comparisons are taken from surrounding nature, and 75¢ Indians 
are generally very appropriate. 
Concerning the daily life of the Indians we have 
often had occasion to make remarks in prior sketches. 
Most tribes live only in tents and lead a wandering 
hunter’s existence. One family usually lives in every 
tent. Polygamy is sanctioned in all tribes, but only 
the wealthier can put it in practice. The squaws as 
a rule are anything but handsome, but their unclean- 
liness may serve to hide their charms. The squaws 
are treated not much better than slaves. There is no “ 
appeal from the will of the lord and master. War 
and the hunt are the only occupations for a man; 
everything else is for the squaws. The squaw must 
attend to the horses, set up the tent and take it down, 
must care for the baggage, must cut up the game, 
attend to the kitchen, tan leather, make clothes and 
moccasins, etc. In spite of these multifarious de- 
mands on their activity, they are generally indefatig- 
able and good-natured and bear the ill-temper of their 
masters, oft manifesting itself by blows, with Indian 
fortitude. Children are soon left to themselves. I 
have never seen that they were beaten. They usually 
learn riding before walking; but in the latter, too, 
they develop great speed and endurance. Although 
their muscles do not appear especially prominent, they 
seem to have a degree of toughness which qualifies 
them for extraordinary exertions. The women are 
no less hardened than the men, but with them the full 
development of the body is hampered by too early 
