io6 WONDERS OF THE TROPICAL FORESTS, 
augmented are able to undergo tlie greatest fatigues with- 
oub tasting almost anytliing else. Professor Poppig ascribes 
tbia astonisliing increase of endurance to a momentary 
excitement, wbicb must necessarily be succeeded by a 
con'esponding collapse, and therefore considers the use of 
coca absolutely burtfuL Tsclmdi, however, is of opinion 
that its moderate consumption, far from being injurious, 
is, on tbe contrary, extremely wholesome, and cites the 
examples of several Indians who, never allowing a day to 
pass withont chewing their coca, attained the traly patri- 
archal age of one btmdred and thirty years. The ordinary 
food of these people consists almost exclusively of roasted 
maise or barley^ which is eaten dry without any other 
addition ; and the obstinate obstmctions caused by these 
mealy aliments are obviated by the tonic effects of tbe 
coca, which thus removes the cause of many maladies. 
Tschodi often found coca the best preservative against 
the asthmatic symptoms which are produced by the rapid 
ascension of bigb mountains. While hunting in the 
Puna, 14,000 feet above the level of the sea, be always 
drank a strong infusion of coca before starting, and was 
then able to climb among the rocks, and to pursue bis 
game, without any greater difficulty in breathing than 
would have been the case upon tbe coast. 
If the moderate use of coca is thus beneficial in many 
respects, its abuse is attended with the same deplorable 
consequences as those which are observed in the Oriental 
opium -eaters and smokers, or in our own incorrigible 
drunkards. 
Tbe confirmed coca-chewer, or coquero, is known at 
once by bis uncertain step, his sallow complexion, his 
hollow, lack-lustre, black-rimmed eyes, deeply sunk in the 
head, his trembling lips, his incoherent speech, and bis 
stolid apathy. His character is irresolnte, suspicious, and 
false ; in tbe prime of life he has all tbe appearances of 
senility, and in later years sinks into complete idiocy* 
Avoiding tbe society of man, be seeks the dark forest, or 
