, in some parts of Europe, to powder the hair and
clothes with ground and sifted corn; the same which nature has produced
for the nourishment of man. This flour is called hair-powder. It is
combed out with great care at night, preparatory to a fresh sprinkling
in the morning. There is another custom with them, which did not appear
less ridiculous to me. They have certain coverings for the head, called
hats, made ostensibly, to protect the head from the weather, but which,
instead of being used for this very reasonable purpose, are generally
worn under the arm, even in the winter. This seemed as foolish to me as
would the instance of one's walking through the city with his cloak or
breeches in his hand; thus exposing his body, which these should cover,
to the severity of the weather.

"The doctrines of European religion are excellent and consistent with
sound reason. In their books of moral law they are commanded to read the
Christian precepts often; to search into their true meaning, and are
advised to be indulgent with the weak and erring. Nevertheless, should
any understand one or another doctrine of these books in any but the
established sense, they would be imprisoned, lashed, yes, and even
burned for their want of judgment. This seemed to me the same case, as
if one should be punished for a blemish in sight, through which he saw
that object square which others believed to be round. I was told that
some thousand people had been executed by hanging or burning, for their
originality of thought.

"In most cities and villages are to be found certain persons standing in
high places, who animadvert severely upon the sins of others, which
they themselves commit daily: this seemed to me as sensible as the
preaching of temperance by a drunkard.

"In the larger towns, it is almost generally the fashion to invite one's
guests, immediately after meals, to imbibe a kind of sup made from burnt
beans, which they call coffee. To the places where this is drunk, they
are drawn in a great box on four wheels, by two very strong animals; for
the higher classes of Europeans hold it to be very indecent to move
about on their feet.

"On the first day of the year, the Europeans are attacked by a certain
disease, which we subterraneans know nothing of. The symptoms of this
malady are a peculiar disturbance of the mind and agitation of the head;
its effects are that none can remain, on that day, five minutes in one
place. They run furious