He found these people very different in appearance from the other Amerindian tribes farther south.

The men were almost entirely naked in spite of the much colder climate.

Their bodies were painted with an ochre or clay so red that it was locally known by the French Canadians as vermilion.

Every man and boy had his bow strung and in his hand, with the arrow, ready to attack in case of need.

Their heads were shaved all over except for a large spot on the crown.