56. Pring, Martin, “The Voyage of Martin Pring,” (in Winship) SAILORS’ NARRATIVES also Howe, PROLOGUE TO NEW ENGLAND.
Account by an early (1603) visitor to Plymouth harbor. Information on general appearance, horticulture, diet, weapons, and birch bark canoes.
57. Rainey, F.G., “A Compilation of Historical Data Contributing to the Ethnography of Connecticut and Southern New England Indians,” BULLETIN OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CONNECTICUT (April, 1936).
This is just what the title implies—a collection of some data on Indians in southeastern New England. The author assumes that all groups are the same culture-wise, and makes no attempt to segregate data, for example, of observers in Maine from that of those in Connecticut. The compilation, moreover, is incomplete. No synthesis is attempted—information presented in a series of quotations.
58. de Rasieres, Issack, “Letter of Issack de Rasieres to Samuel Blommaert, 1628,” in James, THREE VISITORS, etc., and also Jameson, Franklin, J., ed., NARRATIVES OF NEW NETHERLAND (New York, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1909).
Information concerning trade with Maine, conduct of the Indians, education of the young, and male initiation. Also extensive account of customs of New York Indians.
59. Shepard, Thomas, “The Clear Sun-Shine of the Gospel Breaking forth upon the Indians in New England,” MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS, Series 3, Vol. IV, pp. 27-67.
Mainly a description of missionary activities, dating to about 1648. There is little ethnographic information; mainly it tells of the efforts of religious instruction. Mentions the existence of female initiation.
60. Smith, John, A DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND, OR OBSERVATIONS AND DISCOVERIES IN THE NORTH OF AMERICA IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1614 (Boston: Williams Veazie) 1875.
Information on Indians is not extensive. Concerns general distribution of settlements, location of furs, and horticulture around Massachusetts Bay.