Amongst the Iroquois,
{Iroquois great Warriours.} who are always at War and Hunting;
therefore, the Plantation Work is left for the Women and Slaves to perform,
and look after; whilst they are wandring all over the Continent
betwixt the two Bays of Mexico and St. Laurence.
{Mats how made.}
The Mats the Indian Women make, are of Rushes, and about five Foot high,
and two Fathom long, and sew'd double, that is, two together;
whereby they become very commodious to lay under our Beds,
or to sleep on in the Summer Season in the Day-time, and for our Slaves
in the Night.
There are other Mats made of Flags, which the Tuskeruro Indians make,
and sell to the Inhabitants.
{Baskets.}
The Baskets our Neighbouring Indians make, are all made of a very fine
sort of Bulrushes, and sometimes of Silk-grass, which they work
with Figures of Beasts, Birds, Fishes, &c.
A great way up in the Country, both Baskets and Mats are made
of the split Reeds, which are only the outward shining Part of the Cane.
Of these I have seen Mats, Baskets, and Dressing-Boxes,
very artificially done.
{Indian Wives.}
The Savage Women of America, have very easy Travail with their Children;
sometimes they bring Twins, and are brought to bed by themselves,
when took at a Disadvantage; not but that they have Midwives amongst them,
as well as Doctors, who make it their Profession (for Gain)
to assist and deliver Women, and some of these Midwives are very knowing
in several Medicines that Carolina affords, which certainly expedite,
and make easy Births.
