48 THE RED, OR COPPER-COLOURED RACE. 



bodies and their faces ; and, among some of the 

 tribes, fashion and taste in this method of decoration 

 seem to be as muctj studied as in the various modes 

 of dress among civilized nations. 



Towards the southern point of America is found 

 the tallest race of men in the world, called Patago- 

 nians. Earlier travellers represented them as real 

 giants, but according to later observations, their 

 average height is between six and seven feet. 



The native Americans are said to be more back- 

 ward in facing danger than the people of Europe ; 

 but, no sooner does it appear unavoidable, than 

 their * courage is excited to the highest pitch. 

 They are then ready to suffer or to inflict the most 

 cruel tortures; and, either through native fortitude, 

 or the influence of custom and education, they dis- 

 play the, utmost composure amidst the greatest 

 agonies. To conquered enemies they are invari- 

 ably cruel, though kind and just to persons of their 

 own tribe. They are grave and serious in their 

 deportment. 



Though many of the tribes of the Americans 

 are equal in stature to the Europeans, they are not 

 so muscular and strong, probably owing to the 

 climate, together with the scantiness or the bad 

 quality of their food. Most of these people lead a 

 wandering life, Subsisting on the animals which 

 they kill in hunting, on fish, and on wild fruits and 

 roots. 



Patience and sincerity, indolence and rapacity, 

 warm attachment to friends and implacable hatred 



