SOUTH AMERICA. 



the most dry part of the hut; and from time 

 to time suspend it over the fire, to counteract 

 the effects of dampness. 



The act of preparing this poison is not con- 

 sidered as a common one : the savage may shape 

 his bow, fasten the barb on the point of his arrow, 

 and make his other implements of destruction, 

 either lying in his hammock, or in the midst of 

 his family; but, if he has to prepare the wourali 

 poison, many precautions are supposed to be 

 necessary. 



The women and young girls are not allowed 

 to be present, lest the Yabahou, or evil spirit, s p rit - 

 should do them harm. The shed under which 

 it has been boiled, is pronounced polluted, and 

 abandoned ever after. He who makes the poison 

 must eat nothing that morning, and must con- 

 tinue fasting as long as the operation lasts. The 

 pot in which it is boiled, must be a new one, and 

 must never have held any thing before, otherwise 

 the poison would be deficient in strength: add 

 to this, that the operator must take particular 

 care not to expose himself to the vapour which 

 arises from it while on the fire. 



Though this and other precautions are taken, 

 such as frequently washing the face and hands, 

 still the Indians think that it affects the health; 

 and the operator either is, or, what is more pro- 

 bable, supposes himself to be, sick for some days 

 after. 



57 



