52 2 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



The people of Peru, and especially of Arequipa, have always taken 

 great interest in the observatory, and have extended to it many favors 

 and constant good-will. There is a university in the city of Arequipa 

 which is supported by the Peruvian government. There is no lack 

 of educated and refined Peruvian society, and in addition there are 

 American, English and German colonies. The laboring and servant 

 classes are half-breeds, usually illiterate and careless, but kindly and 

 contented. Besides these, especially in the interior, are large numbers 

 of civilized Indians. In the low lands lying about the head waters of 

 the Amazon are also numerous groups of savages, but they are never 

 seen near Arequipa, and are slowly becoming half-civilized or dis- 

 appearing. Revolutions have been numerous in the past history of 

 Peru, and one occurred since the establishment of the station in 

 Arequipa, but not the slightest indignity was offered to the observatory 

 or its members. The common people of Peru, even in time of revo- 

 lution, are not dangerous, and those who are not actually engaged in 

 warfare are seldom molested. It is a game of politics, carried on by 

 bullets instead of ballots, and without permanent hatreds. For several 

 years past no revolution of importance has occurred, and there are 

 strong indications that Peru has at last entered on a career of peace 

 and prosperity. Such, at least, is the earnest wish of her best citizens. 



