202 LAKE OF GUATAVITA. 



embarked in large canoes, by steps formed 

 in that break; (pointing to a rent in the 

 top of the mountain which the eye could 

 just make out). The people at the same 

 time distributed themselves all around the 

 Lagoon. On arriving at the centre, the 

 chiefs anointed the Cacique, and pov^dered 

 him over with a profusion of gold dust; 

 from which practice, in various parts of 

 South America, has arisen the name of El 

 Dorado. 



" On a signal given, the multitude turned 

 their backs on the Lagoon ; and at the mo- 

 ment when the Cacique plunged into its bo- 

 som, they shouted, and threw in over their 

 shoulders, as far as they could, their offer- 

 ings. This done, the Cacique landed, and 

 returned to his capital, in the same manner 

 as he came, considering that the sins of 

 himself and people, committed during the 

 last six months, were expiated. According 



