3 



nature of the soil, and the concurrence of 

 many accidental causes. 



In the beginning of the conquest of Ame- 

 rica, the attention of Europe was chiefly 

 directed toward the gigantic constructions 

 of Couzco, the high roads carried along the 

 centre of the Cordilleras, the pyramids 

 with steps, and the worship and symbolical 

 writings of the Mexicans. The country 

 around Port Jackson, in New Holland, 

 and the island of Otaheite, have not been 

 more frequently described in our times, 

 than were the regions of Mexico and Peru 

 at that period. To form a proper estimate 

 of the simplicity, the true and local colour- 

 ing which characterizes the descriptions of 

 the first Spanish writers, we must have vi- 

 sited the spot. While we peruse their 

 writings, we regret that they are not accom- 

 panied with drawings, to have given us a 

 precise idea of the numerous momuments 

 which became the prey of fanaticism, or 

 which have been suffered to fall into ruin 

 from negligence not less culpable. 



b 2 



