320 



Tlie aboriginal inhabitants of Cujo, of whom tliere are at 

 present but a few remaining, are called Guarpes, they are 

 tJiin, brown, and of a lofty stature, and speak a ditl'erent lan- 

 guage from the Chilians. The Peruvians were the first who 

 conquered these people, after having possessed themselves of 

 the northern provinces of Chili. On the road over the Andes, 

 from Cujo to Chili, are still to be seen some small stone edi- 

 fices, erected for the accommodation of the otlicers and mes- 

 sengers of that empire. The first Spaniards who entered this 

 province were commanded by Francis Aguirre, who was sent 

 from Chili by Valdivia, and who quitted it on learning the 

 death of that general. In the year 1560, Don Garcia di 

 Mendoza sent thither Pedro Castillo, who subdued the 

 Guarpes, and founded the ritics of St. Juan and Mendoza. 



Mendoza, the capital, is situated on a plain at the foot of the 

 Andes, in 33 degrees 19 minutes south latitude, and in 308. 

 31. west longitude. The number of its inhabitants is estimated 

 at six thousand. Besides the parish church, it contains a col- 

 lege which belonged to the Jesuits, convents of the orders of 

 .St. Francis, St. Dominick, St. Augustine, and the Mercedarii. 

 This city carries on a considerable commerce in wine and 

 fruits uitii Buenos Ayres ; and its population is continually in- 

 creased from its vicinity to the famous silver mine of Uspaliata, 

 whicli the inhabitants work to great profit. 



St, Juan, which is forty-five leagues from Mendoza, is also 

 situated near the Andes, in 31. 1. degrees ot latitude, and 308. 

 31. of longitude. It has the same number of inhabitants 

 cliurches, and con\ents as Mendoza, antl trades witii Buenos 

 Ayres, in brandy, fruits, and Vicugna skins. Tiie pojne- 

 granates of its vicinity are greatly esteemed in Chili, for their 

 size and sweetness. Tiiis city is governed by a Ci.bildo, and a 

 Lieutenant of the Protect, or Corregidor of f>lenilo;?a. 



In the year 151)6, the small city of La Punta, or St. Lodo- 

 vico ot LdyoIo, was founded in tlic eastern part of Cujo ; k 

 ri<; rived its n'ame liom Don Martin Loyolo, at that time go- 



