153 



't'he state of property was no less singular than that 6t' re- 

 ligion. All the lands capable of cultivation were divided 

 into three shares; one consecrated to the Sun and destined 

 for the support of religion. The second belonged to the Inca 

 for the support of government. The third, and largest share, 

 was reserved for the maintenance of the people among whom 

 it was parcelled out. No person however had an exclusive 

 property in the portion allotted to him — he possessed it only* 

 for a year, when a new division was made, in proportion to 

 the rank, number, and exigencies of each family. All those 

 lands were cultivated by the joint industry of the commu- 

 nity. Hence their agriculture was extensive, and conducted 

 with more skill than in any part of America. 



Their houses were built of stone, brick or wood, as conve- 

 nience required, and sufliciently commodious, though without 

 any windows. In all arts they made a greater progress than 

 the Mexicans. 



All crimes were punished capitally, being looked upon as 

 insults to the deity. 



Yet their disposition was mild and gentle even to prisoners of 

 war, whom they never put to death, but incorporated with 

 themselves. 



The horrid custom that prevailed among the most savage 

 tribes subsisted among them. On the death of their Incas oi;, 

 other eminent persons, a considerable number of their attend- 



voii. XI. X ants 



