IN HUMBOLDT'S COUNTRY 413 
The only branch of industry in which Tussarf 
employs himself is in the hollowing of cascos 
(canoes) ; those made by him have a great re- 
putation. The wood is a heavy laurel, probably 
Paraturi. 
He has travelled about much. Many years ago 
he, with his family, his two sisters and their hus- 
bands and families, went as far as Fortaliza do Sao 
Joaquim on the Rio Branco to 
trade, crossing from the head- 
waters of the Cunucuniima to 
Padamo and thence to Parime. 
From the Cunucuniima to Padamo 
takes five days, and the path is ^ ' , \ 
rugged, passing over much high ^ 
ground. From Padamo to Parime \ 
took three days. Instead of re- 
turning they settled down there, 
cleared a cuniico, built a house, ^ ^ 
and even became possessed of a fig. 38.— maquiritari 
- , ^ Girl (14 years old). 
few cattle. Here they traded 
much with the Macusis for articles the latter had 
bought of the English at Demerara. A few years 
passed over and the chief of the Maquiritares died 
in Cunucuniima. The Comisario of San Fernando 
sent for Tussarf to take his place, and the latter 
returned to the land of his fathers. A little daughter 
born shortly after his return seems to be some six 
years old. He was at Sao Joaquim when Schom- 
burgk passed that way. 
The only garment worn by the women is a 
guayuco (small apron) of beads woven into a taste- 
ful pattern on cotton threads. The beads are 
mostly red and white or black and white, and the 
