They were not skilled in the practice of medicines, notwith They knew how standing the general belief on that subject. to cure wounds and hurts, and treated simple diseases success Their general health was due more to their habits than fully.

knowledge of remedies. Their principal medical treat ment was the sweating bath. These were literally earthen ovens, into which the patient crept, and around which heated stones were placed to raise the temperature. When the patient had remained under perspiration for a certain time he was taken out and immersed suddenly in cold water, a process which served to cure or certainly cause death. The oil which they obtained from beavers was used in many forms and for many to a

purposes ;

among others for dizziness, for trembling,

for the

rheumatism, apoplexy, for toothache, for for for The weak eyes, earache, gout, and for almost all ills. for lameness," for

Dutch took to this remedy and attached to it great value. As the term is generally understood, they had no religion, but in its place a rude system in which they looked

"

Through nature up to nature's God."

Good and evil spirits they recognized, and to them appealed in Their minister or priest was called kitziIt was his duty to visit the sick and exorcise the evil

sacrifice and fires.

naeka.

spirits ; or, failing, to

see the usual rites for the dead performed.

He had no home of his own, but lodged were it pleased him, was not permitted to eat any food prepared by a married woman, but that only which was cooked " like a by a maiden or an old woman, and altogether lived or where he last officiated ;