76 VARIETIES OF THE HUMAN SPECIES. 



Orinoco, are not to be compared for strength with those in cold countries ; and 

 yet boats daily set out from Para, a Portuguese settlement on the River of 

 Amazons, to ascend that river against the rapidity of the stream, and with the 

 same crew they proceed to San Pablo, which is eight hundred leagues distant. 

 No crew of w^hite people, or even of Negroes, would be found equal to such a 

 task of persevering fatigue, and yet the Indians, being accustomed to this labor 

 from their infancy, perform it."* From these and other facts, it is evident that 

 where the Indian can be stimulated by ambition or the hope of reward, his bodily 

 strength is equal to great and protracted exertion. 



Cautiousness and cunning are among the most prominent features in the 

 character of these people. A studied vigilance marks every action. If an Indian 

 speaks, it is in a slow and studied manner, and to avoid committing himself he 

 often resorts to metaphorical phrases which have no precise meaning. If he seeks 

 an enemy, it is through unfrequented paths, in the dead of night, and with every 

 device for concealment and surprise. When he meets his victim, the same 

 instinctive feeling governs all his movements. His motive is to destroy without 

 being destroyed, and he avails himself of every subterfuge that can protect his 

 own person while he seeks the life of his antagonist. It is by a refinement of 

 cautious cunning that they have so often circumvented Europeans, and they 

 pride themselves on this faculty more than on any other. Thus also when 

 provoked they can mask their resentment under an unruffled exterior ; but the 

 mind w^hich thus conceals its emotions, devises at the same moment a sleepless 

 and bloody revenge. Their very politeness is a part of their cautiousness ; for in 

 conversation they seldom contradict or deny the remarks that are made to them, 

 so that a stranger is unable to decide whether they are pleased or displeased, 

 convinced or the contrary. " The missionaries who have attempted to convert 

 them to Christianity, all complain of this as one of the great difficulties of their 

 mission. The Indians hear with patience the truths of the gospel explained to 

 them, and give their usual tokens of assent and approbation; but this by no 

 means implies conviction—it is mere civility."! For the same reason an Indian 

 seldom expresses himself with surprise. If an object interests him on account of 

 its novelty, he shows his gratification in a few subdued remarks, or by a significant 

 gesture ; but it is difficult to betray him into enthusiasm. That taciturnity which 

 is also linked with their cautiousness, is fostered by all their usages. It is seen 



* Robertson, Hist, of Amer. Note X LVI. f Hist, of Amer. (Anon.) p. 77. 



