438 



SOUTH AMERICA. 



Europeans have introduced the sugar-cane and indigo-plant. After passing the level of 3,100 

 feet, all these plants become rare, and only prosper in particular situations ; but in these, the 

 sugar-cane grows even at the height of 7,500 feel. Coliee and cotton extend across both ol 

 these regions. The cultivation of wheat commences at 3,000 feet ; but its growth is not com- 

 pletely established lower than 1,500 feet above this line. Barley is the most vigorous from a 

 height of 4,S00 to 6,000 feet. One year with another, it produces 25 or 30 grains for 1. 

 Above 5,400 feet, the fruit of the banana does not easily ripen ; but the plant is still met with, 

 although in a feeble condition, 2,400 feet higher. The region comprehended between 4,920 

 and 5,160 feet, is also the one which principally abounds with the coca, or Erythroxylum Pe- 

 ruvianum^ a few leaves of which, mixed with quicklime, support the Peruvian Indian in his 

 longest journeys through the Cordillera. It is at the elevation of G,000 and 9,000 feet, that 

 the Chenopodiiini quhioa, and the various grains of Europe are principally cultivated, a circum- 

 stance which is greatly favored by the extensive plateaus that exist in the Cordillera of the An- 

 des, the soil of which, being smooth, and requiring little laboi-, resembles the bottom of ancient 



lakes. At the height of 9, GOO to 



\. Ocelot. 



2. M^rirriy. 



3. Lani.i. 



4. Jao-irir. 



5. Slith. 



fi. Striated Monkey. 



7. Pecoary. 



Comparative Size of .Inimnls of Sovtli .imerica. 



15. Condor. 



8. Tapir. 



9. Red-tailed Monkey. 



10. Brazilian Porcupine. 



11. Paca. 



12. Ant-eater, 



13. Toncan. 



14 Harpy F.ag^le 



l(i. King of the Vultures. 



17. Rhea or Ostrich. 



18. Serpent 

 1<). Macaw. 



20. Agouti. 



21. Cayn>aa 



frost and hail 

 crops of wheat, 

 scarcely any longer 



often 

 In 



10,200 feet 

 destroy the 

 dian corn is 



cultivated above the elevation of 

 7,200 feet ; 1,000 feet higher, and 

 the potato is produced ; but it ceases 

 at 12,600 feet. At about 10,200 

 feet, barley no longer grows, and 

 rye only is sown, although even this 

 grain sutlers from a want of heat. 

 Above 11,040 feet, all culture and 

 gardening cease. 



9. Jlnimals. The Jaguar (Felis 

 onca), which is sometimes called 

 the American Tiger, is one of the 

 most formidable animals of the New 

 World. He is to be found in the 

 southern division of America, from 

 Paraguay to Guinea ; but he does 

 not appear to inhabit to the north- 

 ward of the Isthmus of Darien. 

 Even in the south, the race is gra- 

 dually growing more rare, in con- 

 sequence of the double temptation 

 to destroy him, which is offered by 

 the desire of getting rid of a beast 

 so destructive to the flocks, and by 

 the high price which is obtained for 

 his skin. More robust and more 

 clumsy than the leopard, he is also 

 much superior in size, as he often 

 measures 4 or 5 feet from the nose 

 to the root of the tail. The jaguar 

 is a solitary animal, residing in for- 

 ests, especially near large rivers. 

 He is an excellent swimmer, and 

 is equally expert at climbing. He 

 lies in ambush for his prey, on 

 which he pounces suddenly ; and 

 his great muscular strength enables 

 him instantly to bear it to the 

 ground. Man he does not often 

 attack, and never but by stealth. 



