Finally, they all raise a tremendous caterwauling, when the devil (as they say) appears in the shape of a ravenous or harmless animal: the first betokens something bad ; the other good: both give information respecting coming events; but obscurely, which they attribute to their own ignorance, not understanding the Devil's right meaning when matters turn out differently. They, moreover, bewitch some in such ikea'? wise that they foam at the mouth, throw themselves in the fire and smite themselves unmercifully ; and as soon as they whisper any words in the ear of the bewitched

328 DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND.

the enchantment ceases. The language of this Ne Net Clatgers people is very various, but they can be classed inte

four principal tongues, namely, Mahatans, Wappanoo, Siavanoo, and Minquaes ; they are very difficult for strangers to learn, as they are spoken without any principles. Their money consists of zeawant, [wampum] which. is nothing more than the inside little pillars of the eonckshells, which the sea casts up twice a year. These pillars they polish smooth ; drill a hole through the centre ; reduce it to a certain size, and string the pieces on threads, The strings fill the place of gold, silver and copper coin. Great faults, as

well as virtues, are remarked in the inhabitants ; ene tor besides being slovenly and slothful, they are

also found to be thievish, head-strong, greedy and vindictive. In other respects they are grave, chary of speech, which, after mature consideration, is slowly uttered and long remembered. The understanding being somewhat sharpened by the Hollanders, they evince sufficient ability to distinguish carefully good from evil. They will not suffer any imposition. No wise disposed to gluttony, they are able patiently to endure cold, heat, hunger and thirst. They are remarkably addicted to the use of sweating baths, made of earth and lined with clay.