INDIANS BETWEEN THE COLORADO AND THE PACIFIC.—THE YAVIPAIS. 125 
farthest of these people dwell, are the towns (rancherias) of the Cuabajais. The greater part 
are made in the form of a great square, and with two doors, one on the eastern and the other 
on the western side. They are divided by arches made of the limbs of trees, which are usually 
willow, and have a few windows on the interior, sufficient for the escape of smoke from the 
several fires, around each of which a family lives. Sentinels are stationed at the doors during 
the night-time. Throughout the country, wherever they have made their residences, the cli- 
mate is very mild, the land rich, and covered with trees; and what, at the first sight, is most 
agreeable in these Indians, is the cleanliness of their persons, and tidiness of dress, in which 
they greatly surpass those of the Benemé nation. 
9. Twelve leagues to the northward of the last town of the Cubajai nation, and on the banks 
of a full river, begins the nation of the Noches. Their lands are very rich, are covered with 
forest, and possess a variety of charms that only can be imagined. This people are very affa- 
ble and kind. The men present a fine appearance; the women are very cleanly and neat, 
being attentive to their hair, and wearing an under skirt of buckskin and robes of skin. Their 
favorite, pastime is bathing in the full rivers of crystal water, which everywhere abound. 
They likewise make use of the bath called tamascal,* which is kelen in a subterranean room 
covered over like an oven, and having a small door in the side or in the roof. When they wish 
to take this bath, fire is kindled in it before they go in; and as there is no place of ventilation 
but the entrance, profuse perspiration follows on the body in a short time, which is endured 
as long as possible, and then they run and plunge into a river, where they thoroughly wash 
themselves. From this frequent practice, it is to be supposed, arises their great cleanliness, 
which distinguishes them among all the nations and tribes of Indians, and it may also be the 
cause of that delicacy of person which unfits them for walking. 
10. Allthat vast country comprehended by the Sierra Madre of California and its eastern 
slope, and by its western as far as the sea-coast, is occupied by savage nations, in bands of 
unequal numbers. The principal qualities and customs which mark their character are, for 
the most part, those common to all Indians, with little exception, in a state of civilization, 
without being so peacefully inclined or of so soft a nature. Some of them have been visited, 
and others have been heard of, from the tribes of those regions who, at one time or other, have 
held intercourse with them. These are the Cuñeil,f who are on the borders of the port of San 
Diego, and whose towns continue to the outlet of the channel of Santa Barbara; the Quemeyá,t 
who likewise border on that port, and on the nations of said outlet; the Tecuiche, who have 
their hordes as far as the port of San Carlos; and the Teniqueches, who adjoin the Talchedums 
and the mission of Santa Ana. The Cuñeil and the Quemeyá have each their dialect, and the 
other two speak the same language with the Benemé. The Cobaji and the Noche have also a 
language apart; the former adjoin the nation of the Chemeque on the east, and the Noche on 
the west. 
11. In the wide extent of country comprehended between the Gila, Colorado, and the south- 
ern part of the province of the Moquis, are many nations that have not been visited or seen, 
as those have on the Colorado, and those with whom relations of friendship have been formed 
in the mountains of California; but it is known that many tribes do exist there, and are of the 
most wandering character. The number of persons belonging to each of them is considered to 
be very small; but they are all Yavipais, adding for each an additional word to that given 
name. Those that we have knowledge of, from intercourse held with here and there one, and 
from the accounts that some of themselves have given, consist of the Yavipais-tepia, who have 
their particular tongue; the Yavipais-mucaoraive, who speak a dialect distinct from theirs, 
as do the Yavipais-abema, Yavipais-cuernomache, Yavipais-caprala, and Tiqui-llapais. North- 
® Temazcalli, a Mexican word for a small house built like an oven, wherein to take sudorific baths. 
1 These are now called Dieginos. 
f At present written Comoyá or Comoyet. The tribe is scattered from San Felipe across the desert, to the mouth of Rio 
Gila. 
