THE ABORIGINES OF THE WEST INDIES. 309 



separation, but the early writers give tliem a common description. 

 The Caribbean Islands were inhabited by a very different people. 

 The two races were no doubt off-shoots from different portions 

 of the neighboring continent. While the Caribs were bold, rug- 

 ged, aggressive and warlike, the former were amiable, docile, 

 -kind-hearted, generous and affectionate, and only fought Avhen 

 driven to it by the instinct of self-iDreservation. The contrast 

 was that of the wolf and the lamb. The blood of the Caribs had 

 not been exposed to the soothing influences of the atmosphere of 

 their island homes long enough to have eliminated the cruel 

 and savage taint it acquired in the cold, bleak, barren region 

 where it no doubt received its race-mark. The inhabitants of the 

 "West Indies were confiding, frank, gentle and good-natured. The 

 sexual passion was strong. " Love with this happy people was 

 not a transient and fitful ardor only, but the source of all their 

 pleasures, and the chief business of life. * * * They gave 

 full indulgence to the instincts of nature, while the influence of 

 the climate heightened the sensibility of the passions." 



'* They had less strength and endurance than the Spaniards. 

 Their limbs were- jDliant and active, and in their motions they 

 displayed both gracefulness and ease. They were expert divers, 

 and their agility was eminently conspicuous in their dances, 

 wherein they delighted and excelled, devoting the cool hours of 

 night to this employment. It was their custom to dance from 

 evening to dawn." Herrera says that their public dances, (for 

 they had others highly licentious,) were appropriated to jjarticular 

 solemnities, and being accompanied with historical songs, were 

 called Arretoes. 



They had an elastic ball game like that of cricket, which Avas 

 called Bato. The bull avus not caught in the hand, or returned 

 Avith an instrument, but received on the head, the elbow or foot, 

 "and the dexterity and force Avith Avhicli it was repelled was as- 

 tonishing and inimitable." 



