18-0.] ^'- < [Gabb. 



accidental discovery at rare iatervals, of a half-rotten trmk in the woods. 

 It is prized principally for its color, which is between that of old mahog- 

 any and rosewood, and which is probably in part due to seasoning, or to 

 some change in the heart, consequent on the decomposition of the sur- 

 face. When an Indian finds one of these sticks, he marks tbe spot, but 

 dares not take possession immediately. He must purify himself by a 

 three days fast before he can begin work on it. It is believed that these 

 sticks are under the protection of a poisonous snake, and if the person 

 has not properly prepared himself, the guardian will revenge the outrage 

 by biting him. 



The priifileged classes, apart from the chiefs, ai'e three. Two of these 

 are' hereditary. The U-se'-ka-ra is a sort of high priest, and is of nearly 

 as great importance in the eyes of the people as the chief. In fact, the 

 time was, and not very long ago either, when the chiefs themselves made 

 journeys to visit him as suppliants. The present incumbent is a youth 

 of perhaps twenty-five years of age, and is not yet full fledged. His pre- 

 decessor, his father, died recently, and, until after the funeral feast, he 

 cannot enter fully into the exercise of his functions. The family lives far 

 back in the hills of Oabecar, and, although a member of that despised 

 tribe, has from time immemorial held undisputed sway over both it and 

 the Bri-bris. 



The former U-se'-lca-ra was very arrogant, and would hold no commu- 

 nication with foreigners. He claimed supernatural powers, and held fre- 

 quent interviews with spirits. On these occasions he went alone to a cave, 

 several miles from his house, and spent days together there. On his 

 return he would not converse even with his own family. Nobody but his 

 familial*, now a very old man, was allowed to serve him, or even to speak 

 to him for a certain number of days after his return from one of these 

 mysterious journeys. He rarely traveled about, or visited his neighbors. 

 He lived by levying contributions on the people, or by voluntary presents. 

 His only beverage was chocolate, and the cacao was contributed as 

 voluntary gifts from people far and near. If he entered a house, and 

 offered to buy, or expressed even admiration for anything, whether a 

 chicken, a pig, or any other object, it was at once presented to him. It 

 was considered as good as forfeited. If not presented, it would be sure 

 to die anyhow, and his ill-will would be gained besides. In case of any 

 public calamity, like an epidemic disease, or a scarcity of food from 

 drought, the chief only must visit him, and beg his intercessions with the 

 spirits. He would pay no attention to private appeals. In case he felt 

 inclined to be gracious, he would retire to his cave, and in due time after 

 order a fast. The young man who now holds the position, is one of 

 the finest looking men in the country. He is tall and well formed, his 

 good-natured looking face bears an expression of seriousness hardly in 

 keeping with his youth ; and his whole bearing is grave and impressive. 

 I was forcibly struck by his manner, being so strongly in contrast with 

 the light-hearted, talkative character of most of the people. When in 

 A. p. s. — VOL. XIY. 3^' 



