THE INDIAN.
Indians were the first inhabitants of this country. "Lo!" was the first, only, and original aboriginal. His statue may be seen outside of almost any cigar-store. His descendants are still called "Low," though often over six feet in height. The Indian is generally red, but in time of war he becomes a "yeller." He lives in the forest, and is often "up a tree." Indians believe in ghosts, and when the Spirit moves them, they move the Spirits. (N.B. They have no excise law.) They have an objection to crooked paths, preferring to take every thing "straight." Although fond of rum, they do not possess the Spirit of the old Rum-uns. They are deficient in all metals except brass. This they have in large quantities. The Indian is very benevolent; and believing that "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown," he often scalps his friends to allow them to sleep better. This is touching in the extreme. He is also very hospitable, often treating his captives to a hot Stake. This is also touching—especially to the captive. He is very ingenious in inventing new modes of locomotion. Riding on a rail is one of these. This is done after dinner, in order to aid the digestion, although they often "settle your hash" in a different way. Indians are independent, and can "paddle their own canoes." It is very picturesque to see an Indian, who is a little elevated, in a Tight canoe when the water is High. (No allusion to LONGFELLOW'S "Higherwater" is intended.) Indians are pretty good shots, often shooting rapids. Their aim is correct; but as Miss CAPULET observes, "What's in an aim?" (Answer in our next.) They are also skilful with the long-bow. This does not, however, indicate that they take an arrow view of things. Not at all. Sometimes, when reduced by famine, they live on arrow-root. Sometimes they dip the points of their arrows in perfume, after which they (the arrows, not the Indians) are Scent. That this fact was known to Mr. SHAKESPEARE is shown by his line,
"Arrows by any other name would smell as wheat."
What is meant by the allusion to wheat is not quite clear; but it probably refers to old Rye. An Indian may be called the Bow ideal of a man. And then, again, he may not. It is a bad habit to call names. The Western people have given up the Bow, but still retain the Bowie. "Hang up the fiddle and the bow," (BYRON.) Perhaps it is arrowing to their feelings. Perhaps it is not. The Indian is different from the Girl of the Period. He has "two strings to his bow," while she has two beaux "on a string."