For Counters, they use either Pebbles, or short scantlings of straw or reeds. Where a Batted has been fought, or a Colony seated, they raise a small Pyramid of these stones, consisting of the number slain or transplanted. Their reeds and straws serve them in Religious Ceremonies: for they lay them orderly in a Circle when they prepare for Devo∣tion or Sacrifice; and that performed, the Circle remains still; for it is Sacriledge to disturb or to touch it: the dis∣position and sorting of the straws and reeds, shew what kinde of Rites have there been celebrated, as Invocation, Sa∣crifice, Burial, &c.
The faculties of the minde and body they commonly ex∣press by Emblems. By the figure of a Stag, they imply swiftness; by that of a Serpent, wrath; of a Lion, courage; of a Dog, fidelity: by a Swan, they signifie the English, alluding to their complexion, and flight over the Sea.
An account of Time, and other things, they keep on a string or leather thong tied in knots of several colours. I took particular notice of small Wheels serving for this purpose amongst the Oenocks, because I have heard that the Mexicans use the same. Every Nation gives his particular Ensigne or Arms: The Sasquesahanaugh a Tarapine, or small Tortoise; the Akenatzy's a Serpent; the Nahyssanes three Arrows, &c. In this they likewise agree with the Mexican Indians. Vid. Jos. à Costa.
They worship one God, Creator of all things, whom some call Okaeè, others Mannith: to him alone the High-priest, or Periku, offers Sacrifice; and yet they believe he has no regard to sublunary affairs, but commits the Government of Mankinde to lesser Deities, as Quiacosough and Tagka∣nysough, that is, good and evil Spirits: to these the inferi∣our Priests pay their devotion and Sacrifice, at which they make recitals, to a lamentable Tune, of the great things done by their Ancestors.
From four women, viz. Pash, Sepoy, Askarin, and Mara∣skarin, they derive the Race of Mankinde; which they