TRADE. 363 



blanket was good for two or even three robes ; whilst one 

 measure of Indian cloth, or five or six measures of calico, 

 was the equivalent of one robe. 



Counting all expenses of transportation of goods, 

 employment of runners, salesmen, &c., the robes actually 

 cost the traders from two and a half to three and a half 

 dollars at the Indian camp. And this, too, when all 

 legitimate mercantile advantages are taken. The Indian 

 buys sugar by measure. The trader brings out the 

 lightest and most fluffy article to be found, weighing, 

 scarcely half a pound to the pint. The Indian is no 

 judge of coffee, tea, &c. The very poorest article to be 

 found in the eastern market is brought to him. Of the 

 quality of Indian cloth, blankets, calico, and such articles, 

 the Indian is a very fair judge ; and in the regular trade, 

 with his accustomed articles, he is not easily taken in. It 

 is when he finds something new and specially adapted 

 to his fancy that his pocket is turned out. 



I have said that he has no standard of value. 

 Neither can he comprehend that any other man can have 

 such standard. He will work a month to complete a bow 

 and quiver of arrows, and then probably sell them for 

 something that cost twenty cents. He will gravely offer 

 to ' swap ' a broken-down mule worth nothing for a two- 

 hundred dollar horse. 



Years ago, before matches were so common as now, 

 a Lipan Indian saw an officer take a box, of what to him 

 were little sticks, from his pocket, and, scratching one on 

 a stone, light his pipe. He eagerly inquired into this 

 mystery, and looked on with astonishment while several 

 matches were lighted for his gratification. He went to 

 his camp near by, and soon came back with half a dozen 

 beautifully-dressed wild cat skins, which he offered for 

 the wonderful box. The exchange was accepted, and he 

 went off exceedingly gratified. Some time after he was 

 found sitting by a stone on which he was gravely scratch- 

 ing match after match, holding each in his fingers until 



