Foreword

Preface

Publication History of Adriaen van der Donck's A Description of New Netherland

Map of New Netherland

A Description of New Netherland:

The Country

Where New Netherland Is Situated

When and by Whom New Netherland Was First Discovered

Why This Territory Was Named New Netherland

The Dutch, the First Possessors of New Netherland

The Limits of New Netherland and How Far They Extend

Of the Coast, Foreshore, and Seaports

The South River

Of the North River

Of the Fresh River

Of the East River

Of the Various Waters and Their Shapes

Of the Formation and Soil of the Land

Of Wood and Vegetation

Of the Fruit Trees Brought Over from the Netherlands

Of the Vineyards

Of Vegetables Generally

Of the Flowers

Of the Medicinal Herbs and Indigo

Of Agriculture and Field Crops

Of the Minerals and the Kinds of Earth and Stone

Of the Paints and Dyes

Of the Animals in New Netherland

Of the Wild Animals

Of the Avifauna, Aquatic and Terrestrial, and First the Raptors

Of the Terrestrial Birds

Of the Aquatic Birds

Of the Fish

Of the Poisons

Of the Wind

Of the Air

Of the Seasons

Of the Manners and Extraordinary Qualities of the Original Natives of New Netherland

Their Bodily Shape, and Why They Are Called Wilden

Fare and Food of the Indians

Of the Dress and Ornaments of Men and Women

Their Houses, Castles, and Settlements

Ways of Marriage and Childbirth

Of Suckling, and the Relations between Men and Women

Ways of Burial, Lamentation, and Mourning

Their Festivities and Special Gatherings

How Human Beings and Animals First Came to That Country

Of the Different Nations and Languages

Of Money and Their Manufacture of It

The Innate Character and the Pastimes of the Indians

Their Bodily Care and Medicine

The Farming, Planting, and Gardening of the Indians

Special Account of Their Hunting and Fishing

Distinctions of Birth, Rank, and Quality

Of Their Warfare and Weapons

Of Their Administration of Justice and Penalties

Of the Universal Law of Nations

Of Gifts and Offerings

Of the Indians' Government and Public Policy

Their Religion and Whether They Can Be Christianized

Of Their Sentiments regarding Hope of Afterlife

Of the Knowledge of God and the Fear of Devils

Their Thoughts on the Creation and Propagation of Mankind and Animals in the World

Of the Nature, Amazing Ways, and Properties of the Beavers

A Conversation between a Dutch Patriot and a New Netherlander concerning the Condition of New Netherland

Appendix: A List and Suggested Identification of the Latinized Plant Names Recorded by Adriaen van der Donck

Notes

Index