ABSTRACT
Like all people in the lower stages of civilization, the Indian islanders are defective in personal cleanliness. The heat of the climate, and the preservation of health, renders it a matter of enjoyment, and almost of necessity to bathe frequently. The respective tribes may be counted industrious or indolent in proportion to their civilization or barbarity. Wherever tranquillity and security exist to any degree, the islanders are found to be industrious like other people in the same circumstances. The Indian islanders are throughout gifted with a large portion of fortitude, but their courage consists rather in suffering with patience, than in braving danger. An account of the moral and social qualities of the Indian islanders may be conveniently arranged under the three heads of their virtues, their weaknesses, and their vices and the whole maybe summed up by an estimate of their character in their domestic, social, and political relations.
