He
attributed all our misfortunes to the misconduct of my guides, and the very
plan we pursued, by the desire of the Governor, in not taking any women with us
on this journey, was, he said, the principal thing that occasioned all our
wants: "for, said he, when all the men are heavy[102]laden,
they can neither hunt nor travel to any considerable distance; and in case they
meet with success in hunting, who is to carry the produce of their labour?
Women," added he, "were made for labour; one of them can carry, or
haul, as much as two men can do. They also pitch our tents, make and mend our
clothing, keep us warm at night; and, in fact, there is no such thing as
travelling any considerable distance, or for any length of time, in this
country, without their assistance. Women," said he again, "though they
do every thing, are maintained at a trifling expence; for as they always stand
cook, the very licking of their fingers in scarce times, is sufficient for
their subsistence." This, however odd it may appear, is but too true a
description of the situation of women in this country; it is at least so in
appearance; for the women always carry the provisions, and it is more than
probable they help themselves when the men are not present.
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