THE MAN OF THE FOREST. 67 



which he was acquainted, and often showed con- 

 siderable knowledge of the virtues of certain 

 medicines now small-pox, syphilis, and the evil 

 effects of rum have put all this out. It has taken 

 him ages to learn what remedies are most suitable 

 for his peculiar diseases, and as he cannot learn 

 from books, and refuses to take advice, there is 

 absolutely nothing to be done. Where once the 

 Indian families were enumerated by thousands 

 there is now not a single individual, and a few 

 years make great differences even in the far 

 interior. Villages where once the traveller found 

 a hearty welcome can hardly be distinguished from 

 the surrounding forest, not even a parrot remaining 

 to speak the language of the lost tribe. 



