32 
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE CINCHONAS. 
they may be profitably explored. They are expected to 
state whether there are any cinchonas, and in what quan- 
tity; also to point oat the direction in which trees are to be 
found, and to report on the quality of specimens of the bark 
obtained. 
This preliminary investigation is very important, and re- 
quires the possession of much sagacity, patience, and expe- 
rience in those who are engaged in it. It is upon their re 
port that the chances of success are calculated. If it be 
favorable, a road is immediately commenced up to the point 
which is to form the centre of the operations ; and from this 
time all those parts of the forest adjacent to the road become 
provisionally the property of those who have formed it, 
and no other cascarilleros can work there. 
On the arrival of the major domo with his cutters in 
the neighborhood of the part to be explored, he chooses a 
favorable site for his encampment, as near as possible to a 
spring or river. He constructs a hut or slight house to shel- 
ter the provisions and the produce of the cuttings ; and if he 
anticipates to have to remain for some time in the same 
locality, he commences the cultivation of maize and a few 
vegetables. Experience, indeed, has shown that an abun- 
dant supply of provision is one of the most important con- 
ditions of success in this class of undertaking. The casca- 
rilteros, during this time, are distributed through the forest, 
one by one, or in small parties, each carrying under a small 
cloak, and suspended at his back, provisions for several 
days, and the coverings which constitute his bed. In this 
way these poor beings have occasion to put in practice all 
their courage and patience in order that their work may 
prove fruitful. Obliged to have the hatchet or knife con- 
tinually in his hand, to disembarrass himself of the nume- 
rous obstacles which arrest his progress, the carscarillero is 
exposed, from the nature of the circumstances by which he 
is surrounded, to an infinity of accidents which too often 
endanger his life. 
