1 34 J^otices of the Floridas, «^c. 



es. The men are fond of ardent spirits and tobacco, the 

 only articles they ask for importunately ; but if refused, no 

 dissatisfaction is expressed. When presented with a bottle 

 of whiskey, it is fairly distributed among the adult males 

 present, but I observed none was offered to the women 

 and children, who did not appear to expect or desire any, 

 though often requesting tobacco and segars for smoking, of 

 which the smallest are fond. 



The Indians we had communication with were honest 

 and fair in their dealings, evincing no thievish disposition ; 

 we were received with kindness and hospitality, our wants 

 supplied, and they cheerfully put themselves to considera- 

 ble inconvenience for our accommodation. They are in 

 general tall and well-formed. The Seminoles differ con- 

 siderably in their manners from northern tribes, being 

 very curious, lively, and inquisitive. Our clothes, arms, 

 knives, umbrellas, &,c. were carefully examined ; and some 

 marked on the ground with much exactness the compo- 

 nent parts of a coat, or other garment, they fancied. 



Our mode of cooking and eating was to the natives a 

 source of much amusement and laughter, eliciting many 

 humerous remarks. They are usually cheerful, and the 

 the intercourse of relatives and neighbours evinced good 

 feelings. 



At the Indian village of Sanfalasco not far from the 

 river Santa Fee, we witnessed the amusements of wres- 

 tling and dancing. Dances are held at night on a level 

 hard beaten central spot ; males and females move in In- 

 dian file around a fire, singing a v/ild song ; there is little 

 diversity in the steps, but the tunes are varied, each dance 

 is terminated by a general whoop. 



The chief conducted us to a bower, where we were 

 seated with some of the head men, the villagers not en- 

 gaged in dancing located themselves in an opposite arbour. 

 The young men, unusually dressed and ornamented, had 

 spurs attached to their showy long mocasins, and with 

 cheeks blackened to represent whiskers, and faces painted, 

 made a ludicrous appearance. Small terrapin shells filled 

 with pebbles affixed to the ankles of the female dancers, 

 were their only instruments of music ; much laughter was 

 excited by the dancing and various amusing tricks. The 

 dogs responded to the Indian yell, and numerous owls at- 



