“As early as I can remember, I had to be learning. When quite small we were required to spend an hour or so without moving, just observing carefully the action of a hill of ants, a swarm of bees, birds building a nest, or fish guarding a bed where their eggs were laid. Later, we were expected to study other animals and were deliberately embarrassed if we could not answer questions about their habits. My uncle would recite long lists of things or events, and I was expected to memorize them without mistake. When sent to a destination, I had to describe in detail what I had observed, seemingly about the most insignificant things.”

Kindred described his early life, including his timid attempts to protect his mother from the severe discipline of his father. He had been apprenticed to a merchant as a delivery boy, and his life had been changed when he’d called on Dr. Bartram, who introduced him to the study of plants and insects, primarily from books and preserved specimens. When not working, it seemed he’d spent much of his early life in learning to read and write. He was somewhat surprised to realize how much of his learning had come from books, and how little from personal observation.

As they moved through the forest, by day and night, Newota taught Kindred about the heavens. Even when the North Star was not visible, he could easily determine the direction of north by observing key constellations or individual stars, or by a glance at the moon at any time of day. Newota was always aware of the surrounding topography, the general slope of hills, the flow of even the smallest of streams, or the direction of prevailing winds. He knew that certain insects placed their cocoons or nests on the south sides of trees or rocks, where the warmth of the sun was most prevalent. When none of these indicators was immediately available, Newota could move in a straight line until he found one of them, avoiding the natural human tendency to travel in a circle. He always had a sense of belonging wherever he was and was confident of finding a destination, even when uncertain about his exact location.

Newota explained, “In peace or as warriors, success comes to those who are most completely at one with the forests and swamps. We learn the advantages of patience, how to wait concealed and without movement for hours at a time. As a baby we are taught to endure extreme cold or other pain without crying or flinching. When I was a boy my uncle required me to immerse myself daily in the creek, even when there was ice on the surface.”