RELICS OF AN EXTINCT RACE NEAR SANTA BARBARA. 487 
indicative of special characteristics, in which fear of enemies is the chief element, 
we are not ready to say, but it seems altogether likely that such is the case, as 
the tribes who live in this isolated fashion are generally distinguished by a peace- 
able or non-warlike disposition. 
In regard to the Maracaibo Indians, who are believed to be an offshoot from 
the Venezuela Indians, this is true, as it is related that many years ago a violent 
war arose among the Indians of Venezuela, and the conquered were driven out. 
Taking to their boats, they sailed away for the purpose of seeking a new region 
in which they might dwell. 
This lake, which is about one hundred miles in length and sixty wide, is 
connected with the Gulf of Venezuela by a strait twenty-five miles long. The 
conquered Indians had purposed to pass through the strait on their way in search 
of a new country, but a violent storm came up, and compelled them to mass 
their boats closely, and tie them together witb bamboo poles for protection. This 
maneuver enabled them to meet the storm successfully, and it suggested the idea 
of their building pile houses over the lake, which would be safe from fire and 
flood, and give them security agamst their enemies. They proceeded to carry 
out the idea, and ere long a village of bamboo houses sprang up, as it were, out 
of the water. Strong poles driven firmly into the bottom of the lake, and secured 
at the top by cross-pieces, constitute the foundation on which their houses are 
built. The roofs are formed of a framing of bamboo, arched as in the illustra- 
tions, and neatly thached. 
For sleeping purposes they use hammocks. The hygienic conveniences of 
these houses are superior; ventilation and drainage are matters of nature's own 
provision, and cases of pulmonary disorders are unknown. These houses are 
built near enough together for access between them by means of short foot- 
bridges. 
Living, as these people do, directly over the water, they subsist largely by 
fishing. They also make many articles of bamboo, and gather shells on the 
beach, and fruit on the neighboring land, which they sell in the city markets of 
Maracaibo. It is said that they have a stronger disposition to industry than the 
natives of Venezuela further inland. But this may be due to their mode of living 
and in being compelled to exert themselves to obtain the necessaries of life. 
■ — Phrenological Journal. 
RELICS OF AN EXTINCT RACE NEAR SANTA BARBARA. 
About two or three months ago C. W. Clark, of this city, decided upon col- 
lecting a small cabinet of curiosities, to include coins, relics and trinkets. The 
result has been the accumulation of a store of rare curiosities which would make 
an ordinary natural history society turn green with envy. The last important 
addition is a collection of stone utensils manufactured by a race of people now 
VII-31 
