The tops are bent together above in the form of a gallery, and throughout the length of these bent poles, laths are fastened. The walls and roof are then, covered with the bark of elm, ash, and chestnut trees; the bark is lapped over each other as a protection against a change of weather, and the smooth side is turned inward. The houses lodge fifteen families together, more or less, according to the dimensions, Hach knows its propor-
Their houses.
126 DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND.
tion. Their forts stand mostly on steep mountains, beside a stream of water. The entrance is only on one side. They are built in this wise. They set heavy timbers in the ground, with oak palisades on both sides, planted crosswise one with another. They join timbers again between the cross-trees, to strengthen the work. Within the enclosure they commonly build twenty or thirty houses, some of which are a hundred and eighty feet long, some less. All are crammed full of people. In the summer they set up huts along the rivers, in order to pursue fishing. In the winter they re- . move into the woods to be convenient to the hunting and toa supply of fire-wood. Plurality of wives is not in vogue here, except among the Chiefs, who take three or four to themselves. And such harmony exists among these, that they are never at variance. Minors do not marry, except with the advice of their parents or friends. Widowers and widows follow their own inclinations: regard is only had to each other's condition and children. The bridegroom must make a present to the bride. On the slightest misunderstanding, the wife, paid right off, is put by the husband out of doors, and she marries another. Thus some of them have a fresh wife every year.