98 



Gonceivabîe degrees of relationship being indicated 

 therein by particular names. 



From the mutual affection that subsists between 

 them, proceeds their solicitude reciprocally to assist 

 each other in their necessities. Not a beggar or an 

 indigent person is to be found throughout the whole 

 Araucanian territory ; even the most infirm and in- 

 capable of subsistingthemselves are decently clothed. 



This benevolence is not, however, confined only 

 to theLr countrymen : they conduct with the great- 

 est hospitality towards all strangers of whatever na- 

 tion, and a traveller may live in any part of their 

 country without the least expense. 

 • Their usual expression whenever they meet is 

 marima?i, and when they quit each other ventempi, 

 or venteni» They are rather tiresome in their com- 

 pliments, which are generally too long, as they take 

 a pride upon such occasions, as well as every other, 

 in making a display of their eloquence. The right 

 hand is among them, as with the Europeans, the 

 most honourable station, contrary to the practice of 

 the Asiatics, with whoni the left enjoys that privi- 

 lege. They are naturally fond of honourable dis- 

 tinption, and there is nothing they can endure with 

 less patience than contempt or inattention. From 

 hence, if a Spaniard speaks to one of them with 

 his hat on, he immediately says to him in an in- 

 dignant tone, entugo tami ciirtesia, take oif your 

 hat. By attention and courtesy, any. thing may be 

 obtained from them, and the favours which they re- 

 ceive make an indelible impression upon their minds, 

 while on th^ contrary, ill treatment exasperates them 



