92 IN THE GUIANA FOREST. 



pass when he catches nothing ; feeding is there- 

 fore a very serious thing when an opportunity 

 occurs. 



The file is naturally led by the men, who carry 

 nothing but their weapons, while the women 

 come behind, loaded to " the last straw," with 

 hammocks and food, in baskets resting on the 

 shoulders steadied by bands across the forehead. 

 Some will have babies slung in front and little 

 children at heel, but the man must not help her. 

 She and her load represent the baggage, her 

 husband the vanguard. No doubt this was 

 reasonable in old times, for no man with a burden 

 could defend his family against enemies, human 

 or feline, that might suddenly come upon them. 

 The old custom or instinct is retained without 

 much reason ; but we must not be too hasty in 

 condemning it as some good people have done. 

 The Indian wife does not suffer her man to do 

 women's work ; it would degrade him. 



By and by they arrive at the pool, and at once 

 every one is busy. The men cut down saplings 

 for shelters, which are covered with palm leaves, 

 erect the necessary barbecues and see that every- 

 thing is ready for to-morrow's work. The women 

 prepare a meal, and at sunset they all retire to 

 their hammocks, often conversing half the night 



