Notwithstanding misdemeanors are not punished, wicked acts are of rare occurrence. Stolen property, whenever discovered, is ordered by the Chief to be restored. The next of kin of the murdered man may kill the murderer, if he overtake him within four and twenty hours. But if he avenge himself later, he is subject to be slain by the

relative of the second victim, within the limit of the stated time.

All obligations acquire their force from the accept-

Naito ance of presents. They proceed thus: They take

as many little sticks as there are conditions in their

proposals. Ifthey agree on all, each party, at the conclusion, lays

his presents at the feet of the other. They sometimes hang up the presents, whilst they deliberate earnestly on the proposal

during three days. If the present be accepted, the negotiation

is firmly concluded ; but if not, they proceed no further in the matter, unless the applicant change the conditions and the present. On oceasions of importance, a general assembly is held at the house of one of the chiefs; in order that the sachems there assembled, may explain what has been concluded. Then the most eloquent rises and endeavours to render the determination popular with the masses. It some-

Weapons.

Laws.

Death punishment.

Public councils.

VoL. rv. 9

130 DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND.

times happens that a ringleader will admit of no 'reasoning, whereupon some of the chiefs strikes the mutineer on the head with an axe. No one is so bold as to dare to mutter a word in such a case. No trace of divine worship Worship can hardly be discovered here. Only they ascribe . great influence to the moon over the crops. The Sun, as all seeing, is taken to witness as often as they take an oath.