The Tribes are. in the habit of clotlnng themselves with them ; the fur or hair inside, tlie smooth side without, whicli, however, they paint so beautifully that, at a distance, it resembles lace. It is the opinion that they make use of the best for that purpose; what has poor fur they deem unsuitable for their clothing. When they bring their commodities to the Traders, and find they are desirous to buy them, they make so very little matter of it, that they at once rip up the skins tliey are clothed with and sell tliem as being the best. They use

FIRST SETTLEME^P^ OP NEW- YORK BY THE DtJTCH. 37

the Beaver skins mostly for the sleeves, as they are not so expensive ; and they frequently come several days journey from the interior, to exchange theirs with the Tribes. Agriculture progresses in New Netherland in this wise. It is

very pleasant, all products being in abundance, though Aew Nether. wlM. Grapcs are of very good flavour, but will be,

henceforward better cultivated by our people. Cherries are not found there. There are all sorts of fowls, both in the water and in the air. Swans, geese, ducks, bitterns, abound The men scarcely ever labour, except to provide some game, either fowl or other description, for cooking, and then they have provided every thing. The women must attend to the remainder, tilling the soil, &c. When oiu* people arrived there, they were busy cleaning up and planting. Before this vessel had left, the harvest was far advanced. It excites little attention if any one [of the Indians] abandon his wife ; in case she have childi-en, they usually follow her. Theii- summers are fine, but the days there are shorter than with us here. The winters are severe, but there is plenty of fuel, as the country is well wooded and it is at the service of whoever wants it.