ABORIGINES. 



149 



Richter^ to offer him his son in exchange for a 

 hatchet. The Jesuit remonstrated at this want 

 of paternal love. The savage replied^ " I love 

 my children ; but I can have as many more as 

 I please ; whilst it is difficult for me to procure 

 a hatchet. Besides^ my son can only belong 

 to me for a limited time ; but the hatchet will 

 be a happiness to me for ever.^^ 



The whole population of Peru and Bolivia is 

 generally stated now at nearly 3^000^000. The 

 converted Indians^ formerly the most, are now 

 the least numerous part of it. They are still a 

 distinct race, and, although diminished in num- 

 bers, they form a great part of the agricul- 

 tural population, and make good soldiers. They 

 are of a very different character from the Arau- 

 canian and Pampas tribes. Rendered timid, 

 servile, and disingenuous by the tyranny of the 

 old Spaniards, they were for a long time with- 



