_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.
[Illustration:
The TOBACCO PLANT
_Published Nov. 1^{st}. 1779_
]
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