women, are generally painted; and often display more taste than one
would be disposed to give them credit for.

The travelling equipage of the Nascopies consists of a small leather
tent, a deer-skin robe with the hair on, a leather bag with some down
in it, and a kettle. When he lies down he divests himself of his upper
garment, which he spreads under him; then, thrusting his limbs into
the down bag, and rolling himself up in his robe, he draws his knees
up close to his chin; and thus defended, the severest cold does not
affect him.

Considering the manner in which their women are treated, it can
scarcely be supposed that their courtships are much influenced by
sentiments of love; in fact, the tender passion seems unknown to the
savage breast. When a young man attains a certain age, and considers
himself able to provide for a wife--if the term may be so debased--he
acquaints his parents with his wish, and gives himself no further
concern about the matter, until they have concluded the matrimonial
negotiations with the parents of _their_, not _his_ intended, whose
sentiments are never consulted on the occasion. The youth then
proceeds to his father-in-law's tent, and remains there for a
twelvemonth; at the end of this period he may remain longer or depart,
and he is considered ever after as an independent member of the
community, subject to no control. Marriages are allowed between near
relatives; cousins are considered as brothers and sisters, and are
addressed by the same terms. It is not considered improper to marry
two sisters, either in succession or both at the same time.

The Nascopies have certain customs in hunting peculiar to themselves.
If a wounded animal escape, even a short distance, ere he drops, he