of magnanimity in the midst of distress and sufferings*. 

 Although less enterprising than the Europeans, and 

 more fearful of exposing themselves to danger, yet, 

 no sooner does it appear unavoidable, than tlieir Cou- 

 rage is excited to the highest pitch that can be ima- 

 gined. They are then ready to suffer, as well as to 

 inflict, the most cruel tortures, and either through na- 

 tive fortitude, or the influence of custom and educa- 

 tion, manifest a stoical apathy in the midst of the most 

 dreadful torments. Like all savages, they have a 

 grave and serious deportment. To those of their. own 

 tribe they are uniformly kind and just, but invariably 

 cruel to their conquered enemies. Circumstances 

 have an irresistible influence in the formation of cha- 

 racter; and an independent, precarious, and uncivi- 

 lized state of life produces a peculiar assemblage of 

 virtue and vices. Patience and sincerity, indolence 

 and rapacity, warm attachment to friends, and impla- 

 cable animosity to enemies, mark the- savage charn<> 

 er in every part of the world. 



