the forest. They are keen observers of
natural objects, and have a considerable knowledge of medicinal and
poisonous plants, as well as of the habits of the animals, birds,
reptiles, and insects which inhabit their country. They observe the
virtue of hospitality, and are fond of paying visits to their friends at
a distance--expecting to be treated in the same way. Theft is unusual
among them; and so great is their love of liberty that they can seldom
be induced to follow the customs of civilised life.

Drunkenness drives them often to fearful excesses--most of their
quarrels springing from that cause. Their dances, though in a certain
degree graceful, consist chiefly in stamping on the ground, balancing on
one foot, and staggering in different attitudes as if intoxicated--the
music being generally monotonous and dismal. Mr Brett describes a
curious trial of strength which the Guaranis exercise at their drinking
bouts. Each of the antagonists is furnished with a shield made of
strips of the mauritia, cut into equal lengths, and firmly lashed across
a frame three or four feet in height, but somewhat less in width, and
slightly bending downwards. The front of each shield is painted in
various colours with some peculiar device, while fastened to the upper
edge are elastic stems adorned with coloured tassels and streamers.
Each champion grasps the edges of his shield firmly with both hands,
and, after various feints and grimaces to throw his opponent off his
guard, a clash is heard as one springs forward and his shield strikes
that of his antagonist. The contest is generally one of mere strength,
the shield being pushed forward by the whole force of the body and
supported by one knee, while the other leg is extended firmly behind.
Sometimes one of the players is able to push the other off the ground,
or, by a dexterous slip and thrust on the flank, sends him rolling on
the sand; but more frequently they remain pressing, panting, and
struggling until exhausted, when the contest ceases by mutual consent.
It is then a point of etiquette to shake the shields at each other in a
jeering manner--with a tremulous motion of their elastic ornaments--and
to utter a defiant sound like the whinnying of a young horse. This is
generally followed by a hearty, good-natured laugh, in which the
bystanders join. Another couple then step forward and engage.

Polygamy exists among most of the tribes, and is the great bane of
Indian dom