NORTH AMERICA* 3^7 
fmali found Wood diveded 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 deps, one above or behind the other, in the- 
atrical order, where the affembly fit or lean down 5 
thefe fophas are covered with mats or carpets, very 
curiouily made of thin fplints ofAfh or Oak, woven 
or platted together 1 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 lhows at 
public fedivals, which happen aimed every night 
throughout the year* 
About the clofe of the evening 1 accompanied 
Mr. Galahan and other white traders to the rotun^ 
da, where was a grand fedival, mufic and dancing* 
This affembly was held principally to rehearfe the 
ball-play dance, this town being challenged to play 
againd another the next day. 
The people being aflembled and feated in order, 
and the muficians having taken their dation, the 
ball opens, fird with a long harangue or oration, 
fpoken by an aged chief, in commendation of the 
manly exercife of the ball-play, recounting the 
many and brilliant victories which the town of 
Cowe had gained over the other towns in the na- 
tion, not forgetting or negledting to recite his own 
exploits, together with thofe of other aged men 
now prefent, coadjutors in the performance of thefe 
athletic games in their youthful days^ 
'This oration was delivered with great fpirit and 
eloquence, and was meant to influence the pafTions 
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