He did not recur to the pumpkin treatment, however, but relied henceforth on the dragon-fly for a cure, which he applied at a distance.
The Ammi now gathered about Pounder, and, with astonishment on their faces, contemplated the change that had come over him. The mightiest of their number was seen lying before them the weakest and silliest. It disgusted them that he should so put himself out of his own power, as to be at the mercy of the smallest monkey, and especially that he who could fight so bravely should grin and puke so contemptibly.
But these discussions did not interest Pounder, who slept on unmindful of his glory or his disgrace.
About this time the Ammi were again heard complaining of the cold, which had been rapidly increasing since the snow storm mentioned, and they cast about for devices to reduce its discomforts.
At night they sought the leeward side of trees and hills; they also went into caves and huddled up closely to keep warm. But this did not suffice. They were cold both by day and night, and every one sought other means of warming.
From the habit of covering themselves with leaves when sleeping, the thought was suggested, that if they could surround themselves with leaves during the day they might be more comfortable at all times.
“The difficulty is to make the leaves stick together,” said Abroo; “let us fasten them by their stems, or string them on blades of grass.”
Soon a garment of leaves and grass was woven in this way, which was the beginning of clothing and of the vast dry-goods interest of the world.
Up to this time the Men, like the Apes, had been naked. They had found no use for clothing; the climate was warm, and the feeling of shame had not yet entered their breasts. They were covered with hair, which grew longer since they had come north; and, though this furnished some protection, and was highly appreciated since the cold weather set in, it was not sufficient for their comfort. Some had longer hair than others, and so stood the change better, while those of little or short hair often fell sick and died of colds, rheumatism, and other winter complaints. The invention of clothing, however, equalized their condition again, so that long hair was deemed of no special advantage.