The transmission of knowledge by means of the latter is consequently attended with most disproportionate labor.

It is almost as if we could quote nothing from an author unless we could recollect his exact words.

We have a right to look for excellent memories where such a mode is in vogue, and in the present instance we are not disappointed.

"These savages," exclaims La Hontan, "have the happiest memories in the world!" It was etiquette at their councils for each speaker to repeat verbatim all his predecessors had said, and the whites were often astonished and confused at the verbal fidelity with which the natives recalled the transactions of long past treaties.

Their songs were inexhaustible.