NOR.TH AMERICA. 
3% 
fmall found wood diverted of its bark, there is but 
little fmoak. All around the infide of the building, 
betwixt the fecond range of pillars and the wall, is 
a range of cabins or fophas, confiding of two or 
three Heps, one above or behind the other, in the- 
atrical order, where the aflembly fit or lean down ; 
thefe fophas are covered with mats or carpets, very 
curioufly made of thin fplints of Am or Oak, woven 
or platted together ; near the great pillar in the 
centre the fire is kindled for light, near which the' 
muficians feat themfelves, and round about this the 
performers exhibit their dances and other fhows at 
public feftivals, which happen almoft every night 
throughout the year. 
About the clofe of the evening I accompanied Mr.* 
Galahan and other white traders to the rotunda, 
where was a grand feflival, mufic and dancing.* 
This affembly was held principally to rehearfe the 
ball-play dance, this town being challenged to play 
againft another the next day* 
The people being a-fTembled and feated in order, 
and the muficians having taken their ftation, the 
ball opens, flrfl with a long harangue or oration, 
fpoken by aa aged chief, in commendation of the 
manly exercife of the ball-play, recounting the 
many and brilliant victories which the town of 
Co we had gained over the other towns in the na- 
tion, not forgetting or neglecting to recite his own 
exploits, together with thole of other aged men now 
prefent, coadjutors in the performance of thefe athe- 
istic games in their youthful days. 
This oration was delivered with great fpirit and 
eloquence, and was meant to influence the paflon? 
