PRIMITIVE SUSPENSION BRIDGES IN SOUTH AMERICA. 



SKVKRAL bujucos are twisted together so as to form a large cable, of 

 the length required to reach over the chasm of the mountains or rivers. 

 Six of these are carried from side to side, two of which are considerably 

 higher than the other four. On the latter are laid sticks in a transverse 

 direction, and over these branches of trees as a flooring, the former are 

 fastened to the four which form the bridge, and by that means serve as 

 rails for the security of the passenger, who would otherwise be in no 

 small danger from the continual oscillation. 



THE TARTABITA. 



THIS is formed of a single rope made of bujuco, or thongs of an ox's hide, 

 and consists of several strands of six or eight inches thick. This rope 

 is extended from one side of the river to the other, and is fastened to 

 each bank by strong posts. From the tartabita hangs a kind* of leather 

 hammock capable of holding a man, and a clue is attached at each end, 

 A rope is fastened to either clue, and extended to each side of the river, 

 for drawing the hammock to the side intended. On one of the banks is 

 a kind of wheel or winch, to slacken the tartabita to the ^degree 

 required, and the hammock being pushed, on first setting off, is quickly 

 landed on the other side. For carrying over the mules two tartabitas are 

 required, one for each side of the river, and the ropes are much thicker 

 and slacker. The animal being secured by the girths round the belly, 

 neck and legs, is launched in mid air, and immediately landed on the 

 opposite bank. In this manner rivers are crossed between thirty and 

 forty fathoms from shore to shore, at a height above the water of twenty- 

 five fathoms. 



SUSPENSION BRIDGES OF THE HIMALAYA. 



AT some convenient spot where the river is rather narrow, and the 

 rocks on either side overhang the stream, a stout beam of wood is fixed 

 horizontally upon or behind two strong stakes, that are driven into the 

 banks on each side of the water, and round these beams ropes are 

 strained, extending from the one to the other across the river, and they 

 are hauled tight and kept in their place by a sort of windlass. The rope 



