INDIANS. 
181 
quered the many obstacles in their path, and now command the 
sympathy and respect of their white brethren by the energy and 
perseverance they have shown in mastering a new position among 
civihzed men. 
The dress of the women is also more pleasing than that of the 
men, preserving as they do something of a characteristic costume. 
They are generally wrapped in blankets, and bareheaded, or those 
of the richer families wear a round beaver, which makes them 
look a little like the brown peasant girls of Tuscany ; they seem to 
be the only females in the country Avho do not make a profound 
study of the monthly fashion-plates. The men are almost al- 
ways dressed in shabby clothes, cut upon white patterns. The 
women either dislike to speak English, or they are unable to do 
so, for they are very laconic indeed in conversation ; many of 
them, although understanding what is said, will only answer you 
by smiles and signs ; but as they do not aim as much as the men 
at keeping up the cold dignity of their race, this mute language 
is often kindly and pleasing. Many of those who carry about 
their simple wares for sale in the neighborhood of their own vil- 
lages would be remarked for their amiable expression, gentle 
manner, and low, musical voices. They still carry their children 
tied up in a blanket at their backs, supporting them by a band 
passing round the forehead, which brings the weight chiefly upon 
the head. 
It is easy to wish these poor people well ; but surely some- 
thing more may justly be required of us — of those who have 
taken their country and their place on the earth. The time 
seems at last to have come when their own eyes are opening to 
the real good of civilization, the advantages of knowledge, tha 
