K^lSrS^^^S CITY 



Review of Science and Industry, 



A MONTHLY RECORD OF PROGRESS IN 



SCIENCE, MECHANIC ARTS AND LITERATURE. 

 VOL. VI. APRIL, 1883. NO. 12. 



PHILOLOGY. 



DIALECTS OF BOLIVIAN INDIANS. 



A Philological contribution from material gathered during three years residence in the 

 Department of Beni, in Bolivia. 



EDWIN R. HEATH, M. D. 



In the northwestern part of Bolivia, along the rivers Beni, Mamore and 

 Yacuma, there are various Indian tribes, some civilized, others still savage, each 

 tribe having its own distinct language, even though living side by side, having 

 constant intercourse and intermarrying. The civilized tribes, living on the Ma- 

 more and Yacuma Rivers, are the Cayuaba, Moima, Canichana and Trinitaria. 

 The first named live in and about the village of Exaltacion. They are physically 

 well formed, although short in stature, seldom exceeding five and a half feet, 

 while the Mobimas, who live at Santa Ana on the the river Yacuma, twenty-nine 

 miles further south, seldom ever are under six feet. The Canichanas resemble 

 the Mobimas, in stature but differ in form, being lean and bony. The Trinitarian 

 partake of the peculiarities of the other three tribes. The two last named reside 

 at San Pedro and Trinidad, still further south of the others. The Mobimas have 

 a preference for agriculture and stock raising. The Canichanas make the best 

 cartmen, while the Cayuabas, Canichanas and Trinitarias make excellent boat- 

 men.. On the east side of the Mamore, from Exaltacion as far north as the 

 mouth of the river Guapore or Itenez, are found the wandering tribe of Houbarayo 

 savages. Their name is a terror to those who ascend and descend the river. 



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