Page:A narrative of travels on the Amazon and Rio Negro.djvu/407

 OF' THE AMAZON. 361

of this part of South America, is a degree of diffidence, bash- fulness, or coldness, which affects all their actions. It is this that produces their quiet deliberation, their circuitous way of introducing a subject they have come to speak about, talking half an hour on different topics before mentioning it : owing to this feeling, they will run away if displeased rather than complain, and will never refuse to undertake what is asked them, even when they are unable or do not intend to perform it.

It is the same peculiarity which causes the men never to exhibit any feeling on meeting after a separation ; though they have, and show, a great affection for their children, whom they never part with ; nor can they be induced to do so, even for a short time. They scarcely ever quarrel among themselves, work hard, and submit willingly to authority. They are ingeni- ous and skilful workmen, and readily adopt any customs of civilised life that may be introduced among them ; and they seem capable of being formed, by education and good govern- ment, into a peaceable and civilised community.

This change, however, will, perhaps, never take place : they are exposed to the influence of the refuse of Brazilian society, and will probably, before many years, be reduced to the condition of the other half-civilised Indians of the country, who seem to have lost the good qualities of savage life, and gained only the vices of civilisation.