277 



they have not hitherto been attentive to the erection 

 of inns rnd public lodging houses, whieh u ill, how- 

 ever, become necessary when the commerce of the 

 interior is more increased. 



Lord Anson, in his voyage, gives a particular de- 

 scription of the dexterity of the South American 

 peasants in managing the laqui, with which they • 

 take animals, either wild or domestic. In Chili, the 

 inhabitants of the country constantly carry this laqui 

 with them, fastened to their saddles, in order to have 

 it ready upon occasion, and are very skilful in 

 the use of it. It consists merely of a strip of lea- 

 ther several fathoms in length, well tv/isted in the 

 manner of a cord, and terminated by a strong noose 

 of the same material. They make use of it both on 

 foot and on horseback, and in the latter case with 

 equal certainty whether amidst woods, mountains or 

 steep declivities. On these occasions, one end of 

 it is fastened under the horses belly, and the other 

 held by the rider, who tliiows it over the flying ani- 

 mal with a dexterity that scarcely ever misses its 

 aim. Herodotus makes mention of a similar noose 

 which was used in battle by the Sagartians.* The 



self experienced such great and important favours, that I cannot 

 find words to express my gratitude. The ill return that they have 

 frequently met with from individuals of our nation, has never been 

 able to pi'oduce a diminution of their native hospitality ....-Fcz^zV/í?, 

 vol. ii. 



* The Sagartii were originally of Persian descent, and use the 

 Persian language ; they have no offensive weapons either of iron 

 or brass, except their daggers ; their principal dépendance in ac- 

 tion is upon coi'ds made of twisted leather, which they use in this 

 manner : when they engage an enemy, they throw out these cords, 



