CHARACTER OF PATAGONIANS. 1038 
straight, and sometimes aquiline: the mouth is wide, with 
prominent lips, and the chin is rather large ; the jaws are 
broad, and give the face a square appearance; the neck is 
short and thick ; the shoulders are broad; the chest is broad, 
and very full ; but the arm, particularly the fore-arm, is small, 
as are also the foot and leg ; the body long, large and fat, but 
not corpulent. Such was the appearance of those who came 
under my observation. 
As to their character, the Patagonians are friendly, without 
that disposition to quarrel, after the novelty of first acquaintance 
has worn off, which is so common among savages in general. 
This probably arises from interested motives, certainly not from 
fear, unless it be the fear of being avoided instead of visited 
by the ships which pass by, and from which they procure 
many useful articles, and many temporary gratifications. 
Swords, long knives, tobacco, Paraguay tea, bits, saddles, 
guns, lead for balls, red cloth, beads (particularly of a sky- 
blue colour), flour, sugar, and spirits, are much desired in 
exchange for their peltry and guanaco meat; but they have 
no idea beyond that of satisfying the wants of the moment. 
After a few pounds of tobacco had been distributed amongst 
them, although they are very fond of smoking, it became quite 
a drug, and it was necessary to produce something new to excite 
their attention. From Maria’s influence, and the reference 
so constantly made to her, it would seem that she was con- 
sidered as cacique of the tribe; but her apparent superiority 
may arise from her connexion with Bysante, of whom they all 
spoke as ‘ E] Cacique Grande, or from the attention paid to 
her by ships with whom they communicate. 
The people of this tribe seemed to live together harmoniously ; 
no bickerings or jealous feelings were observed, and certainly 
none were expressed by any one of our bulky friends on 
witnessing another receiving a valuable present, or a good 
exchange for his property. 
At sunset our people were ordered to embark, upon which 
the price of Patagonian goods immediately fell, at least, a 
thousand per cent., though many held back in expectation of 
