412 CANNIBALISM IN AMERICA. 
fearful struggle for existence, with the elements on the one h 
and savage foes and scarcity of food on the other, would seem 
Capt. Fitzroy has given a sad picture of these poor, wretched 
creatures, living on the very verge of regions just capable of süs- 
taining life. They habitually eat their prisoners of war, and 
severe winters, when snow and ice cut off their usual supply of TA 
food, the old women are sacrificed without hesitation. Having 
choked and smothered them over a dense smoke, they eat them to 
the last scrap. The life of the dog, however, is spared under 
these circumstances, as he can render efficient aid in hunting, 
which the old women cannot. * 
Of the prevalence of cannibalism in Guiana, there is evidence 
from various sources. The histories printed by De Bry t are full 
of particulars of the manner in which the bodies of victims are 
prepared, cooked and eaten. Pizarro and his companions, ia t 
first but fruitless attempts to reach Peru from Panama, came Sut 
denly upon an Indian village, when the inhabitants instantly of 
leaving human flesh cooking before the fire.{ We have the autho 
ity of Humboldt for its existence on the Orinoco at the time 
travelled there.g Brett found what he was undoubtedly com 
in considering the remains of a cannibal feast in an ancient sit 
heap.|| The Mexicans practised cannibalism on a most extens 
scale on certain occasions. A prisoner was delivered to 3 
warrior who had taken him in battle, and by him after bem 
dressed was served at an entertainment of his friends. «This; 
says Prescott, “was not the coarse repast of famished cannibs 
but a banquet teeming with delicious beverages and ¢ 
viands, prepared with art and attended. by both sexes, W 
ducted themselves with all the decorum of civilized life.” 
There were other kinds of victims. As is well known, 
StS DNAs Soe ae een me ee 
ancient Mexicans. ` Their war god was constantly hon 
* Voyage of Adventure and Beagle. Vol. ii, pp. 183 a 
t See De Bry’s narratives — Brazil, Voyage of yorker soar 
89, w and 127; also voyage of Joannes Lerus, Burgundus, p. 21 
-|| Rev. J. G. Wood. Uneivilized Races in All opiti of the World. 
1870. Vol. ii, p. 602. 
T Prescott, History Conquest Mexico. Philadelphia, 1874. Vol. i, p-st- 
