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Observations vn the Ancient Roads of the Peruvians. By John 

 Gillies, M. D. M. W. S., &c. Communicated by the 

 Author *. 



jVIy attention was first directed to these roads in January 

 1825, when, with the view of examining the celebrated silver 

 mines of Uspallata, I was induced to pay a visit to the owner 

 of one of these who was likewise the proprietor of the neighbour- 

 ing Valley of Uspallata. It being then the hottest season of the 

 year at Mendoza, his famUy had removed with him to his resi- 

 dence in the valley, to enjoy the cool air of the mountains. 

 Attached to the house were to be seen all the machinery and 

 other requisites for grinding and amalgamating the silver-ores ; 

 some people were then employed in reducing the ores which 

 had been previously collected, the whole being under the super- 

 intendance of Don Jose Arroyo, a native of Peru^ somewhat 

 advanced in life, and whom I found intimately acquainted with 

 the topography of his own country, and the customs most pre- 

 valent among them. He had taken an active part in the revo- 

 lutionary proceedings in Peru against the dominion of Spain, 

 and as Peru was still in the hands of the Spaniards, he had 

 then, hke many others of his countrymen, taken refuge in one 

 of the neighbouring provinces, which had been more fortunate 

 in their endeavours against the mother country. 



While enjoying the hospitality of my friends, I took advan- 

 tage of the occasion to visit all the most interesting objects 

 which presented themselves in the neighbouring mountains and 

 valley, and, among others, at the recommendation of the Peru- 

 vian already mentioned, was induced to visit the western side 

 of the valley, at which place there existed, as he had been some 

 time previously informed, very distinct traces of these ancient 

 roads, usually known by the name of Camino del Inga, or road 

 of the Incas, some instances of which he had previously wit- 

 nessed in Peru ; and the result of my visit was such as gratified 

 me far beyond my expectations. 



On first seeing these roads, I was much surprised at finding 



" Ilcail before the Werneriaii Nutuial History Society. December 5. 1823. 

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