66 



The specimens collected, are as diversified as the shortness of the 

 time and the means appropriated would permit. In the accompanying 

 schedule they are classified, under their aboriginal names, into eighty- 

 three distinct classes, and number in all about three hundred. They 

 were obtained among the Senecas, in the western part of the State. 

 It is hoped that they will prove an acceptable addition to the State Col- 

 lection, and will induce its further enlargement. After the lapse of 

 a few more years, it will be impossible to bring together these silent 

 memorials of our primitive inhabitants. Their social condition has 

 changed greatly, and is changing from day to day ; while their simple 

 arts are dropping from their hands one after the other, as they gradually 

 take up agricultural pursuits. It is but just to them to save from 

 oblivion the fruits of their inventive intellect, however rude and simple 

 they may be, that they themselves may be at least correctly judged. 

 Succeeding generations, also, have a right to require of us these me- 

 morials of a departed race j of that race who christened our rivers, 

 lakes, and hills ; who maintained them against hostile bands, with a 

 patriotism as glowing as such a fair domain could inspire in the heart 

 of man, but to surrender them at last, and without an equivalent, to a 

 more fortunate possessor. 



It is not deemed necessary to describe the articles in detail. A few 

 of the leading specimens will be selected, and some notice given of 

 their origin, manufacture, and uses. Their names are in the Seneca 

 dialect. In their pronunciation the following signs will indicate the 

 several sounds of the vowel a, upon which the greatest variations are 

 made. 



(a, as in arm — a, as in at — a, as in ale.) 



Ah-ta-qua-o-w r eh, or Moccasin) (for male.) See plate 1. 



Moccasin, (for female.) See plate 2. 



The moccasin is preeminently an Indian invention, and one of the 

 highest antiquity. It is true to nature in its adjustment to the foot, 

 beautiful in its materials and finish, and durable as an article of apparel. 

 It will compare favorably with the best single article for the protection 

 and adornment of the foot ever invented, either in ancient or modern 

 times. With the sanction of fashion, it would supersede among us a 

 long list of similar inventions. Other nations have fallen behind the 

 Indian, in this one particular at least. The masses of the Romans wore 

 the Calceus Ligneus, or wooden shoe ; the masses of Germany and 

 Ireland, and many of the nations of Europe, formerly wore the same. 



