144 



PERUVIAN INDIANS. 



years old ; and in the same province^ in the 

 year 1765^ a Spaniard died, whose age was 144 

 years, 7 months, and 5 days, leaving a direct 

 ^ posterity of 800 persons. 



We are told that before the introduction of 

 that religion of which Manco Capac was the 

 author, the tribes of Peru were living like 

 many other Indian nations, in a state of 

 complete barbarism, depending for food upon 

 the success of their hunting and fishing parties. 

 The conquerors in battle tore their enemies 

 to pieces, when made prisoners. Their re- 

 ligion was one of terror. They worshipped 

 the most savage and hideous animals, as well 

 as storms, lightning, precipices, and caverns; 

 and frequently prostrated themselves at the 

 feet of vast trees, or before burning volcanoes, 

 which were tearing up the bowels of the 

 earth. 



Providence took pity upon a race so devoted 



