CHAKACTER OF PATAGONIANS. 



103 



straight, and sometimes aquiline : the mouth is wide, with 

 prominent lips, and the chin is rather large ; the jaws are 

 broad, and give the face a square appearance ; the neck is 

 short and thick ; the shoulders are broad ; the chest is broad, 

 and very full ; but the arm, particularly the fore-arm, is small, 

 as are also the foot and leg ; the body long, large and fat, but 

 not corpulent. Such was the appearance of those who came 

 under my observation. 



As to their character, the Patagonians are friendly, without 

 that disposition to quarrel, after the novelty of first acquaintance 

 has worn off, which is so common among savages in general. 

 This probably arises from interested motives, certainly not from 

 fear, unless it be the fear of being avoided instead of visited 

 by the ships which pass by, and from which they procure 

 many useful articles, and many temporary gratifications. 



Swords, long knives, tobacco, Paraguay tea, bits, saddles, 

 guns, lead for balls, red cloth, beads (particularly of a sky- 

 blue colour), flour, sugar, and spirits, are much desired in 

 exchange for their peltry and guanaco meat ; but they have 

 no idea beyond that of satisfying the wants of the moment. 



After a few pounds of tobacco had been distributed amongst 

 them, although they are very fond of smoking, it became quite 

 a drug, and it was necessary to produce something new to excite 

 their attention. From Maria's influence, and the reference 

 so constantly made to her, it would seem that she was con- 

 sidered as cacique of the tribe ; but her apparent superiority 

 may arise from her connexion with Bysante, of whom they all 

 spoke as ' El Cacique Grande,^ or from the attention paid to 

 her by ships with whom they communicate. 



The people of this tribe seemed to hve together harmoniously; 

 no bickerings or jealous feelings were observed, and certainly 

 none were expressed by any one of our bulky friends on 

 witnessing another receiving a valuable present, or a good 

 exchange for his property. 



At sunset our people were ordered to embark, upon which 

 the price of Patagonian goods immediately fell, at least, a 

 thousand per cent., though many held back in expectation of 



