HRDLicKA] PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL OBSERVATIONS 29 



In their effects upon the Indian the beverages most deleterious are, 

 in the order named, the aguardiente, impure sotol, tesvino mixed with 

 drugs or whisky, and pulque; this last, however, only because it is 

 used in great quantities. 



VIII. GENERAL HABITS OF LIFE, CHARACTER, AND 

 SOCIAL CONDITION 



There are numerous minor points in which the mode of life of the 

 Indian differs from that of the white man; only those, however, will 

 be touched on here which concern most nearly the functions and 

 health of the former. 



The usual time of rising for the Indian family in warm weather 

 is dawn, but delays are common enough. During the earlier part of 

 the day, if the weather is favorable, the members remain much out- 

 doors. After midday the adults occasionally take a siesta. Except 

 in time of ceremony or feast or game the family generally retire 

 before or by 9 p. m. They lie on mats, skins, or blankets spread on 

 the ground or on benches, each person folding a piece of clothing 

 under his head and wrapping himself entirely in a blanket. On cold 

 nights not only is everything closed and the family sleep huddled 

 together, but the writer also heard from the Indians that in some cases 

 dogs are taken to sleep with the people, who benefit by the warmth 

 of the animals. After rising the men often depart for work at once, 

 while the wives attend to their children, bring water, and slowly 

 prepare for the first meal. 



But little time is given to personal cleanliness. If water be plenti- 

 ful, each of the adults and of the older children may throw a few 

 handfuls on his face and wet his hair a little, leaving all to dry with- 

 out wiping. The children are washed but seldom. 



The meal hours of the more primitive Indians differ somewhat 

 from those of white people. The most regular and important meal 

 is that taken after sunset or later, at which time the quantity of food 

 consumed is occasionally greater than that to which an average 

 white man is accustomed. Earlier in the day there are one or, more 

 rarely, two other meals. If the nonreservation Indian has a breakfast 

 it is usually somewhat late, and often there is no lunch; or there may 

 be no actual breakfast but a meal of some sort about midday. Among 

 the Pueblos and others who are partially civilized meals are more 

 regular and m point of time accord more closely with our own. The 

 Indians employed by the writer became easily accustomed to three 

 regular meals a day, and also took quite kindly to our diet, with the 

 exception of canned meats and occasionally also canned milk. 



The unspoiled Indian of our Southwest and of northern Mexico is 

 not lazy; he may rather be termed industrious. Both men and 



