THE SEMINOLES OF FLORIDA 113
Since that first great tipple in New York which
ended in such a scene of intoxication, causing the
Mohicans to name the island "the place of the big
drunk," the Indian practices more precaution; and
one of their number always remains sober and
watches his boozy brother like a hawk. This is the
practice of the Seminoles. Before going on a spree,
a selection is made of one of the band whose duty it
is to stand guard over all weapons and see that no
injury is done to any member of the tribe. The
"sprees" in which they indulge are too infrequent
to warrant them being classed as intemperate. It is
opportune at this point to say that only under the
degrading influence of whiskey, which the white
civilization brings to him, does the Seminole ever
show any demoralized condition, and the proper
official should see to the enforcement of the
laws against selling liquor to these child-like peo-
ple.
 Only a few of the tribe talk broken English.
 The chiefs disapprove of it on general principles -
 for fear they will talk too much. To keep aloof
 from the white man, and the white man's ways, is
 the training of the Seminole youth. Occasionally a
 few of the tribe leave their marshy homes. These
 talk sufficiently to do their trading when visiting
 towns to dispose of their plumes, deer skins, basket
 work, etc. These products always find ready sale,
 and when the great day of shopping begins, a
 "corner" in red calico and fancy colored beads is
 the result. The squaws have control of their own