The general characteristics of the Indians are indo lence and apathetic indifference. Their tasks are per formed with the greatest reluctance, and require the constant attendance of overseers. Promises cannot induce, nor punishment scarcely compel them to exer tion. Their only domestic labour consists in the plough ing of their chacara, or piece of ground ; but the sow ing and the rest of the culture, and indeed every other kind of work, is left entirely to the women, who spin, make their apparel, grind the barley, and brew the chica, an inebriating beverage, made from maize, of which all the Indians are particularly fond. Their perseverance, howevi r, is proverbial among the Spaniards ; and when any work of trifling importance is to be performed, which requires much time and patience, they say that it is only fit to be done by an Indian. They are devoid of every species of ambition or emulation, and now seem perfectly indifferent to their situation. They arc seldom -heard to complain, either in pain or sickness. They endure punishment without discovering the smallest symptom of sensibility ; and even view death with the most perfect unconcern. This part of their character, however, may with justice be ascribed to the operation of an enervating and degrading bondage. It is only at their drinking entertainments, that they shew any disposition to exert themselves. Every kind of reserve or restraint is then thrown aside, and the night is spent in the most indecent and intemperate mirth. No ties of conjugality or relationship are regarded, and though, on other occasions, the chastity of their married women is an object of solicitude, yet it is a received maxim among them, that the husband must not resent the privileged familiarities of these orgies.
Of the unsubdued Indians who wander over this vast expanse of territory, and who have as yet resisted the yoke of the Spaniards , it is impossible to give any de terminate account. The state of almost perpetual hos tility in which they live with the Europeans, has con siderably prevented the researches of modern travellers. The discordant relations which have been handed down to us by their conquerors concerning their ap pearance, their manners, and their internal policy, and which seem to be more the effusions of igno rance and prejudice, than the minute details of his torical truth, afford us little opportunity of extracting a correct and simple representation. Independent, how ever, of the scantiness of our information on this sub ject, the numerous nations into which these Indians are spl t, and the diversity of their language and manners, would forbid all attempts at any very particular details in this work. While some of these natiuns wander through their forests in a state of perfect nudity, unac quainted with every species of cultivation, and living on berries and roots, or depending for subsistence entirely upon fishing and the chase ; others practise a rude kind of agriculture, which, from the fertility of the soil, sup plies them with abundance ; and display considerable ingenuity both in the fabrication of their dress and their instruments of war. Some have been represented as stupid, cowardly, treacherous, and cruel ; while others have been found to possess considerable penetration and judgment, to be sincere, industrious, and brave. Many
of the independent nations which innabit the eastern borders of the Paraguay and Parana, though formerly numerous and formidable, are now reduced to incon siderable tribcs, who, with little power of annoyance, still bear an invineUe enmity to the Spaniards. Among these, the most powerful were the Charruas and illinnancs, who long withstood, with the most determin ed resistance, the subjugation of their country. Though now driven from their ancient residence on the banks of the La Plata, and reduced to a few hundred warriors, they still carry on incessant hostilities with the Euro pear.s, either in Brasil or Buenos Ayres. They live in a state of continual watchfulness. At evening the heads of families assemble to appoint the sentinels for the ; and such is their foresight, that this precaution is • -Ye'. forgotten. At this assembly they arrange their pl• s of attack and defence, and all projects for the e safety and welfare are here communicated and dis ussed. and, if approved of, immediately put in exe cution. When a military expedition is resolved upon, they conceal their families in the woods, and send out their spies, %veil mounted, to discover the situation and strength of the enemy. If they find him weak or unpre pared, so that he may be attacked with any prospect of advantage, they dispose their forces in such a manner as to assail him at several points at once ; and then. advancing slowly and in silence, precipitate themselves with such sudden fury upon their opponents, that time is scarcely left for resistance. Every male above mare years of age is massacred, and the women and children are carried off as prisoners, who, however, enjoy among them the most perfect liberty, and soon become so habituated to their manner of life, that they seldom wish to return to their former companions. They arc also most dextrous in laying amuuseades, and in mak ing false attacks ; but generally content themselves with a single victory, and never follow up their advantages. If repulsed, they easily escape by the superior swiftness of their horses, which they manage with great address. Their warlike accoutrements consist merely in a long spear, pointed with iron, which metal they buy from the Portuguese ; and a quiver full of short arrows slung over their shoulders. They go entirely naked, except when they can obtain a poncho, or hat, which they wear in cold weather ; and their women cover themselves with a cloak, or cotton shirt, which their fathers or husbands may have taken from the enemy. They are altogether unacquainted with agriculture, and live entirely upon the flesh of the wild oxen, with which their country abounds. They have neither chiefs nor laws. All are equal ; and every one retains the booty which he has personally taken in war. But though few in number, they are actuated by such a spirit of unanimity and determined hostility against their oppres sors, that their reduction has cost the Spaniards more blood than even the conquest of Mexico and Peru.