A passer by ere long releases 'the pig pregnant women, '2 the poke.' When pregnant, the woman takes great heed, in order that the embryo may not be injured. On the approach of the birth of the child, which she precisely knows, she retires to,a lonely place in the woods, even in the severest cold, erects a hut of mats, separates the child with- » out any one's aid, washes it in the water, and wraps it around with matting. Ina few days she turns homeward, and brings

Their forts.

Removing.

Marriage.

Divorce.

DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND. 127

the suckling carefully up; a child is never put out to nurse. As long as a woman suckles, or is pregnant, she admits of no connection. The catamenia do not appear. In sickness they are very faithful to each other. The next of kin closes the eyes of the deceased. After being waked for a few days, theaeae""€ they are thus interred. The body hath a stone under the head; it is placed in a sitting posture; they place beside it a pot, kettle, a platter, spoon, money, and provisions, to be made use of in the other world. They then stow wood all around, which they cover with planks; on the planks, which are covered with earth and stones, palisades are fastened in such a manner that the tomb resembles a little house, to which they pay divine reverence; wherefore they consider it a great profanation to violate such places. The men make no noise over the dead, but the women carry on uncommonly; they strike their breasts, tear their faces, call the name of the deceased day and night. The mothers make the loudest lamentations on the death of their sons: They cut off their hair, which they burn on Very remarkable i F ' morning for the the grave in the presence of all the relatives.