149 



2 Roberts. 99. 103. ITie power of this monarch was, pro- 

 bably, though not limited, yet restrained by the prevaihng 

 manners, as that of the Danish king is at present. It is not 

 said that they were acquainted with letters, nor how their 

 women were treated, nor what religion they professed. How- 

 ever, they professed some, and their veneration for their 

 chief was founded upon it. A great degree of happiness 

 they probably possessed, and their state may be deemed 

 civilized. 



Of the Chilese Government. 



Tlie Chilese are divided into numerous tribes ; each ham- 

 let or village has chiefs, who in several points are subject 

 to the supreme chief of the tribe. The succession of these 

 chiefs is established by hereditary right ; but their authority 

 is very limited, that is, merely directive and not coercive. 

 They subsist chiefly by agriculture, raising different esculent 

 plants or roots, pulse of various kinds and potatoes ; rabbits, 

 and a species of camel. The right of private property is 

 fully established and hereditary. They have no written 

 laws, but merely ancient usages. 



They manufacture cloaths of the wool of the camel. 



They 



