NATIVE INDIAN HABITS. 



117 



the scalps that they have taken in their war 

 excursions ; but they form no arrangement, 

 nor enter into calculation for futurity. They 

 have no settled place of abode, or property, 

 or acquired wants and appetites, like those 

 which rouse men to activity in civilized life, 

 and stimulate them to persevering" industry, 

 while they keep the mind in perpetual exer- 

 cise and ingenious invention. Their simple 

 wants are few, and when satisfied they waste 

 their time in listless indolence ; and are often 

 seen lying on the ground for whole days to- 

 gether, without raising their heads from under 

 the blanket, or uttering a single word. The 

 cravings of hunger rouse them ; and the scar- 

 city of animals that now prevails in many 

 parts of the country, is a favourable circum- 

 stance towards leading them to the cultivation 

 of the soil ; which would expand their minds, 

 and prove of vast advantage, among other 

 means, in aiding their comprehension of Chris- 

 tianity. It must not be expected, however, 

 that the Indians will easily forsake a mode of 

 life that is so congenial to man,' in his natural 

 love of ease and indolence and licentious 

 freedom. Necessity, in a measure, must 

 compel them to do this ; but the children may 

 he educated, and trained to industry upon the 



