](j MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT PERU. 



The large apertures in the mountains of Escamora, Chilleo, 

 and Abitanis, abounding in gold ; those of Choquipina and 

 Pozco, in silver ; those of Curahuara, in copper ; and those 

 of Carabuco, in lead ; together with many other stupendous 

 and magnificent labours of a similar nature, all undertaken in 

 the time of the government of the Yncas, give an idea of their 

 subterraneous and metallurgic archite6lure. 



The fragments of the great aqueducts of Lucanas, Conde- 

 suyos, and an infinity of others, which, in the midst of preci- 

 pices, condu6led the water from the deepest valiies to the sum- 

 mit of the highest hills, and to the distant plains ; the clefts of 

 hills filled up with earth, to augment the proportion of the 

 cultivable lands — an enterprize which the observer cannot fail 

 to contemplate with admiration and surprize ; and the very 

 useful custom, still observed by the Indians of the present day, 

 of uniting together like brethren, in the rural labours of the seed- 

 time and the harvest, are so many incontestible proofs of the 

 skill of this nation in hydraulics and agriculture. It is evident 

 that in this description of knowledge, the Spaniards have not 

 only made no advances, but have also lost many of the guides 

 with which the example of the Indians might have furnished 

 them. 



It was the custom of the native Peruvians to be interred with 

 their apparel, and other personal efFe6ts. Their sepulchres 

 are rich depositaries of their paintings, manufadlures, mecha- 

 nical and warlike instruments, implements for fishing, &c. 

 The modern Indians still preserve the industry of their fore- 



ence of these roads. To convince themselves, they have only to send some one to 

 vievs' the splendid vestiges of them which still remain. 



fathers, 



