CHAPTER XIV

The Pueblos -- Their Character for Sobriety, Honesty, and Industry -- Traditional descent from Montezuma -- Their Languages -- Former and present Population -- The Pueblo of Pecos -- Singular Habits of that ill-fated Tribe -- Curious Tradition -- Montezuma and the Sun -- Legend of a Serpent -- Religion and government -- Secret Council -- Laws and Customs -- Excellent Provisions against Demoralization -- Primitive Pastimes of the Pueblos -- Their Architecture -- Singular Structures of Taos, and other novel Fortifications -- Primitive state of the Arts among the Pueblos -- Style of Dress, Weapons, etc. -- Their Diet -- The _Guayave_, 54

{xvi} CHAPTER XV

The wild Tribes of New Mexico -- Speculative Theories -- Clavigero and the _Azteques_ -- Pueblo Bonito and other Ruins -- Probable Relationship between the _Azteques_ and Tribes of New Mexico -- The several Nations of this Province -- _Navajóes_ and _Azteques_ -- Manufactures of the former -- Their Agriculture, Religion, etc. -- Mexican Cruelty to the Indians and its Consequences -- Inroads of the Navajóes -- Exploits of a Mexican Army -- How to make a Hole in a powder-keg -- The _Apaches_ and their character -- Their Food -- Novel Mode of settling Disputes -- Range of their marauding Excursions -- Indian Traffic and imbecile Treaties -- Devastation of the Country -- Chihuahua Rodomontades -- Juan José, a celebrated Apache Chief, and his tragical End, etc. -- Massacre of Americans in Retaliation -- A tragical Episode -- _Proyecto de Guerra_ and a 'gallant' Display -- The _Yutas_ and their Hostilities -- A personal Adventure with them, but no Bloodshed -- The Jicarillas, 67