TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 121 
Ethnological and Antiquarian Researches in New Granada, Quito and Peru, 
with Observations on the Pre-Incareal, Incareal, and the Monuments of 
neighbouring Nations in Peru. By W. Borxrarrt, F.R.G.S., Corre- 
sponding Member of the University of Chile, &e. 
The author says, when passing through the West Indies, that one looks in vain for 
even a specimen of the aboriginal inhabitant of the Antilles, once so populous ; one 
only sees a few whites, the population being principally negroes, and the numberless 
mixtures of white and black, but the natives have long since been exterminated by 
the ruthless Spanish invader. 
The coast of New Granada was visited, the tropical vegetation of which is wonder- 
ful, and where the “ Victoria Regia’’ was found in some places in such abundance 
in the rivers as to be a troublesome weed. A few scattered remnants of Indian 
tribes are met with on the coast, but in the interior they are more numerous. 
The principal Indian nation of. New Granada is generally called Muysea: this 
word means a man, but Chibeha is the proper term for the nation. 
Some modern writers state that Quetzalcoatl, the legislator of Mexico, Bochiea 
of Bogota, and Maneo Capae, were Buddhist priests ; the result of Mr. Bollaert’s 
inquiries in those countries, leads him to set such down as mere zdeas, and to have 
no foundation whatever. 
The author crossed the Isthmus and saw some of the Darien Indians at Panama, 
rather fine-looking people; they went about almost naked, and the general impression 
is that the white man is not safe in their wilds. There is now a railroad across the 
Isthmus. The scheme of a ship canal for the present is abandoned ; most things 
are possible, but a ship canal through the Isthmus is very improbable. 
The population of New Granada is 2,363,000, composed of Whites, Cuarterones, 
Mestyes, Indians, civilized and savage, Mulattos, Zambos, and Negroes. 
The author expresses surprise that monuments of more ancient nations than those 
conquered by the Spaniards have not been discovered in this country and in the 
same abundance as have been found in Mexico, Yucatan, and Cheapos, and adds, 
perhaps the dense tropical forests cover such remains, and are awaiting the foot- 
steps of the antiquarian explorer. 
The Chibehas (Muyseas) had a species of calander, and had necessarily advanced 
in a peculiar species of civilization, but then there is but little left to throw any light 
on their architecture. They buried in tombs, with various precious ornaments, in- 
cluding objects in gold and emeralds. Their places of adoration were lakes and rivers, 
into which were thrown their offerings. 
Scattered about the country stone ruins exist, supposed to be the work of natives 
anterior to the Chibehas. Near Lieva is one of these spots, and called ‘‘ Little Hell; ”” 
and the ‘‘ Devil’s Cushions”’ are stone columns lying on the ground; also a great 
stone table of sacrifice. Caves full of mummies are oiten met with; in these crania 
of more ancient nations than the Chibehas may be found. 
Quito is an interesting portion of the New World, celebrated by being under the 
equator, its capital being 10,000 feet above the sea; for the great elevation of its 
volcanic mountains, including Chimborazo ; and as having been the seat of a very 
ancient civilization long before it was conquered by the Caras or by the Incas of Peru. 
In earlier times the country was governed by Quitus and conquered by the Caras. 
The Caras had taken possession of the coast about a.p. 800, and their chiefs were 
called Scyris, or lords of all. These Caras may have separated at a very early date 
from the Chimus of Trujello, or from the great Chineha family. 
The Caras made their way to Quito by the river Esmeraldas about a.p. 1000; 
they adored the sun and moon, and were less barbarous than the Quitus ; they 
clothed in skins, woven cloths of wool and cotton, and their year was regulated b 
the solstices ; they are said to have had twelve pillars round their temple to the Sun, 
which served as gnomons. Although the Scyris adored the sun, they did not, as 
the Peruvians, call themselves ‘‘ Children of the Sun.” Their architecture has not 
so far advanced as the Peruvian. A wreath of feathers was worn by all who bore 
_ arms; the Scyri added to their wreath or crown of feathers, a large emerald. 
