3 
nature of the soil, and the concurrence of 
many accidental causes. 
In the beginning of the conquest of Ame- 
rica, the attention of Europe was chiefly 
directed toward the gigantic constructions 
of Couzco, the high roads carried along the 
centre of the Cordilleras, the pyramids 
with steps, and the worship and symbolical 
writings of the Mexicans. The country 
around Port Jackson, in New Holland, 
and the island of Otaheite, have not been 
more frequently described in our times, 
than were the regions of Mexico and Peru 
at that period. To form a proper estimate 
of the simplicity, the true and local colour- 
ing which characterizes the descriptions of 
the first Spanish writers, we must have vi- 
sited the spot. While we peruse their 
writings, we regret that they are not accom-^ 
panied with drawings, to have given us a 
precise idea of the numeroiis momuments 
which became the prey of fanaticism, or 
which have been suffered to fall into ruin 
from negligence not less culpable. 
B ^ 
9 
