INDIAN HOME LIFE. or 
move them, even if they have to wash them while 
themselves naked, and wait in the shade while they 
dry inthe sun. In washing they use their hands in 
scrubbing the clothes, and do not belabor them with 
clubs, as in the more civilized districts, and in Mar- 
tinique, where the sound of the washing is loud in 
the land. 
The prettiest picture of Indian life I have seen was 
during’ a hunt in a secluded nook among the hills 
behind the settlement of Salibia. The Riviére Col- 
lette tumbles over and among great rocks, through 
narrow chasms shaded by tree-ferns and mountain 
palms. Many water plants grow in clumps, and little 
pools are formed among the rocks. As I was leap- 
ing the stones, in crossing, I heard a low murmur of 
song, and looking up, saw a young girl of sixteen 
sitting on a large bowlder, mending a handkerchief. 
Around her, drying’in the sun, were her clothes, 
which she had washed — probably all she possessed. 
She was so absorbed in her work, so carelessly happy 
in the freedom of this wild seclusion, that I had nearly 
crossed before she observed me, when, with maid- 
enly modesty, she covered her face with the handker- 
chief. 
The majority of the people go about lamentably 
ragged. There are few shoes and stockings in the 
community, and those who have them only put them 
on upon great occasions, when they appear ill at ease, 
cramped and uncomfortable. So it is with regard 
to dress; while, with a dress well made and fitting 
nicely, the women consider themselves magnificently 
arrayed, to me they appeared at a great disadvantage. 
In short frock descending to the knees, gathered about 
