118 



INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



body of light to bring up the figures ; and the foliage 

 was so thick, and the shade so deep, that drawing was 

 impossible. 



After much consultation, we selected one of the 

 idols," and determined to cut down the trees around 

 it, and thus lay it open to the rays of the sun. Here 

 again was difficulty. There was no axe ; and the only 

 instrument which the Indians possessed was the ma- 

 chete, or chopping-knife, which varies in form in differ- 

 ent sections of the country ; wielded with one hand, it 

 was useful in clearing away shrubs and branches, but 

 almost harmless upon large trees ; and the Indians, as 

 in the days when the Spaniards discovered them, ap- 

 plied to work without ardour, carried it on with little 

 activity, and, like children, were easily diverted from 

 it. One hacked into a tree, and, when tired, which 

 happened very soon, sat down to rest, and another re- 

 lieved him. While one worked there were always 

 several looking on. I remembered the ring of the 

 woodman's axe in the forests at home, and wished for 

 a few long-sided Green Mountain boys. But we had 

 been buffeted into patience, and watched the Indians 

 while they hacked with their machetes, and even won- 

 dered that they succeeded so well. At length the trees 

 were felled and dragged aside, a space cleared around 

 the base, Mr. C.'s frame set up, and he set to work. I 

 took two Mestitzoes, Bruno and Francisco, and, offer- 

 ing them a reward for every new discovery, with a 

 compass in my hand set out on a tour of exploration. 

 Neither had seen "the idols" until the morning of our 

 first visit, when they followed in our train to laugh at los 

 Ingleses ; but very soon they exhibited such an interest 

 that I hired them. Bruno attracted my attention by his 

 admiration, as I supposed, of my person ; but I found it 



