Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/36

16 The large apertures in the mountains of Escnmora, Chilleo, and Abitanis, abounding in gold; those of Choquipina and Pozco, in silver; those of Curahuara, in copper; and those of Carabuco, in lead; together with many other stupendous and magnificent labours of a similar nature, all undertaken in the time of the government of the Yncas, give an idea of their subterraneous and metallurgic architecture.

The fragments of the great aqueducts of Lucanas, Condesuyos, and an infinity of others, which, in the midst of precipices, conducted the water from the deepest vallies to the summit of the highest hills, and to the distant plains; the clefts of hills filled up with earth, to augment the proportion of the cultivable lands—an enterprize which the observer cannot fail to contemplate with admiration and surprize; and the very useful custom, still observed by the Indians of the present day, of uniting together like brethren, in the rural labours of the seed-time and the harvest, are so many incontestible proofs of the skill of this nation in hydraulics and agriculture. It is evident that in this description of knowledge, the Spaniards have not only made no advances, but have also lost many of the guides with which the example of the Indians might have furnished them.

It was the custom of the native Peruvians to be interred with their apparel, and other personal effects. Their sepulchres are rich depositaries of their paintings, manufactures, mechanical and warlike instruments, implements for fishing, &c. The modern Indians still preserve the industry of their fathers,