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they will make treens dove tailed in so neat a manner as might make one believe that they had been made by the hands of a professed mechanic; these they varnish with a substance composed of Castorum, and Grease which give them a deep glossy Colour:– their designs in forming Calumets of various shapes, from the crude marble, indicate a latent genius, which if improved, might vie with the civilized European: as even in their native state they observe the most just symmetry and proportion, in all their works; they are ever indefatigable in in investigating the operations of the mechanical powers and causes; and indeed the whole bent of their genius seems to be centered in that art; as they equally find it to be an amusement, and of service in regard to mentdling guns, axes, Trens, kettles, &c[;] their anvil is a stone, and the hammer of the same substance; with these alone they will reduce both old axes and Chisels, into thin plates of iron, which they convert into various uses. In making of their Snow Shoes which is a form peculiar to their nation; they show a greater nicety and dexterity than the Crees, or Beaver Indians; and the woman also perform the part of natting them in a neat manner[.] Notwithstanding, altho they possess so much ingenuity, they are at times very stubborn, Choleric, but

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