MINERALOGY. 



77 



ters from the sea- service, who, being a6luated either by ne- 

 cessity, or by avarice, applied themselves to the different la- 

 bours of the mines ; but who were in a short time forced to 

 discontinue the pursuit, through a failure of their health and 

 strength, and in consequence of the sufferings to which they 

 had been exposed. A few years ago, a Peruvian undertook 

 to harbour and conceal the deserters from the Spanish ships, 

 and to send them to the mineral territory of Huarochiri, where, 

 by his dire6lion, they were immediately lodged and engaged 

 in the operations of the mines. Not one of them was able to 

 resist for the space of four months : those who did not perish, 

 were forced to abandon their employment, overwhelmed with 

 diseases. The mestizos, whether through pride, or for rea- 

 sons of physical impossibility, do not apply themselves to this 

 painful career, in which, to conclude in one word, the In- 

 dians alone are able to maintain themselves. The Indian, I 

 say, accustomed to the rigorous climes and bad qualities of the 

 countries in which the mines are generally situated, is alone 

 calculated to work them. His arm is what we need ; and in 

 him consists the true prosperity of the miner's pursuit. 



** I think I have proved my assertion, and thrown a new 

 light on the letter of Egerio. In mine, it may have happened 

 that the rules of logic have not been well observed ; but it is 

 within the comprehension of every one. What I have not 

 dared to say, I have insinuated. I am persuaded that many 

 miners will find cause of exultation in the perusal of this letter ; 

 and that, when they have proceeded thus far, they will ex- 

 pert of me to propose arbitrary measures by which the Indians 

 may be compelled to labour in the mines, seeing that, with- 

 out 



