INTRODUCTION". 11 



The inhabitants of America form a fifth race, differ- 

 ent in colour, as they are distinct in habitation. The 

 natives of America (except in the northern extremity, 

 where they bear a strong resemblance to the Laplander,) 

 are of a red or copper colour ; and although, in the 

 Old World, different climates produce a variety of 

 complexions and colours, the natives of the New Con- 

 tinent scarcely vary, and all have a striking similitude 

 to each other. Amongst the various tribes which peo- 

 ple that extensive country, you will scarcely perceive 

 any difference in the colour of their skin; all have 

 thick, black, straight hair ; and, in all, their beards 

 are remarkably thin. They have in general small eyes, 

 flat noses, and high cheek-bones. These deformities 

 of Nature they endeavour to increase by the injudi- 

 cious aid of Art; for, as soon as a poor infant is brought 

 into the world, its he-ad is compressed, its nose flat- 

 tened, and its existence made wretched by unnecessary 

 pain. Both men and women paint their bodies and 

 faces ; but they are neither 1 active, vigourous, nor 

 strong. All the race appear to be cowardly, as they 

 seldom are known to face their foes in the field, but 

 watch the moment when they can take an advantage, 

 and make up in cruelty what is deficient in strength. 

 The wants which they sustain make them patient in 

 adversity; for distress, by being familiar, becomes less 

 formidable : therefore their patience may be considered 

 as the effects of habit, rather than the proof of forti- 

 tude or resignation. They all possess a serious air, 

 though few of them are accustomed to reflect or think ; 

 and, notwithstanding the cruelty of their conduct to 

 their enemies, to each other they are uniformly hind 

 and just. The customs of savage nations are in most 

 countries the same. A wild, independent, precarious 



