Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/181

1837.] The only apparent formation of a hut beneath the trees, which were their only shelter from the sun, was a kind of partition formed of folding mats. Some bore the marks of tatoo; but this was not common, and was probably a mission taste.

Their general appearance was that of extreme misery and filthiness; and much as I wished to see the completion of one of their arrows then in progress, I was glad to breathe the open air, and free myself from such company. Some of our party induced the hunting set to exhibit their skill with the bow; but they were far from expert. Their implements were but few, and of the simplest kind,—similar, indeed, to those observed at Point Victoria, and probably constructed on the spot, to prevent the labour of conveyance.

They are migratory, and were generally traced by us to have fixed their temporary sojourn under a horse-chesnut, or in the immediate vicinity of acorn grounds. It is probable that they continue travelling and amassing their stock until winter, and then betake themselves to the high grounds or the Rancherias. As habit is second nature, and all these tribes, including all I have seen at the missions, appear of the most degraded class, it is probable that they prefer the latter, ("De gustibus, &c.,) where possibly their friends the ducks and geese, visit them occasionally. Possibly, also, the deer may drop in on them. But the chances are miserably poor, in case of inundation.