Ch. VII. SOUTH AMERICA. ^ 431 



so great a distance. In the mean time, the Indians car- 

 ry over the loading on their shoulders. On some 

 rivers of Peru there are bejuco bridges so large, that 

 droves of loaded mules pass over them ; particularly 

 the river Apurimac, which is the thoroughfare of all 

 the commerce carried on between Lima, Cusco, La 

 Plata, and other parts to the southward. 



Some rivers, instead of a bejuco bridge, are passed 

 by means of a tarabita; as is the case with regard to 

 that of Alchipichi. This machine serves not only to 

 carry over persons and loads, but also the beasts them- 

 selves ; the rapidity of the stream, and the monstrous 

 stones continually rolling along it, rendering it im- 

 practicable for them to swim over. 



The tarabita is only a singje rope made of bejuco, 

 or thongs of an ox's hide, and consisting of several 

 strands, and about six or eight inches in thickness. 

 This rope is extended from one side of tlie river to 

 the other, and fastened on each bank to strong posts. 

 On one side is a kind of wheel, or winch, to straigh- 

 ten or slacken the tarabita to the degree required. 

 From the tarabita hanc's a kind of leathern hammock 

 capable of holding a man ; and is suspended by a clue 

 at each end. A rope is also fastened to either clue, and 

 extended to each side of the river, for drawing the 

 hammock to the side intended. A push at its first 

 setting off, sends it quickly to the other side. 



For carrying over the mules, two tarabitas are ne- 

 cessary, one for each side of the river, and the ropes 

 are much thicker and slacker. On this rope is only 

 one clue, which is of wood, and by which the beast is 

 suspended, being secured with girts round the belly, 

 neck, and legs. When this is performed, the crea- 

 ture is shoved off, and immediately landed on the op- 

 posite side. Such as are accustomed to be carried over 

 in this manner, never make the least motion, and even 

 come of themselves to have the "-irts fastened round 

 them; but it is with great difficulty they are first 



brought 



