its
banks. Accident, or one of those unaccountable freaks which nature
sometimes plays in the animal world, gave rise to a breed of horses
which were once well known in America by the name of the Narragansetts.
They were small, commonly of the color called sorrel in America, and
distinguished by their habit of pacing. Horses of this race were, and
are still, in much request as saddle-horses, on account of their
hardiness and the ease of their movements. As they were also sure of
foot, the Narragansetts were greatly sought for by females who were
obliged to travel over the roots and holes in the "new countries."

[5] The North American warrior caused the hair to be plucked from his
whole body; a small tuft, only, was left on the crown of his head in
order that his enemy might avail himself of it, in wrenching off the
scalp in the event of his fall. The scalp was the only admissible trophy
of victory. Thus, it was deemed more important to obtain the scalp than
to kill the man. Some tribes lay great stress on the honor of striking a
dead body. These practices have nearly disappeared among the Indians of
the Atlantic States.

[6] The hunting-shirt is a picturesque smock frock, being shorter, and
ornamented with fringes and tassels. The colors are intended to imitate
the hues of the wood with a view to concealment. Many corps of American
riflemen have been thus attired; and the dress is one of the most
striking of modern times. The hunting-shirt is frequently white.

[7] The rifle of the army is short; that of the hunter is always long.

[8] The Mississippi. The scout alludes to a tradition which is very
popular among the tribes of the Atlantic States. Evidence of their
Asiatic origin is deduced from the circumstances, though great
uncertainty hangs over the whole history of the Indians.

[9] The scene of this tale was in the 42d degree of latitude, where the
twilight is never of long continuance.

[10] The reader will remember that New York was originally a colony of
the Dutch.

[11] The principal villages of the Indians are still called "castles" by
the whites of New York. "Oneida castle" is no more than a scattered
hamlet; but the name is in general use.

[12] In vulgar parlance the condiments of a repast are called by the
American "a relish," substituting the thing for its effect. These
provincial terms are frequently put in the mouths of the speakers,
according to their several conditions in life. Most of them