342 



ACCOUNT OP THE INDIANS. 



Chastity in married persons is universally regard- 

 ed as a virtue ; and the want of it in a woman, is 

 frequently the cause of her being rejected by her 

 husband. A separation, also, at some times, takes 

 place, on account of the slothfulness of the wo- 

 man. When such an event does occur, all the 

 children, if small, remain with their mother, buf 

 should they have sons, advanced beyond the pe- 

 riod of childhood, they remain with their father. 

 Their separations, however, are seldom lasting ; 

 and after a few days absence, the parties general- 

 ly have an inclination to return to each other. 

 These separations commonly take place in obedi- 

 ence to the will of the husband, only because, pos- 

 sessing greater physical strength, he has more 

 power to drive his wife from him, or to retain her 

 with him, against her choice, than'she has to treat 

 him in a similar manner. 



The Indian women sit down in a decent at- 

 titude, placing their knees close to each other. 

 They are very particular, also, in regard to their 

 behaviour, during their periodical illness. They 

 then leave the tents where their families reside, 

 and go and put up temporary ones, at a little 

 distance from them, where they remain during 

 the continuance of their illness. While they are 

 there,, the men will not deign to hold any con- 

 versation with them ; nor will thev suffer them 



