54 



those kinds of earth, adheres strongly to the 

 tongue. In many of the convents of the 

 capital, the monks manufacture from this clay, 

 jars, b*,ttles, cups, and several other articles of 

 beautiful ware, which they varnish and paint 

 very handsomely, on the oulside, with the figures 

 of plants ai.d animals. 



These vessels communicate a very pleasant 

 smell and flavour tothe water that isputintothem, 

 which undoubiedly proceeds froin the solution of 

 some bituminous substance contained in the clav. 

 But as no appearance of bitLimen is perceptible 

 in the vicinity of the pits from w hence it is pro- 

 cured, its qualities can only be ascertained by 

 analyzation. Considerable quantities of this ware 

 are exported, to Peru and Spain, where it is 

 held in great estimation, and known b} the name 

 of Bucaros. The Peruvians eat the broken 

 pieces of these vessels as the natives of Indostan 

 do those of Patna, 



The second kind is the clay of Maule (argilla 

 Maulica). This clay is as white as snow, 

 smooth and greasy to the toucli, ex;remely fine, 

 and sprinkled with brilliai/t specks. It is found on 

 the borders of rivers and brooks in the province of 

 Maule, in strata which run deep into the ground, 

 and i(s surface when seen at a distance has the 

 appearance of ground covered with snow, and is 

 so unctuous ai;d slippery that it is almost im- 

 possible to walk upon it without falling. It 



