CHAPTER XIX.

_Of the_ TREES, SHRUBS, ROOTS, HERBS, FLOWERS _&c._

I SHALL here observe the same method that I have pursued in the preceding chapter, and having given a list of the trees, &c. which are natives of the interior parts of North America, particularize such only as differ from the produce of other countries, or, being little known, have not been described.

OF TREES.

The Oak, the Pine Tree, the Maple, the Ash, the Hemlock, the Bass or White Wood, the Cedar, the Elm, the Birch, the Fir, the Locust Tree, the Poplar, the Wickopic or Suckwic, the Spruce, the Hornbeam, and the Button Wood Tree.

The OAK. There are several sorts of oaks in these parts; the black, the white, the red, the yellow, the grey, the swamp oak, and the chesnut oak: the five former vary but little in their external appearance, the shape of the leaves, and the colour of the bark being so much alike, that they are scarcely distinguishable; but the body of the tree when sawed discovers the variation, which chiefly consists in the colour of the wood, they being all very hard and proper for building. The swamp oak differs materially from the others both in the shape of the leaf, which is smaller, and in the bark, which is smoother; and likewise as it grows only in a moist gravelly soil. It is esteemed the toughest of all woods, being so strong yet pliable, that it is often made use of instead of whalebone, and is equally serviceable. The chesnut oak also is greatly different from the others, particularly in the shape of the leaf, which much resembles that of the chesnut-tree, and for this reason it is so denominated. It is neither so strong as the former species, or so tough as the latter, but is of a nature proper to be split into rails for fences, in which state it will endure a considerable time.

The PINE TREE. That species of the pine tree peculiar to this part of the continent is the white, the quality of which I need not describe, as the timber of it is so well known under the name of deals. It grows here in great plenty, to an amazing height and size, and yields an excellent turpentine, though not in such quantities as those in the northern parts of Europe.

The MAPLE. Of this tree there are two sorts, the hard and the soft, both of which yield a luscious juice, from which the Indians by boiling make very good sugar. The sap of the former is much richer and sweeter than the latter, but the soft produces a greater quantity. The wood of the hard maple is very beautifully veined and curled, and when wrought into cabinets, tables, gunstocks, &c. is greatly valued. That of the soft sort differs in its texture, wanting the variegated grain of the hard; it also grows more strait and free from branches, and is more easily split. It likewise may be distinguished from the hard, as this grows in meadows and low-lands, that on the hills and up-lands. The leaves are shaped alike, but those of the soft maple are much the largest, and of a deeper green.

The ASH. There are several sorts of this tree in these parts, but that to which I shall confine my description, is the yellow ash, which is only found near the head branches of the Mississippi. This tree grows to an amazing height, and the body of it is so firm and sound, that the French traders who go into that country from Louisiana to purchase furs make of them periaguays; this they do by excavating them by fire, and when they are completed, convey in them the produce of their trade to New Orleans, where they find a good market both for their vessels and cargoes. The wood of this tree greatly resembles that of the common ash, but it might be distinguished from any other tree by its bark; the ross or outside bark being near eight inches thick, and indented with furrows more than six inches deep, which make those that are arrived to a great bulk appear uncommonly rough; and by this peculiarity they may be readily known. The rind or inside bark is of the same thickness as that of other trees, but its colour is a fine bright yellow; insomuch that if it is but slightly handled, it will leave a stain on the fingers, which cannot easily be washed away; and if in the spring you peel off the bark, and touch the sap, which then rises between that and the body of the tree, it will leave so deep a tincture that it will require three or four days to wear it off. Many useful qualities belonging to this tree I doubt not will be discovered in time, besides its proving a valuable acquisition to the dyer.

The HEMLOCK TREE grows in every part of America in a greater or less degree. It is an ever-green of a very large growth, and has leaves somewhat like that of the yew; it is however quite useless, and only an incumbrance to the ground, the wood being of a very coarse grain, and full of wind-shakes or cracks.

The BASS or WHITE WOOD is a tree of a middling size, and the whitest and softest wood that grows; when quite dry it swims on the water like a cork: in the settlements the turners make of it bowls, trenchers, and dishes, which wear smooth, and will last a long time; but when applied to any other purpose it is far from durable.

The WICKOPICK or SUCKWICK appears to be a species of the white wood, and is distinguished from it by a peculiar quality in the bark, which when pounded and moistened with a little water, instantly becomes a matter of the consistence and nature of size. With this the Indians pay their canoes, and it greatly exceeds pitch or any other material usually appropriated to that purpose; for besides its adhesive quality, it is of so oily a nature, that the water cannot penetrate through it, and its repelling power abates not for a considerable time.

The BUTTON WOOD is a tree of the largest size, and might be distinguished by its bark, which is quite smooth and prettily mottled. The wood is very proper for the use of cabinet-makers. It is covered with small hard burs which spring from the branches, that appear not unlike buttons, and from these I believe it receives its name.

NUT TREES.

The Butter or Oil Nut, the Walnut, the Hazle Nut, the Beech Nut, the Pecan Nut, the Chesnut, the Hickory.

The BUTTER or OIL NUT. As no mention has been made by any authors of this nut, I shall be the more particular in my account of it. The tree grows in meadows where the soil is rich and warm. The body of it seldom exceeds a yard in circumference, is full of branches, the twigs of which are short and blunt, and its leaves resemble those of the walnut. The nut has a shell like that fruit, which when ripe is more furrowed, and more easily cracked; it is also much longer and larger than a walnut, and contains a greater quantity of kernel, which is very oily, and of a rich agreeable flavour. I am persuaded that a much purer oil than that of olives might be extracted from this nut. The inside bark of this tree dyes a good purple; and it is said, varies in its shade, being either darker or lighter according to the month in which it is gathered.

The BEECH NUT. Though this tree grows exactly like that of the same name in Europe, yet it produces nuts equally as good as chesnuts; on which bears, martins, squirrels, partridges, turkies, and many other beasts and birds feed. The nut is contained, whilst growing, in an outside case like that of a chesnut, but not so prickly; and the coat of the inside shell is also smooth like that; only its form is nearly triangular. Vast quantities of them lie scattered about in the woods, and supply with food great numbers of the creatures just mentioned. The leaves, which are white, continue on the trees during the whole winter. A decoction made of them is a certain and expeditious cure for wounds which arise from burning or scalding, as well as a restorative for those members that are nipped by the frost.

The PECAN NUT is somewhat of the walnut kind, but rather smaller than a walnut, being about the size of a middling acorn, and of an oval form; the shell is easily cracked, and the kernel shaped like that of a walnut. This tree grows chiefly near the Illinois river.

The HICKORY is also of the walnut kind, and bears a fruit nearly like that tree. There are several sorts of them, which vary only in the colour of the wood. Being of a very tough nature, the wood is generally used for the handles of axes, &c. It is also very good fire-wood, and as it burns an excellent sugar distills from it.

FRUIT TREES.

I need not to observe that these are all the spontaneous productions of nature, which have never received the advantages of ingrafting, transplanting, or manuring.

The Vine, the Mulberry Tree, the Crab Apple Tree, the Plum Tree, the Cherry Tree, and the Sweet Gum Tree.

The VINE is very common here, and of three kinds; the first sort hardly deserves the name of a grape; the second much resembles the Burgundy grape, and if exposed to the sun a good wine might be made from them. The third sort resembles Zant currants, which are so frequently used in cakes, &c. in England, and if proper care was taken of them, would be equal, if not superior, to those of that country.

The MULBERRY TREE is of two kinds, red and white, and nearly of the same size of those of France and Italy, and grow in such plenty, as to feed any quantity of silk worms.

The CRAB APPLE TREE bears a fruit that is much larger and better flavoured than those of Europe.

The PLUM TREE. There are two sorts of plums in this country, one a large sort of a purple cast on one side, and red on the reverse, the second totally green, and much smaller. Both these are of a good flavour, and are greatly esteemed by the Indians, whose taste is not refined, but who are satisfied with the productions of nature in their unimproved state.

The CHERRY TREE. There are three sorts of cherries in this country; the black, the red, and the sand cherry; the two latter may with more propriety be ranked among the shrubs, as the bush that bears the sand cherries almost creeps along the ground, and the other rises not above eight or ten feet in height; however I shall give an account of them all in this place. The black cherries are about the size of a currant, and hang in clusters like grapes; the trees which bear them being very fruitful, they are generally loaded, but the fruit is not good to eat, however they give an agreeable flavour to brandy, and turn it to the colour of claret. The red cherries grow in the greatest profusion, and hang in bunches like the black sort just described; so that the bushes which bear them appear at a distance like solid bodies of red matter. Some people admire this fruit, but they partake of the nature and taste of alum, leaving a disagreeable roughness in the throat, and being very astringent. As I have already described the sand cherries, which greatly exceed the two other sorts both in flavour and size, I shall give no further description of them. The wood of the black cherry-tree is very useful, and works well into cabinet ware.

The SWEET GUM TREE or LIQUID AMBER (Copalm) is not only extremely common, but it affords a balm, the virtues of which are infinite. Its bark is black and hard, and its wood so tender and supple, that when the tree is felled, you may draw from the middle of it rods of five or six feet in length. It cannot be employed in building or furniture, as it warps continually. Its leaf is indented with five points like a star. This balm is reckoned by the Indians to be an excellent febrifuge, and it cures wounds in two or three days.

SHRUBS.

The Willow, Shin Wood, Shumack, Sassafras, the Prickly Ash, Moose Wood, Spoon Wood, Large Elder, Dwarf Elder, Poisonous Elder, Juniper, Shrub Oak, Sweet Fern, the Laurel, the Witch Hazle, the Myrtle Wax Tree, Winter Green, the Fever Bush, the Cranberry Bush, the Goosberry Bush, the Currant Bush, the Whirtle Berry, the Rasberry, the Black Berry, and the Choak Berry.

The WILLOW. There are several species of the willow, the most remarkable of which is a small sort that grows on the banks of the Mississippi, and some other places adjacent. The bark of this shrub supplies the beaver with its winter food; and where the water has washed the soil from its roots, they appear to consist of fibres interwoven together like thread, the colour of which is of an inexpressibly fine scarlet; with this the Indians tinge many of the ornamental parts of their dress.

SHIN WOOD. This extraordinary shrub grows in the forests, and rising like a vine, runs near the ground for six or eight feet, and then takes root again; in the same manner taking root, and springing up successively, one stalk covers a large space; this proves very troublesome to the hasty traveller, by striking against his shins, and entangling his legs; from which it has acquired its name.

The SASSAFRAS is a wood well known for its medicinal qualities. It might with equal propriety be termed a tree as a shrub, as it sometimes grows thirty feet high; but in general it does not reach higher than those of the shrub kind. The leaves, which yield an agreeable fragrance, are large, and nearly separated into three divisions. It bears a reddish brown berry of the size and shape of Pimento, and which is sometimes used in the colonies as a substitute for that spice. The bark or roots of this tree is infinitely superior to the wood for its use in medicine, and I am surprized it is so seldom to be met with, as its efficacy is so much greater.

The PRICKLY ASH is a shrub that sometimes grows to the height of ten or fifteen feet, and has a leaf exactly resembling that of an ash, but it receives the epithet to its name from the abundance of short thorns with which every branch is covered, and which renders it very troublesome to those who pass through the spot where they grow thick. It also bears a scarlet berry, which when ripe, has a fiery taste like pepper. The bark of this tree, particularly the bark of the roots, is highly esteemed by the natives for its medicinal qualities. I have already mentioned one instance of its efficacy, and there is no doubt but that the decoction of it will expeditiously and radically remove all impurities of the blood.

The MOOSE WOOD grows about four feet high, and is very full of branches; but what renders it worth notice is its bark, which is of so strong and pliable a texture, that being peeled off at any season, and twisted, makes equally as good cordage as hemp.

The SPOON WOOD is a species of the laurel, and the wood when sawed resembles box wood.

The ELDER, commonly termed the poisonous elder, nearly resembles the other sorts in its leaves and branches, but it grows much straiter, and is only found in swamps and moist soils. This shrub is endowed with a very extraordinary quality, that renders it poisonous to some constitutions, which it effects if the person only approaches within a few yards of it, whilst others may even chew the leaves or the rind without receiving the least detriment from them: the poison however is not mortal, though it operates very violently on the infected person, whose body and head swell to an amazing size, and are covered with eruptions, that at their height resemble the confluent small-pox. As it grows also in many of the provinces, the inhabitants cure its venom by drinking saffron tea, and anointing the external parts with a mixture composed of cream and marsh mallows.

The SHRUB OAK is exactly similar to the oak tree, both in its wood and leaves, and like that it bears an acorn, but it never rises from the ground above four or five feet, growing crooked and knotty. It is found chiefly on a dry gravelly soil.

The WITCH HAZLE grows very bushy, about ten feet high, and is covered early in May with numerous white blossoms. When this shrub is in bloom, the Indians esteem it a further indication that the frost is entirely gone, and that they might sow their corn. It has been said, that it is possessed of the power of attracting gold or silver, and that twigs of it are made use of to discover where the veins of these metals lie hid; but I am apprehensive that this is only a fallacious story, and not to be depended on; however that supposition has given it the name of Witch Hazle.

The MYRTLE WAX TREE is a shrub about four or five feet high, the leaves of which are larger than those of the common myrtle, but they smell exactly alike. It bears its fruit in bunches like a nosegay, rising from the same place in various stalks about two inches long: at the end of each of these is a little nut containing a kernel, which is wholly covered with a gluey substance, which being boiled in water, swims on the surface of it, and becomes a kind of green wax; this is more valuable than bees-wax, being of a more brittle nature, but mixed with it makes a good candle, which as it burns sends forth an agreeable scent.

WINTER GREEN. This is an ever-green of the species of the myrtle, and is found on dry heaths; the flowers of it are white, and in the form of a rose, but not larger than a silver penny; in the winter it is full of red berries about the size of a sloe, which are smooth and round; these are preserved during the severe season by the snow, and are at that time in the highest perfection. The Indians eat these berries, esteeming them very balsamic, and invigorating to the stomach. The people inhabiting the interior colonies steep both the sprigs and berries in beer, and use it as a diet drink for cleansing the blood from scorbutic disorders.

The FEVER BUSH grows about five or six feet high; its leaf is like that of a lilach, and it bears a reddish berry of a spicy flavour. The stalks of it are excessively brittle. A decoction of the buds or wood is an excellent febrifuge, and from this valuable property it receives its name. It is an ancient Indian remedy for all inflammatory complaints, and likewise much esteemed on the same account by the inhabitants of the interior parts of the colonies.

The CRANBERRY BUSH. Though the fruit of this bush greatly resembles in size and appearance that of the common sort, which grows on a small vine in morasses and bogs, yet the bush runs to the height of ten or twelve feet; but it is very rarely to be met with. As the meadow cranberry, being of a local growth, and flourishing only in morasses, cannot be transplanted or cultivated, the former, if removed at a proper season, would be a valuable acquisition to the garden, and with proper nurture prove equally as good, if not better.

The CHOAK BERRY. The shrub thus termed by the natives grows about five or six feet high, and bears a berry about the size of a sloe, of a jet black, which contains several small seeds within the pulp. The juice of this fruit, though not of a disagreeable flavour, is extremely tart, and leaves a roughness in the mouth and throat when eaten, that has gained it the name of choak berry.

ROOTS and PLANTS.

Elecampane, Spikenard, Angelica, Sarsaparilla, Ginsang, Ground Nuts, Wild Potatoes, Liquorice, Snake Root, Gold Thread, Solomon’s Seal, Devil’s Bit, Blood Root, Onions, Garlick, Wild Parsnips, Mandrakes, Hellebore White and Black.

SPIKENARD, vulgarly called in the colonies Petty-Morrell. This plant appears to be exactly the same as the Asiatick spikenard, so much valued by the ancients. It grows near the sides of brooks in rocky places, and its stem, which is about the size of a goose quill, springs up like that of angelica, reaching about a foot and an half from the ground. It bears bunches of berries in all respects like those of the elder, only rather larger. These are of such a balsamic nature, that when infused in spirits, they make a most palatable and reviving cordial.

SARSAPARILLA. The root of this plant, which is the most estimable part of it, is about the size of a goose quill, and runs in different directions, twined and crooked to a great length in the ground; from the principal stem of it springs many smaller fibres, all of which are tough and flexible. From the root immediately shoots a stalk about a foot and an half long, which at the top branches into three stems; each of these has three leaves, much of the shape and size of a walnut leaf; and from the fork of each of the three stems grows a bunch of bluish white flowers, resembling those of the spikenard. The bark of the roots, which alone should be used in medicine, is of a bitterish flavour, but aromatic. It is deservedly esteemed for its medicinal virtues, being a gentle sudorific, and very powerful in attenuating the blood when impeded by gross humours.

GINSANG is a root that was once supposed to grow only in Korea, from whence it was usually exported to Japan, and by that means found its way to Europe; but it has been lately discovered to be also a native of North America, where it grows to as great perfection and is equally valuable. Its root is like a small carrot, but not so taper at the end; it is sometimes divided into two or more branches, in all other respects it resembles sarsaparilla in its growth. The taste of the root is bitterish. In the eastern parts of Asia it bears a great price, being there considered as a panacea, and is the last refuge of the inhabitants in all disorders. When chewed it certainly is a great strengthener of the stomach.

GOLD THREAD. This is a plant of the small vine kind, which grows in swampy places, and lies on the ground. The roots spread themselves just under the surface of the morass, and are easily drawn up by handfuls. They resemble a large entangled skain of thread of a fine bright gold colour; and I am persuaded would yield a beautiful and permanent yellow dye. It is also greatly esteemed both by the Indians and colonists as a remedy for any soreness in the mouth, but the taste of it is exquisitely bitter.

SOLOMON’s SEAL is a plant that grows on the sides of rivers, and in rich meadow land. It rises in the whole to about three feet high, the stalks being two feet, when the leaves begin to spread themselves and reach a foot further. A part in every root has an impression upon it about the size of a sixpence, which appears as if it was made by a seal, and from these it receives its name. It is greatly valued on account of its being a fine purifier of the blood.

DEVIL’s BIT is another wild plant, which grows in the fields, and receives its name from a print that seems to be made by teeth in the roots. The Indians say that this was once an universal remedy for every disorder that human nature is incident to; but some of the evil spirits envying mankind the possession of so efficacious a medicine gave the root a bite, which deprived it of a great part of its virtue.

BLOOD ROOT. A sort of plantain that springs out of the ground in six or seven long rough leaves, the veins of which are red; the root of it is like a small carrot both in colour and appearance; when broken, the inside of it is of a deeper color than the outside, and distils several drops of juice that look like blood. This is a strong emetic, but a very dangerous one.

HERBS.

Balm, Nettles, Cinque Foil, Eyebright, Sanicle, Plantain, Rattle Snake Plantain, Poor Robin’s Plantain, Toad Plantain, Maiden Hair, Wild Dock, Rock Liverwort, Noble Liverwort, Bloodwort, Wild Beans, Ground Ivy, Water Cresses, Yarrow, May Weed, Gargit, Skunk Cabbage or Poke, Wake Robin, Betony, Scabious, Mullen, Wild Pease, Mouse Ear, Wild Indigo, Tobacco, and Cat Mint.

SANICLE has a root which is thick towards the upper part, and full of small fibres below; the leaves of it are broad, roundish, hard, smooth, and of a fine shining green; a stalk rises from these to the height of a foot, which is quite smooth and free from knots, and on the top of it are several small flowers of a reddish white, shaped like a wild rose. A tea made of the root is vulnerary and balsamic.

RATTLE SNAKE PLANTAIN. This useful herb is of the plantain kind, and its leaves, which spread themselves on the ground, are about one inch and an half wide, and five inches long; from the centre of these arises a small stalk nearly six inches long, which bears a little white flower; the root is about the size of a goose quill, and much bent and divided into several branches. The leaves of this herb are more efficacious than any other part of it for the bite of the reptile from which it receives its name; and being chewed and applied immediately to the wound, and some of the juice swallowed, seldom fails of averting every dangerous symptom. So convinced are the Indians of the power of this infallible antidote, that for a trifling bribe of spirituous liquor, they will at any time permit a rattle snake to drive his fangs into their flesh. It is to be remarked that during those months in which the bite of these creatures is most venomous, that this remedy for it is in its greatest perfection, and most luxuriant in its growth.

POOR ROBIN’s PLANTAIN is of the same species as the last, but more diminutive in every respect; it receives its name from its size, and the poor land on which it grows. It is a good medicinal herb, and often administered with success in fevers and internal weaknesses.

TOAD PLANTAIN resembles the common plantain, only it grows much ranker, and is thus denominated because toads love to harbour under it.

ROCK LIVERWORT is a sort of liverwort that grows on rocks, and is of the nature of kelp or moss. It is esteemed as an excellent remedy against declines.

GARGIT or SKOKE is a large kind of weed, the leaves of which are about six inches long, and two inches and an half broad; they resemble those of spinage in their colour and texture, but not in shape. The root is very large, from which spring different stalks that run eight or ten feet high, and are full of red berries; these hang in clusters in the month of September, and are generally called pigeon berries, as those birds then feed on them. When the leaves first spring from the ground, after being boiled, they are a nutritious and wholesome vegetable, but when they are grown nearly to their full size, they acquire a poisonous quality. The roots applied to the hands or feet of a person afflicted with a fever, prove a very powerful absorbent.

SKUNK CABBAGE or POKE is an herb that grows in moist and swampy places. The leaves of it are about a foot long, and six inches broad, nearly oval, but rather pointed. The roots are composed of great numbers of fibres, a lotion of which is made use of by the people in the colonies for the cure of the itch. There issues a strong musky smell from this herb, something like the animal of the same name before described, and on that account it is so termed.

WAKE ROBIN is an herb that grows in swampy lands; its root resembles a small turnip, and if tasted will greatly inflame the tongue, and immediately convert it from its natural shape into a round hard substance; in which state it will continue for some time, and during this no other part of the mouth will be affected. But when dried, it loses its astringent quality, and becomes beneficial to mankind, for if grated into cold water, and taken internally, it is very good for all complaints of the bowels.

WILD INDIGO is an herb of the same species as that from whence indigo is made in the southern colonies. It grows in one stalk to the height of five or six inches from the ground, when it divides into many branches, from which issue a great number of small hard bluish leaves that spread to a great breadth, and among these it bears a yellow flower; the juice of it has a very disagreeable scent.

CAT MINT has a woody root, divided into several branches, and it sends forth a stalk about three feet high; the leaves are like those of the nettle or betony, and they have a strong smell of mint, with a biting acrid taste; the flowers grow on the tops of the branches, and are of a faint purple or whitish colour. It is called cat mint, because it is said that cats have an antipathy to it, and will not let it grow. It has nearly the virtues of common mint[1].

FLOWERS.

Heart’s Ease, Lilies red and yellow, Pond Lilies, Cowslips, May Flowers, Jessamine, Honeysuckles, Rock Honeysuckles, Roses red and white, Wild Hollyhock, Wild Pinks, Golden Rod.

I shall not enter into a minute description of the flowers above recited, but only just observe, that they much resemble those of the same name which grow in Europe, and are as beautiful in colour, and as perfect in odour, as they can be supposed to be in their wild uncultivated state.

FARINACEOUS and LEGUMINOUS ROOTS, &c.

Maize or Indian Corn, Wild Rice, Beans, the Squash, &c.

MAIZE or INDIAN CORN grows from six to ten feet high, on a stalk full of joints, which is stiff and solid, and when green, abounding with a sweet juice. The leaves are like those of the reed, about two feet in length, and three or four inches broad. The flowers, which are produced at some distance from the fruit on the same plant, grow like the ears of oats, and are sometimes white, yellow, or of a purple colour. The seeds are as large as peas, and like them quite naked and smooth, but of a roundish surface, rather compressed. One spike generally consists of about six hundred grains, which are placed closely together in rows to the number of eight or ten, and sometimes twelve. This corn is very wholesome, easy of digestion, and yields as good nourishment as any other sort. After the Indians have reduced it into meal by pounding it, they make cakes of it and bake them before the fire. I have already mentioned that some nations eat it in cakes before it is ripe, in which state it is very agreeable to the palate and extremely nutritive.

WILD RICE. This grain, which grows in the greatest plenty throughout the interior parts of North America, is the most valuable of all the spontaneous productions of that country. Exclusive of its utility, as a supply of food for those of the human species who inhabit this part of the continent, and obtained without any other trouble than that of gathering it in, the sweetness and nutritious quality of it attracts an infinite number of wild fowl of every kind, which flock from distant climes to enjoy this rare repast; and by it become inexpressibly fat and delicious. In future periods it will be of great service to the infant colonies, as it will afford them a present support, until in the course of cultivation other supplies may be produced; whereas in those realms which are not furnished with this bounteous gift of nature, even if the climate is temperate and the soil good, the first settlers are often exposed to great hardships from the want of an immediate resource for necessary food. This useful grain grows in the water where it is about two feet deep, and where it finds a rich muddy soil. The stalks of it, and the branches or ears that bear the seed, resemble oats both in their appearance and manner of growing. The stalks are full of joints, and rise more than eight feet above the water. The natives gather the grain in the following manner: nearly about the time that it begins to turn from its milky state and to ripen, they run their canoes into the midst of it, and tying bunches of it together just below the ears with bark, leave it in this situation three or four weeks longer, till it is perfectly ripe. About the latter end of September they return to the river, when each family having its separate allotment, and being able to distinguish their own property by the manner of fastening the sheaves, gather in the portion that belongs to them. This they do by placing their canoes close to the bunches of rice, in such position as to receive the grain when it falls, and then beat it out, with pieces of wood formed for that purpose. Having done this, they dry it with smoke, and afterwards tread or rub off the outside husk; when it is fit for use they put it into the skins of fawns or young buffalos taken off nearly whole for this purpose and sewed into a sort of sack, wherein they preserve it till the return of their harvest. It has been the subject of much speculation why this spontaneous grain is not found in any other regions of America, or in those countries situated in the same parallels of latitude, where the waters are as apparently adapted for its growth as in the climates I treat of. As for instance, none of the countries that lie to the south and east of the great lakes, even from the provinces north of the Carolinas to the extremities of Labradore, produce any of this grain. It is true I found great quantities of it in the watered lands near Detroit, between Lake Huron and Lake Erié, but on enquiry I learned that it never arrived nearer to maturity than just to blossom; after which it appeared blighted, and died away. This convinces me that the north-west wind, as I have before hinted, is much more powerful in these than in the interior parts; and that it is more inimical to the fruits of the earth, after it has passed over the lakes and become united with the wind which joins it from the frozen regions of the north, than it is farther to the westward.

BEANS. These are nearly of the same shape as the European beans, but are not much larger than the smallest size of them. They are boiled by the Indians and eaten chiefly with bear’s flesh.

The SQUASH. They have also several species of the MELON or PUMPKIN, which by some are called Squashes, and which serve many nations partly as a substitute for bread. Of these there is the round, the crane-neck, the small flat, and the large oblong squash. The smaller sorts being boiled, are eaten during the summer as vegetables; and are all of a pleasing flavour. The crane-neck, which greatly excells all the others, are usually hung up for a winter’s store, and in this manner might be preserved for several months.

Footnote 1:

For an account of Tobacco, see a treatise I have published on the culture of that plant.

APPENDIX.

THE countries that lie between the great lakes and River Mississippi, and from thence southward to West Florida, although in the midst of a large continent, and at a great distance from the sea, are so situated, that a communication between them and other realms might conveniently be opened; by which means those empires or colonies that may hereafter be founded or planted therein, will be rendered commercial ones. The great River Mississippi, which runs through the whole of them, will enable their inhabitants to establish an intercourse with foreign climes, equally as well as the Euphrates, the Nile, the Danube, or the Wolga do those people which dwell on their banks, and who have no other convenience for exporting the produce of their own country, or for importing those of others, than boats and vessels of light burden: notwithstanding which they have become powerful and opulent states.

The Mississippi, as I have before observed, runs from north to south, and passes through the most fertile and temperate part of North America, excluding only the extremities of it, which verge both on the torrid and frigid zones. Thus favourably situated, when once its banks are covered with inhabitants, they need not long be at a loss for means to establish an extensive and profitable commerce. They will find the country towards the south almost spontaneously producing silk, cotton, indico, and tobacco; and the more northern parts, wine, oil, beef, tallow, skins, buffalo-wool, and furs; with lead, copper, iron, coals, lumber, corn, rice, and fruits, besides earth and barks for dying.

These articles, with which it abounds even to profusion, may be transported to the ocean through this river without greater difficulty than that which attends the conveyance of merchandize down some of those I have just mentioned. It is true that the Mississippi being the boundary between the English and Spanish settlements, and the Spaniards in possession of the mouth of it, they may obstruct the passage of it, and greatly dishearten those who make the first attempts; yet when the advantages that will certainly arise to settlers are known, multitudes of adventurers, allured by the prospect of such abundant riches, will flock to it, and establish themselves, though at the expence of rivers of blood.

But should the nation that happens to be in possession of New Orleans prove unfriendly to the internal settlers, they may find a way into the Gulph of Mexico by the River Iberville, which empties itself from the Mississippi, after passing through Lake Maurepas, into Lake Ponchartrain; which has a communication with the sea within the borders of West Florida. The River Iberville branches off from the Mississippi about eighty miles above New Orleans, and though it is at present choaked up in some parts, it might at an inconsiderable expence be made navigable so as to answer all the purposes proposed.

Although the English have acquired since the last peace a more extensive knowledge of the interior parts than were ever obtained before, even by the French, yet many of their productions still remain unknown. And though I was not deficient either in assiduity or attention during the short time I remained in them, yet I must acknowledge that the intelligence I gained was not so perfect as I could wish, and that it requires further researches to make the world thoroughly acquainted with the real value of these long hidden realms.

The parts of the Mississippi of which no survey have hitherto been taken, amount to upwards of eight hundred miles, following the course of the stream, that is, from the Illinois to the Ouisconsin Rivers. Those which lie to the north of the latter are included in the map of my travels. Plans of such as reach from the former to the Gulph of Mexico, have been delineated by several hands; one of the best of these, according to its size, now extant, in which is included the whole continent of North America, is annexed to this work. And I have the pleasure to find that an actual survey of the intermediate parts of the Mississippi, between the Illinois River and the sea, with the Ohio, Cherokee, and Ouabache Rivers, taken on the spot by a very ingenious Gentleman[2], is now published. I flatter myself that the observations therein contained, which have been made by one whose knowledge of the parts therein described was acquired by a personal investigation, aided by a solid judgment, will confirm the remarks I have made, and promote the plan I am here recommending.

In the map of North America adjoined, I have partitioned the country which lies adjacent to the eastern borders of the Mississippi into plantations or subordinate colonies; chusing such lands only for this purpose as by being contiguous to some river, might enjoy all the advantages I have before pointed out. These I have divided by dotted lines, and numbered; that future adventurers may readily, by referring to the map, chuse a commodious and advantageous situation. I shall also here give a concise description of each, beginning, according to the rule of geographers, with that which lies most to the north.

It is however necessary to observe, that before these settlements can be established, grants must be procured in the manner customary on such occasions, and the lands be purchased of those who have acquired a right to them by a long possession: but no greater difficulty will attend the completion of this point, than the original founders of every colony on the continent met with to obstruct their intentions; and the number of Indians who inhabit these tracts being greatly inadequate to their extent, it is not to be doubted, but they will readily give up for a reasonable consideration, territories that are of little use to them; or remove for the accommodation of their new neighbours to lands at a greater distance from the Mississippi, the navigation of which is not essential to the welfare of their communities.

N^o I. The country within these lines, from its situation, is colder than any of the others; yet I am convinced that the air is much more temperate than in those provinces that lie in the same degree of latitude to the east of it. The soil is excellent, and there is a great deal of land that is free from woods in the parts adjoining to the Mississippi; whilst on the contrary the north-eastern borders of it are well wooded. Towards the heads of the River Saint Croix, rice grows in great plenty, and there is abundance of copper. Though the Falls of Saint Anthony are situated at the south-east corner of this division, yet that impediment will not totally obstruct the navigation, as the River Saint Croix, which runs through a great part of the southern side of it, enters the Mississippi just below the Falls, and flows with so gentle a current that it affords a convenient navigation for boats. This tract is about one hundred miles from north-west to south-east, and one hundred and twenty miles from north-east to south-west.

N^o II. This tract, as I have already described it in my Journals, exceeds the highest encomiums I can give it; notwithstanding which it is entirely uninhabited, and the profusion of blessings that nature has showered on this heavenly spot return unenjoyed to the lap from whence they sprung. Lake Pepin, as I have termed it after the French, lies within these bounds; but the lake to which that name properly belongs is a little above in the River St. Croix; however, as all the traders call the lower lake by that name, I have so denominated it, contrary to the information I received from the Indians. This colony lying in unequal angles, the dimensions of it cannot be exactly given, but it appears to be on an average about one hundred and ten miles long, and eighty broad.

N^o III. The greatest part of this division is situated on the River Ouisconsin, which is navigable for boats about one hundred and eighty miles, till it reaches the Carrying-place that divides it from the Fox River. The land which is contained within its limits, is in some parts mountainous, and in others consists of fertile meadows and fine pasturage. It is furnished also with a great deal of good timber, and, as is generally the case on the banks of the Mississippi and its branches, has much fine, open, clear land, proper for cultivation. To these are added an inexhaustible fund of riches, in a number of lead mines which lie at a little distance from the Ouisconsin towards the south, and appear to be uncommonly full of ore. Although the Saukies and Ottagaumies inhabit a part of this tract, the whole of the lands under their cultivation does not exceed three hundred acres. It is in length from east to west about one hundred and fifty miles, and about eighty from north to south.

N^o IV. The colony here marked out consists of lands of various denominations, some of which are very good, and others very bad. The best is situated on the borders of the Green Bay and the Fox River, where there are innumerable acres covered with fine grass, most part of which grows to an astonishing height. This river will afford a good navigation for boats throughout the whole of its course, which is about one hundred and eighty miles, except between the Winnebago Lake, and the Green Bay; where there are several Carrying-places in the space of thirty miles. The Fox River is rendered remarkable by the abundance of rice that grows on its shores, and the almost infinite numbers of wild fowl that frequent its banks. The land which lies near it appears to be very fertile, and promises to produce a sufficient supply of all the necessaries of life for any number of inhabitants. A communication might be opened by those who shall settle here, either through the Green Bay, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario with Canada, or by way of the Ouisconsin into the Mississippi. This division is about one hundred and sixty miles long from north to south, and one hundred and forty broad.

N^o V. This is an excellent tract of land, and, considering its interior situation, has greater advantages than could be expected; for having the Mississippi on its western borders, and the Illinois on its south-east, it has as free a navigation as most of the others. The northern parts of it are somewhat mountainous, but it contains a great deal of clear land, the soil of which is excellent, with many fine fertile meadows, and not a few rich mines. It is upwards of two hundred miles from north to south, and one hundred and fifty from east to west.

N^o VI. This colony being situated upon the heads of the Rivers Illinois and Ouabache, the former of which empties itself immediately into the Mississippi, and the latter into the same river by means of the Ohio, will readily find a communication with the sea through these. Having also the River Miamis passing though it, which runs into Lake Erie, an intercourse might be established with Canada also by way of the lakes, as before pointed out. It contains a great deal of rich fertile land, and though more inland than any of the others, will be as valuable an acquisition as the best of them. From north to south it is about one hundred and sixty miles, from east to west one hundred and eighty.

N^o VII. This division is not inferior to any of the foregoing. Its northern borders lying adjacent to the Illinois river, and its western to the Mississippi, the situation of it for establishing a commercial intercourse with foreign nations is very commodious. It abounds with all the necessaries of life, and is about one hundred and fifty miles from north to south, and sixty miles from east to west; but the confines of it being more irregular than the others, I cannot exactly ascertain the dimensions of it.

N^o VIII. This colony having the River Ouabache running through the centre of it, and the Ohio for its southern boundary, will enjoy the advantages of a free navigation. It extends about one hundred and forty miles from north to south, and one hundred and thirty from east to west.

N^o IX. X. and XI. being similar in situation, and furnished with nearly the same conveniencies as all the others, I shall only give their dimensions. N^o IX. is about eighty miles each way, but not exactly square. N^o X. is nearly in the same form, and about the same extent. N^o XI. is much larger, being at least one hundred and fifty miles from north to south, and one hundred and forty from east to west, as nearly as from its irregularity it is possible to calculate.

After the description of this delightful country I have already given, I need not repeat that all the spots I have thus pointed out as proper for colonization, abound not only with the necessaries of life, being well stored with rice, deer, buffalos, bears, &c. but produce in equal abundance such as may be termed luxuries, or at least those articles of commerce before recited, which the inhabitants of it will have an opportunity of exchanging for the needful productions of other countries.

The discovery of a north-west passage to India has been the subject of innumerable disquisitions. Many efforts likewise have been made by way of Hudson’s Bay to penetrate into the Pacific Ocean, though without success. I shall not therefore trouble myself to enumerate the advantages that would result from this much wished-for discovery, its utility being already too well known to the commercial world to need any elucidation; I shall only confine myself to the methods that appear most probable to ensure success to future adventurers.

The many attempts that have hitherto been made for this purpose, but which have all been rendered abortive, seem to have turned the spirit of making useful researches into another channel, and this most interesting one has almost been given up as impracticable; but, in my opinion, their failure rather proceeds from their being begun at an improper place, than from their impracticability.

All navigators that have hitherto gone in search of this passage, have first entered Hudson’s Bay; the consequence of which has been, that having spent the season during which only those seas are navigable, in exploring many of the numerous inlets lying therein, and this without discovering any opening, terrified at the approach of winter, they have hastened back for fear of being frozen up, and consequently of being obliged to continue till the return of summer in those bleak and dreary realms. Even such as have perceived the coasts to enfold themselves, and who have of course entertained hopes of succeeding, have been deterred from prosecuting their voyage, lest the winter should set in before they could reach a more temperate climate.

These apprehensions have discouraged the boldest adventurers from completing the expeditions in which they have engaged, and frustrated every attempt. But as it has been discovered by such as have sailed into the northern parts of the Pacific Ocean, that there are many inlets which verge towards Hudson’s Bay, it is not to be doubted but that a passage might be made out from that quarter, if it be sought for at a proper season. And should these expectations be disappointed, the explorers would not be in the same hazardous situation with those who set out from Hudson’s Bay, for they will always be sure of a safe retreat, through an open sea, to warmer regions, even after repeated disappointments. And this confidence will enable them to proceed with greater resolution, and probably be the means of effecting what too much circumspection or timidity has prevented.

These reasons for altering the plan of enquiry after this convenient passage, carry with them such conviction, that in the year 1774 Richard Whitworth, Esq. member of parliament for Stafford, a gentleman of an extensive knowledge in geography, of an active enterprising disposition, and whose benevolent mind is ever ready to promote the happiness of individuals, or the welfare of the public, from the representations made to him of the expediency of it by myself and others, intended to travel across the continent of America, that he might attempt to carry a scheme of this kind into execution.

He designed to have pursued nearly the same route that I did; and after having built a fort at Lake Pepin, to have proceeded up the River St. Pierre, and from thence up a branch of the River Messorie, till having discovered the source of the Oregan or River of the West, on the other side the summit of the lands that divide the waters which run into the Gulph of Mexico from those that fall into the Pacific Ocean, he would have sailed down that river to the place where it is said to empty itself near the Straights of Annian.

Having there established another settlement on some spot that appeared best calculated for the support of his people, in the neighbourhood of some of the inlets which tend towards the north-east, he would from thence have begun his researches. This gentleman was to have been attended in the expedition by Colonel Rogers, myself, and others, and to have taken out with him a sufficient number of artificers and mariners for building the forts and vessels necessary on the occasion, and for navigating the latter; in all not less than fifty or sixty men. The grants and other requisites for this purpose were even nearly completed, when the present troubles in America began, which put a stop to an enterprize that promised to be of inconceivable advantage to the British dominions.

FINIS.

Footnote 2:

Thomas Hutchins, Esq; Captain in his Majesty’s 60th, or Royal American Regiment of Foot.

DIRECTIONS for Placing the MAPS and PLATES.

Map of North America, to front the Title Page.

Plan of Travels, P. 16 Plate N^o I. The Falls of St. Anthony, 70 II. Man and Woman of the Ottagaumies, 228 III. Ditto of the Naudowessies, 230 IV. Indian Weapons, 296

INDEX

A

Acosta de, a Spanish Writer, 184

Adair’s opinion of the peopling of America, 206

Adair’s opinion respecting the Mosaic rites of the Indians, 386

Adoration, Indian, 67

Adultery, punishment of, 375

Age revered, 243

Algonkins, 138

Allanipegon river, 137

America, peopled from different countries, 182, 184, 210

Anthony St. falls of, 66, 69

Anthropophagi, 196, 303, 304

Apathy of the Indians, 240

Arithmetic, ignorance of, 254

Arts, little cultivated, 249

Ash tree, 491

—— —— prickly, 393, 508

Asrahcootans, a band of Indians, 80

Assinipoils, a tribe of Indians, 76, 80, 112

Astronomy of the Indians, 253

B

Ball, an Indian game, 311

Bass or white wood, 499

Beans, 526

Bears, American, 442

—— grease used by the Indians, 443

—— method of hunting, 286

Beards of the Indians, 225

Beavers, history of, 457

—— method of hunting, 289, 290

Beech nut, 501

Bees, 491

Birds of America, 466

Bleeding of the jugular by the Carcajou, 450 _vide_ Carcajou

Blood, human, drank, 304, 319

—— root, 516

Blue clay, used as a mark of peace, 102

Braddock, general, cause of the defeat of, 311

Bread, a species of, 26

—— unknown to the Nawdowessies, 262

Bones of the Nawdowessies preserved, 65, 84

—— carried for interment, 84, 86, 401

Bourbon lake, 107

—— river, source of, 76, 115

Bowl, game of the Indians, 365, 366

Bugs of America, 491, 493

Buffaloes, largest in America, 56, 103, 110

—— method of hunting of, 287

—— history of, 445

Burying place of the Nawdowessies, 65

Bustard river, 176

Butter or oil nut, 500

Button wood, 499

C

Cadot’s Fort, 131, 141

Calumet, _vide_ pipe of peace

Canada, maps of, imperfect, intr. iii

Carcajou of America, 450

—— opens the jugular vein of its prey, 450

Carp, 478

Carrabou, history of, 449

Carthaginians, supposed to have visited America, 190

Carver Captain, escape of, at the massacre of Fort William Henry, 321

Carver’s intrepidity, 52, 81, 96, 280, 320

—— devotion of, 68, 178

—— intention in his travels, 178

—— river, 74

Cassa Tate, 296

Cataraqui river, 171

Cat-head fish or pout, 171

Cat-fish, 478

Cat-mint, 520

Cave, remarkable one, 63, 84

Charlevoix Pierre de, French historian, 192, 199, 220

Chegomegan Point of Lake Superior, 138

Cherry-tree, 504

Chichicoué beans, use of, 385, 394

Children, management of, in infancy, 236

—— tenderness to, 378

Chipéway Indians, 60, 96, 104, 115, 268, 352

—— —— gratitude of, 63, 357

—— —— language of, 420

Chipéway Indians, universality of, 414, 416

—— river, 102

Choak-berry, 512

Chongousceton Indians, 80

Chub, 478

Clays, variously coloured, 101

Cohnawaghans or Mohawks of Canada, 173

Coldness of the water of Lake Superior, 153

Colour of the Indians, 223

Cookery, Indian, 233

Copper ore in America, 139

Crab-tree, 503

Cranberry-bush, 511

Crane, American, 469

Croix St. Riviere, 105, 106

Cross, no object of religious worship, 387

Cruelty to captives, 339, 341

Cuzco, great road, 191

D

Daggers of the Nawdowessies, 296

Dance, remarkable, near Lake Pepin, 279

Dances of the Indians, 266

Dead Indians how treated, 398

—— —— oration on, 399, 400

Death, cruelty in inflicting, 338, 340

Death-cries, 334

Death-song, 334, 337

Deer, plentiful, 110, 114

—— manner of hunting them, 288

—— some account of, 446

Defiance to war, 307

Delzel, an enterprizing officer, 162

Detroit, straights of, and river, 150

Devils-bit, 515

Dii Penates, 278, 309

Diseases of the Indians, 389

Dishes of the Indians, 234

Divorce of the Indians, 371

Dogs, flesh of, a feast of the Indians, 278, 304

—— of America, 445

Dress of the Indians, 219, 226

Drink of the Indians, 263

Dropsy, treatment of, 391

Ducks, American, 469

E

Eagles, American, 466

—— abound near the falls of St. Anthony, 71

Ears of the Indians ornamented, 227

Elder shrub, 508

Elks, large in America, 103, 447

—— method of hunting them, 288

Enemies, implacable hatred of, 238

Erie Lake, 167

Etchelaugon Lake, 176

F

Falls of St. Anthony, 66, 69

—— —— —— —— picturesque view of, 70

Farinaceous and leguminous roots, 522

Fasts of the Indians, 285

Feasts, Indian, 262

Feu-de-joie of the Ottawaws, 23

Fever-bush, 511

Fidelity of the Indians, 372

Fishes of America, 476

Fish-hawk, American, 468

Flints used as chirurgical instruments, 394

Flowers, American, 52

Food of the Indians, 263

Fort William Henry, massacre of, 313

Fortitude of the Indians, 411

Fox river, 38, 40

—— —— abounds with wild fowl, 39

Foxes of America, 444

Francis St. river of, 72

—— —— Indians, 173

Fruit trees, 502

Funeral ceremonies, 402, 405

—— speech, 399, 406, 407

Furs, beaver, 110, 111

Future state, ideas respecting, 383, 404

G

Games, Indian, 363

Gaming among the Indians, 244, 363

Garcia Gregorio, a Spanish historian, 183

Gargit or skoke, 518

Geography of the Indians, 84, 252

Ginsang, 514

Gladwyn, major, 155

—— —— faithfulness of the servant of, 156

Goddard’s river, 105, 132

—— —— transparency of, 132

Gold, plenty of, 118

Gold thread, 515

Goose river, 72

Grape, a species of, 136

Green snake, 486

Green-bay, near Lake Michigan, 21

Greenland, borders on America, 209

Grollon, father, a relation from, 193

Government of the Indians, 255

Guella Francis, 195

H

Hairs plucked out by the Indians, 225

Hatchet red, emblem of war, 362

Head dress of the Indians, 230

Hemlock-tree, 499

Hennepin, father, 69, 219

Herbs, American, 516

Hereditary succession, 259

Hesperides, supposed to be the Antilles, 183

Hickory, 502

Hieroglyphicks, Indian, 64, 252, 337, 417

—— anecdotes respecting the, 418

Hispaniola, said to have been visited by the Tyrian fleet, 192

Hissing snake, 167, 486

Hontan, Baron de, 220

Hornn George de, a Dutch writer, 189

Horned bug, 493

Hospitality of the Indians, 25, 81, 83, 265

Houses, Indian, 231

Hudson’s Bay, company of, 110, 112

Humming-bird, 475

Hunting among the Indians, 283

Huron Lake, 144, 150

Huron Indians, 151

Hurricane, effects of one, 103

Huts of the Indians, 231

I

Ice, forming an intercourse between America and Europe, 188

Indian, interview, 61

—— banditti, 52

—— corn or maize, 522

—— wild, 520

Indolence of the Indians, 243, 244

Initiation into the friendly society of the spirit, 271

Ink like rain, 153

Insects of America, 490

Intrenchment, remains of one, 56, 57

Intrigue of the Indians, 376, 377

Iroondocks, a tribe of the Iroquois Indians, or five Mohawk nations, 173

Iroquois Lakes, 173

—— Indians, or five Mohawk nations, 173

Island of Mauropas, 135

Isle Royal in Lake Superior, 134

J

Jacobs, lieutenant, 164

Jay, blue, 472

Jaun, Riviere, 51

Jealousy rarely known, 245

Jews, supposed to have discovered America, 207

John St., Lake of, 177

K

Kamtschatka borders on America, 194, 214

Killistinoes, a tribe of Indians, 76, 80, 112, 130

—— priest, anecdote of, 123 to 128

—— king of, described, 131

King bird, 475

L

La Bay, fort of, 21

Lac la Pluye, 114

—— du Bois, 113

Laconia, province of, 174

Laët John de, a Flemish writer, 184, 186

Lakes of America misrepresented, intr. iv.

Language of the Indians, 414

Lightning-bug, 491

Liquid amber-tree, 505

Litters, Indian, 330

Lizards, American, 488

Long black snake, 485

Loon, the American, 470

M

Magic, initiation into, 272

Mahahs, trade of at Fort la Reine, 109

Maize, or Indian-corn, 522

Manataulin, island in lake Merow, 144

Mandrakes, suggestions about, 118

Manikouagone lake, near the black river, 176

Manitou, or Kitchi Manitou, 381, 388

Manitous, 309

Manners of the Indians, 235

Maple, 496

Marble river, 101

Marie St. falls of, 142, 148

Marriage ceremonies, 367, 369, 373

—— dance, 265

Martin, history of, 455

Massacre at Fort William Henry, 313, 327

Mawhaws, a band of Indians, 80

Mawtawbauntowahs, 60

—— anecdote of a party of, 60

Medicine of the Indians, 305, 385, 391

Melon, 526

Memory of the Indians, retentive, 242

Menomonies take Fort la Bay, 22

Menies, ceremony concerning the, 236

Messorie river, 75, 118

Mexican refugees, 119

—— —— ideas of, 117

Michigan lake, navigable to Greenbay, 26

—— —— description of, 28, 140

Michillimackinac, fort of, 18, 137, 149

—— —— taken by stratagem, 19

Michipicooton river, 137

Midwives unknown among the Indians, 235

Mink, American, 465

Missisauges, an Indian tribe, 171

Mississippi river, 56, 66, 72, 102

—— —— source of, 76

Mistassin lake on Rupert’s river, 175

Mohawks river, 172

Mohawks, nation of, 173

Monro Colonel, death of, 314, 325

Montcalm General, cruelty of, 320, 326

—— —— death of, 326

Months and moons of the Indians, 251

Moose-deer, 448

—— wood, 508

Morand Captain, anecdote of, 40

Moraez Emanuel de, a Portuguese writer, 188

Moschettoe country, 106

Mountain in the river, 56

—— red, a place of trade and amity, 99

—— shining, 118, 121

Mourning, ceremonies of, 403, 407

Mulberry-tree, 503

Musquash, or musk-rat, 455

Myrtle wax-tree, 510

N

Natural history of America, 441

Nawdowessie Indians, 59, 61, 80, 268, 271

—— —— anecdote of a party of, 61

—— —— friendly disposition of, 62

—— —— burying-place of, 65

—— —— language of, 416

—— —— vocabulary of, 433

—— —— song of, 440

Nehogatawonahs, 60

Niagara, falls of, 169

—— fort of, 169, 170

Night-hawk, history of the, 466

Nipegon river, 157

Nipising lake, 175

Nut-trees, 500

O

Oaks, American, 495

Oil-nut, 500

Oniada lake, 172

—— Indians, a tribe of the Iroquois, or five Mohawk nations, 173

Onondagoes, a tribe of the Iroquois, 173

Ontario lake, 170

—— —— country surrounding, 172

Oregon river, 66

Origin of the Americans, 181 to 219

Oswego river, 171

—— bass-fish, 171

Ottagaumies, 48, 50, 352, 357

Ottawaw lakes, 106, 175

Otter skins, employed as manitous, 309

—— history of, 464

Ouis Consin river, 45

Ouinipique river, 108

Oviedo, a celebrated Spanish writer, 183

Owl of America, 469

P

Paint of the Indians, 101, 227, 231

Papenouagane lake, 176

Partridges, American, 471

Parturition, easy, 235

—— how promoted, 396

Pawwaw, or black dance, 270

Peace, manner of making, 351, 358, 360

Pecan-nut, 501

Peopling of America, _vide_ America, 181 to 219

Pepin lake, 54, 95

—— rich scenery near it, 55

Persons of the Indians, 219, 223

Pertibi lake, 176

Petticoats, Indian, 229

Phœnicians, said to have visited America, 190, 191

Physicians of the Indians, 384, 391, 395

Pierre St. Riviere, 65, 75

—— —— —— source of, 84

Pine-tree, 496

Pipe or Calumate dance, 268

—— of peace, 281, 358

Pipes Indian, where procured, 101

Plants of America, 512

Platter, a game of the Indians, 365, 366

Pleurisy, treatment of, 390

Plumb-tree, 526

Plymouth company, grant to, 174

Polygamy of the Indians, 369

Pontiac, a celebrated Indian warrior, 19

—— surprizes Michillimackinac, 20

—— further account of, 153

—— stratagems and catastrophe of, 153 to 166

Poor Robin’s plantain, 518

Porcupine, history of, 453

Portage grand, 106

Pots Indian, manufactory of, 233

Prairies les Chiens, 50, 93

—— —— —— picturesque description around, 100

Prairies les Chiens, place of trade and general amity, 99

Prayer of an Ottowaw chief, 24

Prickly-ash, in the venereal disease, 393, 508

Priest of the Killistinoes, 123, 384

—— anecdote of, 125

—— of the Indians, 384

Prisoners, cruel treatment of, 330, 331, 336

—— grace to, 343, 344

—— never exchanged, 345

Property, equality of, 247, 248

Pumpkin, 526

Q

Queen of the Winnebagoes, 33

R

Racoon, history of, 454

Rainy lake, 114

Rattle snake, anecdote of one, 43

—— —— frequent, 167

—— —— history of, 479

—— —— bite of, antidotes to, 482

—— —— plantain, 482, 517

Red wood smoked with tobacco, 31

—— marble river, 75

—— mountain, rendezvous for trade and general amity, 99

Red bird, 475

Reine la Fort, of, 109

Religion of the Indians, 380

Revenge of the Indians, 298, 413

Rice, wild, 523

Rink-snake, 487

Road of war, 103

Rock Liverwort, 518

Robertson Dr. his opinion on the peopling of America, 217, 218

—— his misrepresentation, 224

Rogers, Major, 163

Roots and plants, 512

Rum river, 72

Rupert’s river, 174

S

Sachem, 257

Sacrifice dance, 268, 282

Sagacity of the Indians, 242, 284, 328

Sagapenum bay, 144

Saguenay river, near lake St. John, 176

Salle Mr. de la, 220

Salaciousness of the Nawdowessies, 246

Salt, an antidote to the bite of the rattle-snake, 483

Sand Cherries (cherries de sable), 30

Sanicle, 517

Sarsaparilla, 513

Sassafras, 507

Saukies, account of, 47, 352, 357

—— possess lead, 48

Sautor Grand, or great Chipéway Chief, 97

—— —— his tragic fate, 99

Scalps kept as trophies, 328

Scalping, account of, 328, 329

Scarification used by the Indians, 394

Schians, a band of Indians, 80

Schianese, 80

Scythians, founders of America, 180, 190, 196

Sekockimac smoked with tobacco, 31

Senecas, a tribe of the Iroquois, 173

Serpents of America, 479

Shahsweentowahs, 60

Shells, ornaments of, 227

Shin wood, 506

Shining mountains, 118, 121

Shirts of the Indians, 226, 229

Shoes of the Indians, 228

Shrub-oak, 509

Shrubs, 505

Silk-worms, 490

Skunk of America, 450

—— cabbage or poke, 519

Slaves, Indian, 346

Sledges, Indian, 330

Slow lizard, 489

Small-pox, ravages of, 326

Snake skin, chirurgical use of, 392

Snakes, American, 485

Solomon’s seal, 515

Speech addressed to the Nawdowessies, 87

—— of the Nawdowessie Indians, 90

Speeches to excite to war, 300, 302

Speckled snake, 487

Spikenard, 381

Spirit, the great, dwelling of, 63, 135, 144, 381

—— —— —— address to, 67, 125, 302

—— —— —— ceremony of invoking, 123, 127

Spirit, an amazing large one, 135

Spirits, 381

Spirituous liquors, fondness for, 347

Splinters, how extracted, 392

Spoon-wood, 508

Squashes, 526

Squirrels, American, 456

Stockings of the Indians, 228

Stone, white as snow, 100

—— red, used for making pipes, 101

Strawberry-river, 105

Striped or garter snake, 486

Sturgeon frequent, 106, 140

—— history of, 477

Subordination unknown to the North American Indians, 257

Succatosh food, 263

Sugar of the Maple, 262, 282

Sulphureous water, rained, 153

—— stones, 169

Sumach-leaves, smoked with tobacco, 30

Superior Lake, 106

—— —— transparency of its water, 132

—— —— elegant and picturesque view from, 143

Superstition of the Indians, 238, 254, 391

T

Tamiscaming Lake, 175

Targets of the Indians, 296

Teal, 470

Temper of the Indians, 238

Thorn-tail snake, 486

Thousand lakes, 73

Thunder, alarming to the Indians, 85

Time, calculation of, 250

Tintons, a band of Indians, 80

Toad plantain, 518

Tobacco worm, 491

—— plant, and life of the author, 521 intr.

Tongo-Wakon, 381

Toronto, Indian town, 171

Tortoise, or land turtle, 488

Tree-toad, 489

Trees, American, 494

Trouts, plenty of, 140, 149

Turnbull, Captain, 152

Tuscarories, a tribe of the Iroquois, 173

Two-headed snake, 487

Tyger, American, 442

Tyrian fleet, supposed to have visited America, 192

V

Venereal disease not indigenous to America, 392

—— —— cured by the prickly-ash, 393

Vines, American, 503

Visits of the Indians, 241

Vocabulary of the Chipéway tongue, 420

—— of the Nawdowessies, 433

W

Waddapawjestin Indians, 80

Waddapawmenesotor river, 65

Wake robin, 520

Wakon-teebe cave, 63

—— bird, 470

—— Kitchewah society, 271

Wakons, 309, 381

Wampum, 362

War-dance, 269

War, manner of making, 293, 300, 306, 310

—— club, 296, 362

—— declaration of, 307

—— hoop, 319, 334

Warrior, the great, 257

—— Indian, military arms of, 269

Water-bug, 493

Water-snakes, 167, 486

Weeks of the Indians, 252

Whetsaw of America, 475

Whipper-will, 467

Whirtleberries, 136

White-ash, antidote to the rattle-snake poison, 482

Wickopick-tree, 499

Wild indigo, 520

Wild rice, 523

Willow, 506

Winds of America varying in temperature, 70

Winnepeek river, 108, 110

Winter-green, 510

Witch-hazle, 509

Witchcraft, how treated, 395

Wives, station of, 367

Wolves, American, 444

Women, courage of, 333

Wood-creek river, 172

Wood-chuck, 454

Wood-pigeon, 471

Woodpecker, 472

Worship cultivated by the Indians, 179

Wounds, treatment of, 391

Y

Yellow river, 51

Transcriber's Note:

There is one image which was present twice in the original (the Tobacco Plant). Both images were retained. The words (top) and (bottom) were added to some image captions to clarify which caption refers to which image. Dashes used as ditto marks in the Table of Contents were replaced by the text they represent.

Some corrections have been made to the original. In particular, punctuation errors were corrected. In the index, the spelling was altered to match the spelling in the body text; page numbers were added where missing and corrected where mistakes were found.

Additional corrections are listed below:

p. 11 Chipèway -> Chipéway p. 13 Chipeway -> Chipéway p. 15 rout -> route p. 15 pap. -> pag. p. 23 suprised -> surprised p. 35 excusions -> excursions p. 37 rapaid -> rapid p. 46 disstance -> distance p. 63 recived -> received p. 63 after I left left -> after I left p. 96 Chippéways -> Chipéways p. 136 notwithstanding that is -> notwithstanding that it is p. 151 more attentive to to -> more attentive to p. 188 Portugeuse -> Portuguese p. 219 utilitity -> utility p. 235 assiststance -> assistance p. 241 neve -> never p. 279 red and and black -> red and black p. 305 Nowithstanding -> Notwithstanding p. 311 their -> there p. 312 extraordinry -> extraordinary p. 315 whereing -> wherein p. 318 anle -> ancle p. 347 treaders -> traders p. 352 Ontatario -> Ontario p. 353 impossibe -> impossible p. 354 pass though -> pass through p. 406 strengh -> strength p. 407 blacken their their faces -> blacken their faces p. 440 purpose a a short -> purpose a short p. 483 it -> its p. 484 suden -> sudden p. 501 chensuts -> chesnuts p. 507 kown -> known p. 517 seldoms -> seldom p. 536 ae -> are