J02 A VOYAGE TO BookVII, 



is, that though built on the furface of the earth, 

 tvithout any foundation, they have withftood thofe 

 violent earthquakes which overthrew the more folid 

 -buildings of Lima and other large towns ere6ted in the 

 Spanifh manner ; having received no other damage 

 than what naturally refults from being forfaken, or 

 what the drivers have done, who make it a refting 

 place for their cattle in the road to Lima. 



From the conflrudion of thefe houfes it may be 

 inferred, that long experience has inftru6led the na- 

 tives^ that in parts fo fubjecl to earthquakes, it was 

 improper to lay a foundation in order to ftrengthen 

 the walls and tradition informs us, that when 

 the newly conquered Indians faw the Spaniards dig 

 foundations for lofty buildings, they laughed at 

 them, telling them they w^ere digging their own fe- 

 pulchres ; intimating, that the earthquakes would 

 bury them under the ruins of their houfes. It is 

 indeed a melancholy proof of pride and obftinacy^ 

 that after having the prudent example of the In- 

 dians before their eyes, the total ruin of the city at 

 four different times in lefs than the fpace of two hun- 

 dred years, has not been able entirely to eradicate 

 the deftru^live pafTion for airy and elegant buildings, 

 though thefe neceffarily require large and lofty walls, 

 which muil: have a foundation proportional to the 

 magnitude of the ftrudure, and the weight they are 

 to Tupport. 



CHAP. IX. 



Of the Plenty and different Kinds of Provifons 

 ' at Lima. 



TH E fertility of the foil, the goodnefs of the 

 climate, and the convenient fituation of Lima, 

 concur c.o maintain in it a conftant plenty. The 



