WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 143^ 



On talcing a retrospective view of the two different 

 kinds of poisoned arrows, and the animals destroj'ed by 

 them, it would appear that the quantity of poison must 

 be proportioned to the animal, and thus those probably 

 labour under an error who imagine that the smallest 

 particle of it introduced into the blood has almost instan- 

 taneous effects. 



Make an estimate of the difference in size betwixt the 

 fowl and the ox, and then weigh a sufficient quantity of 

 poison for a blow-pipe arrow with which the fowl was 

 • killed, and weigh also enough poison for three wild-hog 

 arrows which destroyed the ox, and it will appear that the 

 fowl received much more poison in proportion than the 

 ox. Hence the cause why the fowl died in five minutes, 

 and the ox in five-and-twenty. 



Indeed, were it the case that the smallest particle of it 

 introduced into the blood has almost instantaneous effects, 

 the Indian would not find it necessary to make the large 

 arrow ; that of the blow-pipe is much easier riiade and 

 requires less poison. 



And now for the antidotes, or rather the supposed anti- 

 dotes. The Indians tell you, that if the wounded animal 

 be held for a considerable time up to the mouth in water, 

 the poison will not prove fatal ; also that the juice of the 

 sugar-cane poured down the throat will counteract the 

 effects of it. These antidotes were fairly tried upon full- 

 grown healthy fowls, but they all died, as though no steps 

 had been taken to preserve their lives. Kum was recom- 

 mended and given to another, but with as little success. 



It is supposed by some, that wind introduced into the 

 lungs by means of a small pair of bellows would revive 

 the poisoned patient, provided the operation be continued 

 for a sufficient length of time. It may be so ; but this is 

 a difficult and a tedious mode of cure, and he who is 



