Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

CHAPTER VIII. HORSE INDIANS OF PATAGONIA. Head — Physiognomy — Stature — Wanderings — Clothing — Armour Arms — Food — Chase — Property — Huts — Wizards — Marriage — Chil- dren — Health — Illness — Death — Burial — War — Horsemanship — Gambling — Caciques — Superstitions — Warfare — Morality — Disposi- tion — Chups — Zapallos. The head of a Patagonian is rathei* broad, but not high and, except in a few instances, the forehead is small and low. His hair hangs loosely : it is black, coarse, and very dirty. A fillet which is worn around the top of the head may be intended as an ornament, for it is certainly of no use. The brow is prominent : the eyes are rather small, black, and ever restless. Deficiency of eyebrow adds to the peculiar expression of their eyes; and a mixture of simplicity and shrewdness, daring and timidity, with that singular wild look which is never seen in civilized man, is very conspicuous in the Patagonians. Its immediate effect is to remind one of the necessity of being always on guard while within reach : yet of all savage nations, perhaps the Patagonians are least inclined to attack or deceive strangers. In general, the women's stature, physiognomy, and dress, so much resemble those of the men, that, except by their hair, it is difficult for a stranger to distinguish them. By nature they have but little hair on either face or body, and that little they try to eradicate. Their faces are roundish, and the width or projection of the cheek-bones makes them look unusually wide. The nose is a little depressed, narrow between the eyes, but broad and fleshy about the nostrils, which are rather large. The mouth is large and coarsely formed, with thick lips. Their teeth are often very good,, though rather large ; and those in front have the peculiarity, which will be discussed when speaking of the Fuegians, of being flattened, solid, and shewing an inner substance. The chin is 1