33d Congress, ?

1st Session. )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Ex. Doc.
No. 121.

THE

U. S. NATAL ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION

TO

THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE,

DURING

\CK L 1

SOi

THE YEARS 1849-’50-’51-’52.

Lieut. J. M. GILLISS, Superintendent.

Lieut. Archibald MacRae, )

Acting Master S. L. Phelps, >■ Assistants.
Captain’s Clerk E. R. Smith, )

VOLUME II.

THE ANDES AND PAMPAS

MINERALS

INDIAN REMAINS

MAMMALS

BIRDS

REPTILES, FISHES, AND CRUSTACEA -

SHELLS

DRIED PLANTS

LIVING PLANTS AND SEEDS - - - -

FOSSIL MAMMALS

FOSSIL SHELLS

By Lieut. Archibald MacRae.
J. Lawrence Smith.

Thomas Ewbank.

Spencer F. Baird.

John Cassin.

Charles Girard.

A. A. Gould.

Asa Gray.

William D. Bracicenridge.
Jeffries Wyman.

T. A. Conrad.

WASHINGTON:

A. 0. P. NICHOLSON, PRINTER.

' MDCCCLY.

In the Senate of the United States, August 2, 1854.

Resolved, That there he printed and bound five thousand extra copies of the Report and one thousand extra copies of the
Observations of the United States Naval Astronomical Expedition to Chile : two hundred and fifty copies of the Report and
one hundred copies of the Observations for the use of the Secretary of the Navy ; one hundred copies of each for the Superin-
tendent of the Expedition ; and the remainder for the use of the Senate.

Attest :

ASBURY DICKINS Secretary.

INTRODUCTORY.

The magnetical observations proposed in tire programme for tbe Expedition submitted to the
American Philosophical Society and Academy of Arts and Sciences, and which was adopted by
the honorable Secretary of the -Navy, contemplated only a determination of the three elements
on the term-day of each month, with occasional observations on the same days for horary
changes of the declination. After the instruments arrived, it was found that we might multi-
ply the number of absolute determinations without adding excessively to our labors; and, con-
sequently, the experiments were made on the 1st and 11th days of each month also. The three
years’ results carefully compared would afford interesting data for secular changes ; but there
was yet another question which the Andes might enable us to elucidate satisfactorily — viz : the
variation of the elements, and more particularly of the total force with distance from the centre
of the earth. This determined me to place the instruments in charge of Lieut. MacRae, as soon
as our use of them in Chile terminated, and instruct him to return home via the Cumbre and
Uspallata passes and Buenos Ayres. The observations indicated to him were for elevation, lati-
tude, longitude, declination, inclination, and horizontal force of the magnet and meteorological
data, for each three thousand feet elevation ascending the western and descending the eastern
slopes of the Andes, and for each hundred miles of longitude between the cities of Mendoza and
Buenos Ayres. Other information of a geographical and statistical character was specified as
greatly interesting to numerous classes of our countrymen.

We left Chile on the 1st of October, but the snow had not sufficiently melted on the pass to
warrant the departure of Lieut. MacRae from Santiago before the 8th of November. The entire
journey to Buenos Ayres occupied him about sixty days, twelve of which were employed in ob-
servations within the Andes. Accidents on two occasions having caused the breakage of his
mountain barometer, and such injuries to his chronometers as might place the longitudes of his
stations in doubt, on arriving in the United States, he, with the most laudable zeal, volun-
teered to retrace the route at his own cost if a new set of instruments could be supplied.
This, as well as the charges for their transportation, was promptly authorized by the honorable
Secretary of the Navy ; and Lient. MacRae re-embarked for South America in August, 1853.
He finally returned in the following March, and shortly afterwards submitted the following
report of his two expeditions.

After enumerating the various observations legitimately comprised within the purposes for
which the Expedition was- solicited of Congress, the programme above referred to goes on to say :
“These nine classes or series of observations embrace as great an amount of labor as it will be
prudent for two observers to undertake, and even its accomplishment must, of necessity, leave
all reductions until after the return of the Expedition to the United States ; but, (whilst I dis-
claim knowledge of almost every branch of natural history,) as so little has been learned of the
immediate country we shall probably select, if the collection of specimens at leisure hours,
remarks concerning the flowering of plants, the migrations of birds, or other designated phe-
nomena, would be of interest from one so unskilled, the enterprise is embarked upon with full
determination to gather every scientific fruit that may offer.”

Immediately after arrival in Chile, it was ascertained that, under the liberal patronage of its
government, no one field of its natural history had been uncultivated, and those who would

IV

INTRODUCTORY.

follow the comprehensive harvests reaped by M. Claude Gay could he, at best, but gleaners.
The specimens collected by him during several years of assiduous labor had been sent to Paris
for description and illustration ; and already several octavo volumes of letter-press, with many
superbly colored folio plates, had reached Santiago. Subsequently, the zoology and botany,
comprising 16 volumes of text and 224 plates, have been completed. Nevertheless, elaborate as
his work promised to be, and small as was the probability that we should be able to add any
mites to the stock of knowledge contributed by him, in the expectation that they would prove of
interest to the students who seek the National Cabinet at Washington, I lost no occasion to col-
lect specimens from every available quarter. In this, more than one friend, foreign as well as
native, aided me; some contributing antiquities, and others rare ores, neither of which are cer-
tainly attainable except through such influence. To these generous friends, therefore, we are
under obligation for the especially rare objects described both in the mineralogical and ethno-
logical reports. Nor did their considerate and kind liberality end with my residence in Chile;
for more than a year after arriving at home, there reached me a fine specimen of that very
rare mammal — the Clilamypliorus truncatus — a fossil mastodon tooth, many birds of particular
interest, and several hundred minerals.

Moreover, whenever opportunity offered during our three years’ residence abroad, seeds and
bulbs, or thriving specimens of valuable or curious plants, were forwarded to the conservatory
at Washington ; and from there large numbers of useful varieties have already been distributed.
By authority from the honorable Secretary of the Navy, all the other portions of the collection
were placed in charge of the Smithsonian Institution, with a request to distribute them among
naturalists for proper description, and drawings of every object not previously figured. Ample
funds were placed subject to the control of the Smithsonian Institution, and it alone is respon-
sible for the manner in which the work has been accomplished. The enviable reputations of the
gentlemen selected, is ample guaranty for the fidelity and ability with which their several tasks
were executed ; and it is hoped that the collection brought home by the Astronomical Expedi-
tion will not be without value to the naturalists of the United States.

The “Anales de la Universidad de Chile,” for June, 1854, reached me after the report on
minerals had been printed. It contains the first authentic account of the locality where the
great Atacama meteor exploded, with interesting details, which merit translation and publica-
tion here for the benefit of mineralogists who may never receive the “ Anales.” The recognised
ability of the author — Dr. B,. A. Philippi — is a sufficient guaranty for the accuracy with which
he will make known every incident of his journey to that inhospitable region.

J. M. G.

U. S. N. Astronomical Expedition, )

Washington , August , 1855. )

CONTENTS.

REPORT OF A JOURNEY ACROSS THE ANDES AND PAMPAS OF THE ARGEN

TINE PROVINCES.

BY LIEUTENANT ARCHIBALD MACRAE.

CHAPTER I.

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA, BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

Occupation pending my departure, 1 ; Difficulty in making arrangements for animals, 2; Departure, 3; Santa Rosa, 3; Chaera
de Montumas, 4; Preparation of food for the mountains, 4; Santa Rosa, 4; Estero de las Cruces, 5; Laderas, 5; Casuclias, 5;
Glacier, 5 ; Ojos de Agua, 6 ; Alto de la Laguna, 6 ; Mountain lake, 6 ; Cumbre, 6 ; Puna, 7 ; Contrabandistas, 7 ; Contrast
between the two sides of the mountain, 8 ; Casucha de los Puquios, 8 ; Difference between the streams on the two sides of the
pass, 8; Fate of the contrabandistas, 8 ; Hospitality of the arrieros, 9 ; Inca’s bridge, 9; Cerro de los Penitentes, 10; Tupungato,.
10; Ladera de las Polvaderas, 10; Ladera de las Cortaderas, 10; False sunset, 12; Uspallata, 12; Instance of the value of
Madrinas, 12; Villavicensio, 13; The plain, 13; Mocking birds, 13; Arrive at Mendoza, 13; Streams passed in the mountains,
14; Animals and birds, 14.

CHAPTER II.

MENDOZA.

Plan of the town, 15; Alameda, 15; Sanjon, 15; Bridges, churches, and convents, 15; Style of building, 15; Cheapness of
living, 16; Government, 16; Health, 16; Goitre, 16; Agricultural resources, 16; Number of cattle sent to Chile, 17; Crimes,
17; Democracy of the billiard-room, 17; Market, 18; Modes of crossing the country, 18; Galeras, 18; Two-wheel carts, 18;
Ox-carts, 18 ; Mule trains, 19 ; Post-horses, 20.

CHAPTER III.

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

Leave Mendoza, 21; Our party, 21 ; Chaera of the Aldaos, 21 ; Hospitality of the Senora, 22; Water of the Tunuyau, 22,
El Retamo, 22; San Isidro, 22; Lombardy poplars, 22; Santa Rosa, 22; A fall, 22; River Tunuyan, 23; Acorocorto, 23;
Mishaps, 23; Poetry of the peons, 24; Desaguadero, 24; Las Tortugas, 24; Locusts, 21; Represa, 24; View of the Cordillera,
25 ; The Bebedero, 25 ; El Balde, 25 ; The represa, 25 ; Arrive at San Luis, 25 ; An enormous nose, 26 ; Separate from my com-
panions, 26; Portrait of Don Manuel, 26 ; San Luis, 26; Population, 26 ; General appearance, 26 ; Soldiers’ costume, 26 ; Health,
27 ; Hotel, 27 ; Mistake of the cook, 27 ; Cultivation, 27 ; Cochineal, 28; Gold mines, 28.

CHAPTER IV.

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

Leave San Luis, 29; Nature of the country, 29; Our party, 29; Rio Quiuto, 29; San Jose del Morro, 30; Fortification
Church without a priest, 30; Population, 30; A New Yorker, 30; Wild horses, 30; Biscaebas, 30; Indolence of the arriero
strikingly illustrated, 31; Acliiras, 31 ; Villa de la Concepcion, 32; Appearance, 32; Population, 32; Don Martin Qucilon. 32:

VI

CONTENTS.

Statistical table, 32; My landlord, 32; Au adventure, 33; Adventures of a Dutch cheese, 33; Indians, 34; Christian captives
among them, 34 ; Difficulty of obtaining information, 34 ; Presents from them rather expensive, 35 ; Agricultural productions, 35;
Hail-storms, 35 ; Biscaclias, 35 ; Locusts, 35; Christmas day, 35; Leave the Villa de la Concepcion, 35; Rio Cuarto, 35;
Unenclosed corn-fields, 35 ; Huts of herdsmen, 35; La Reducciou, 35; Sickness of one of the mules, 36; Novel cure, 36; Vipers,
37; Ostrich’s nest, 37; Mosquitos, 37; Gluttony of the arriero, -37; Difficulty of obtaining food, 37; Peje Tree station, 37;
Almost perfect horizon, 38; Saladillo de Eui Diaz, 38; Fortifications of the Cabeza del Tigre post-house, 39; Rio Tercero, 39;
Desmochados, 39 ; Superstition of the people, 39 ; Arrive at Rosario, 40.

CHAPTER V.

ROSARIO, AND A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES, AND BACK.

Description of Rosario, 41 ; Commerce, 41 ; Dangers of the road across the pampa, 41; Voyage down the river, 42; Vessel
load of friars, 42; Bird called the “Bien te Veo,” 42; Return to the United States, 43; Obtain permission to retrace my steps,
43; Sail for Montevideo, 43; Au over-religious fellow-passenger, 43; Arrive in the Rio de la Plata, 43; Voyage to Rosario, 43;
Hampered w ith a Frenchman, 43; New impressions of Rosario, 43; Difficulty of obtaining conveyance to Mendoza, 41.

CHAPTER YI.

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

Leave Rosario by post, 45; Post-houses, 45; Armadillos, 46; Saladillo de Rui Diaz, 46 ; Fraile Muerto, 46; Family of the
Comandante, 46 ; Village school, 47; Master of the post at the Arroyo de San Jose, 47; Violent thunder-storm, and extra-
ordinary discharges of electricity, 48; Villa de la Concepcion, 49; The landlord and his companion, 49; Labors of the vessel-
load of friars, 49 ; San Jose, 49; San Luis, 50; Boiling-point apparatus, 50 ; Colonel Baigorri, 50 ; ElBalde,50; Catch a Tartar,
50; Acorocorto, 51 ; My man Don Marcos, 51 ; The Frenchman’s falls accounted for, 52; Arrive in Mendoza, 52. — Res i: mu :
Nature of the country, 52; Agriculture, 52; Rivers, 53; Canals, 54; Railroad, 54; Animals, 54; Birds, 55.

CHAPTER VII.

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO, AND BACK, BY THE PORTILLO PASS, AND RE-
TURN HOME.

Leave Mendoza, 56; Lujan, 56; Singular phenomenon in the valley, 56 ; Tame ostriches, 57; Passports, 57 ; Arenales, 57;
Singular water-fowl, 57 ; Vegetation, 58; Eastern portillo, 58; La Olla, 58; Fuel, 58; Valley of the Tunuyan, 59; Fate of a
family caught in the valley, 59 ; Western portillo, 59; Path down, 60; Singular appearance of the head of the valley of the
Yeeo, 60; Barrier range, 60; Ladera de San Francisco, 61 ; Rio Maypu, 61 ; Prosperous condition of the country, 61 ; Contrast
with the eastern side, 61 ; San Jose, 61 ; Ride to Santiago, 62; Another characteristic of Chile, 62; Return to San Jose, 62;
Snow-storm at the Olla, 62; Lodgings in the mountains, 63; Pass the eastern portillo in a snow-storm, 63 ; Puna, 63; Invul-
nerability of arrieros, 64 ; Arrive at Mendoza, 64 ; Don Santiago Arcos, 64 ; Convention of Indians, 64 ; Information obtained
from them, 64; Colonel Rivarola, 65; Execution of five men, 65; Boiling-point apparatus, 65 ; Set out for Santiago by the
Uspallata pass, 65; Our party, 65; Villavicensio, 65; Uspallata, 65; Specimens of natural history, 65 ; Almost a disaster, 66 ;
Cruppers not used, 66 ; Native mountains, 66 ; Adventure with a snake, 66 ; Goitre, 66; Expenses of the tw'O trips across the
mountains, 67 ; The maps, 67 ; Return home, 67 ; Table of distances by the post-road from Mendoza to Rosario, 68; Aualysis of
powder collected on the banks of the river Yeso, 68.

PART II. — Observations.

Description of the methods of observation, 69 ; Tables showing the latitudes, longitudes, and magnetical elements of each
station between Santiago de Chile and Montevideo, 75, 76; Meteorological observations, 76-82.

APPENDIX D.

MINERALS AND MINERAL WATERS OF CHILE.

BY PROP. J. LAWRENCE SMITH.

General idea of the geology of Chile: Distiibution of minerals, 85. — Gold : Native gold, 87. — Copper: Native copper, 87;
Red copper, 88, Capillary red copper, 88; Atacamite, 88; Copper glance, 89; Erubescite or purple copper, 89; Copper
pyrites, '■9; Arsenical grey copper, 90; Mercurial grey copper, 90; Aulimonial grey copper, 90; Domeykite or arsenical grey

CONTENTS.

Vll

copper, 91 ; Olivenite, arseuiate of copper, 91 ; Chrysocolla, silicate of copper, 92, Azurite, blue carbonate of copper, 92; Mala-
chite, green carbonate of copper, 92; Blue vitriol, sulphate of copper, 93; Volborthite, vanadate of copper and lead, 93 ; Re-
marks on the copper minerals, 93. — Silver : Native silver, 94 ; Silver glance, sulphured of silver, 94 ; Sulphuret of silver and
copper, 94 ; Ruby silver, 94; Antimonial silver, 95; Polybasite, 95; Bismuth silver, 95; Horn-silver, chloride of silver, 90;
Bromic silver, 96 ; Embolite, chloro-bromide of silver, 96 ; Iodic silver, 96 ; Arquerite, 97 ; Remarks on the geology of the
silver ores, 97. — Mercury: Cinnabar, 99. — Lead: Galena, 99; Mimetene, chloro-arsenate of lead, 99 ; Vanadiuite, 99 ; Wul-
fenite, 99 ; Molybdenate of lead, 99. — Iron : Meteoric iron, 100 ; Magnetic oxide of iron, 100 ; Micaceous oxide of iron, 100 ;
Gothite, 100; Pyrites, 101 ; Coquimbite, white copperas, 101 ; Copiapite, yellow copperas, 101 ; Arseniuret of iron, 101 ; Mis-
pickel, 102 ; Carbonate of iron and manganese, 102. — Manganese : Oxide of manganese, 102. — Coralt : Smaltene, arsenical
cobalt, 102; Cobaltene, sulpho-arsenical cobalt, 102; Cobalt bloom, arseniate of cobalt, 103. — Nickel: Nickel glance, 103. —
Bismuth: Native bismuth, 103 — Antimony: Native antimony, 103; White antimony, 104 ; Antimony glance, 104. — Arsenic:
Native arsenic, 104. — Zinc : Blende, sulphuret of zinc, 104. — Miscellaneous minerals : Lapis lazuli, 104 ; Calcareous spar,
105; Dolomite, 105 ; Heavy spar, 105; Sulphate of baryta, 105 ; Asbestos, (green,) 105; Tungstate of lime, 105; Lignite,
105. — Mineral waters : From the baths of Apoquindo, 105; Colina, 106; Cauquenes, 106; Rio de Mendoza, 107

APPENDIX E.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

BY THOMAS EWBANIv.

Introductory remarks, 111 ; What we may learn of the past, 111. — Metallic implements of Peruvian origin found in Chile :
Copper axe, 112; Copper chisel, 113; Long bronze knife, 114; A similar but larger implement, 114; Bronze circular-
bladed knife, 114; Whetstone, 114. — Pottery from Peru: Unglazed ollas for holding liquids and boiling, 115; Stoppers
or covers, 115; Evidence that these vessels were partially moulded, 116; Glazed and painted ware from Cuzco, 116. —
Wooden ware, &c. : A wooden pipkin cut from a single block, 116; Its carving and imitations of hoops, 116; A spoon, 116;
A bowl, 116; A calabash dipper or drinking-bowl, 116; A box for condiments or pigments, 117; Curious elliptical vessels, 1 17 ;
A plaited rush-basket, 117 ; A neatly woven water-tight basket, 117 ; Small rods or sticks for unknown purposes, 117; An iron-
stone quilley, 117; Bronze bodkin, 117; Primeval needle and its thread, 117; Ornamental cap of knitted or woven llama
wool, 118; A sling, 118; Portion of the cere cloth, 118. — Contents of a box subsequently received, 118; Metallic knife-blade, 119;
Fish-hooks, 119; Curious ornamented metallic implement for unknown purposes, 119; Carved mill, 120; Spindle for making
thread, 120; Quivers of reed and arrows, 120 ; Primitive adze, 120; Basket bowl, 121; Earthenware vases, pitcher, and
bowl, 121; Ornamented tankard, 121; Clothing of llamas’ wool and other materials, 121; Slings, bags, netting, &c., 121;
A skull, 122 ; Interest of primitive antiquities to the present generation, 122 ; Catalogue of antiquities in terra cotta, stone,
bronze, silver, and gold, collected in the province of Cuzco and now at Rio de Janeiro, 125-130; Yase bust, 130; Head of
the jaguar, 131 ; Flat bottles, 131 ; Vases, bottles, and drinking-cups, 132 ; Plates or shallow pipkins, 132 ; Vessels for unknown
purposes, 133 ; Specimens in the cabinet of the Emperor of Brazil, 133 ; Utensils of stone and wood, possibly mortars or salt-
cellars, 134; Other implements and utensils of wood and stone, 135; Crucibles, 136; Plasterers’ trowel, 136; Hatchet, 137;
Hammer, 137; Curious box, 137 ; Singular stone box, 137; Implements of silver, copper and bronze: Official baton, 138; Silver
plates, 139; Bronze hair-pins, 139; Knife, 139; Small bell, 139 ; Axe or chopper, 139; War club or pointed mace, 139; Whistles,
140; Pincers or tweezers, 140; Figures of gold, silver, and champi: Human figures, 141, 142; Llamas, 142; Bag for carrying
coca or tobacco, 142; Specimens of modern carving in wood, 143; Had the ancient Peruvians potter’s wheels or lathes? 143;
Distinctive marks for the male descendants of Manco Capac, 144 ; Style of cutting the hair, 144; Huge ear-ornaments, 144;
The head-dress, 145; What sort of tools had they? 145; Their mode of producing hollow figures, 146; Casting, 147 ; Patterns
of wax or other plastic material, 147 ; Gold, silver, and copper wire, 147 ; Iron most probably known in the ante-Incan era,
148; Extraordinary monoliths near Lake Titicaca, 148-150.

APPENDIX F.

ZOOLOGY.

MAMMALS, BY PROP. S. F. BAIRD.

Introductory remarks on the animals brought home, 153; Felis concolor, 153; Canis magellnnicus, 154; C. Azarae, 154 ;
Galictis vittata, 155; Didelphys elegans, 155; Cavia australis, 156; Lagidium cuvieri, 156; Spalacopus pmppigii, 157; My-
opotamus coypus, 157; Hesperomys, 158; Chlamyphorus truncatus, 158 ; Auchenia llama, 159-162; List of the Mammalia
found in Chile, 163-171.

BIRDS, BY JOHN CASSIN.

Sarcoramphus gryphus, 172; Cathartes jota, 172 ; C. atratus, 173; Polyborus tliarus, 173 ; Morphnus unicinctus, 174 ; Mil-
vago chimango, 174 ; Pontoaetus melanoleucus, 174; Buteo erythronotus, 175; Elanus leucurus, 175 ; Circus cinereus, 175 ;

Vlll

CONTENTS.

C. macropterus, 175; Falco nigriceps, 176; Tinnunculus sparverius, 17G; Hypotriorchis femoralis, 177; Strix perlata, 177; Bubo
crassirostris, 177; Otus brachyotus, 177; Athene cunicularia, 178; Glaucidium nanuin, 178; Psaracolius curseus, 178; Age-
laius thilius, 179; Stumella militaris, 179; Phrygilus fruticeti, 179; P. unicolor, 180; P. diuca, 180 ; P. gayi, 180; Zonotrichia
matutina, 180 ; Crithagra luteiventris, 181 ; Chrysomitris atratus, 181 ; C. marginalia, 181 ; Calliste cyanicollis, 181 ; C. larvata,
182; C. gyroloides, 182; C. desmarestii, 182; Euphouia rufiventris, 182; Chlorophonia occipitalis, 182; Phytotoma rara,
1S3 ; Agriomis lividus, 183 ; Mirnus thenca, 183 ; Merula falklandica, 183 ; M. fuscater, 184 ; Pteroptochus megapodius, 184 ;
P. albicollis, 184; Lichenops erythropterus, 185; Tasnioptera pyrope, 185; Ptyonura mentalis, 185; P. rufivertex, 186; Cyan-
otis omnicolor, 186; Stenopsis parvulus, 186; Trochilus gigas, 186 ; T. galeritus, 187; T. leuc'opleurus, 187 ; Cinclodes vul-
garis, 187 ; C. nigrofumosus, 187 ; Uppucerthia dumetoria, 188 ; Ericornis raelanura, 188 ; Synallaxis dorso-maculata, 188 ;
Scytalopus fuscus, 188; Conurus cyanolysios, 189; Psittacara leptorhyncha, 189; P. smaragdina, 189; Psittacus ochroce-
phalus, 189; Colaptes pitius, 190 ; Picus lignarius, 190 ; Columba araucana, 190; Zenaida aurita, 191; Columbina strepitans,
191; Tkinocorus orbignyianus, 191; T. rumicivorus, 191; Attagis gayii, 192; Nothura perdicaria, 192; Ardea cocoi, 192;
Egretta galatea, 193; E. tkula, 193; Nycticorax gardeni, 193; Boutaurus exilis, 194; Scolopax paraguayee, 194; Rhvnchcea semi-
collaris, 194 ; Numenius hudsonicus, 194 ; Calidris arenaria, 194 ; Pelidna pectoralis, 195; Hiaticula trifasciata, 195; H. azarse,
195; Yanellus cayannensis, 195; Ealius crnsius, 195 ; Gallinula crassirostris, 196; Himantopus nigricollis, 196; Fulica cbilensis,
196 ; Ciconia pillus, 196 ; Ibis melanopis, 197 ; I. guarauna, 197 ; Platalea ajaja, 197 ; Haematopus palliatus, 197 ; H. ater, 198 ;
Plioenicopterus ignipalliatus, 198 ; P. andinus, 198-200 ; Cygnus nigricollis, 200 ; Bernicla antarctica, 200 ; B. magellanica, 201 ;
B. melanoptera, 201 ; Mareca chiloeneis, 201 : Anas oxyura, 202 ; Anas specularis, 202 ; A. melanocephala, 202 ; Querquedula
cyanoptera, 202 , Q. versicolor, 203 ; Q. creccoides, 203 ; Dafila bahamensis, 203 ; Fuligula metopias, 204; Erismatura ferru-
ginea, 204 ; Merganetta armata, 204 ; Larus glaucodes, 204 ; L. dominicanus, 204 ; L. bridgesii, 205 ; Podiceps leucopterus, 205 ;
Podilymbus brevirostris, 205 ; Pbalacrocorax brasilianus, 205 ; P. gaimardi, 206 ; Pelecanus thagus, 206.

REPTILES, BY CHARLES GIRARD.

Batrachia: Family of Ranida, 207; Genus Cystignatbus, Wagl., 207 ; Cystignathus tseniatus, Grd., 207 ; Family of Hylida,
208; Genus Pliyllobates, Dum. &B.,208; Phyllobates auratus, Grd., 209. — Ophidia: Family of Viperidcc, 209; Genus Elaps,
Schn.,209; Elaps nigrocinctus, Grd., 210; Family of Oxyccplialida, 211 ; Genus Dryophis, Fitz., 211 ; Dryophis vittatatus, Grd.,
211; Family of Colubridm, 213 ; Genus Tachymenis, Wiegm., 213; Tachymenis chilensis, Grd., 213; Genus Tseniophis, Grd.,
215; Tseniophis tantillus, 215. — Saijria : Family of Stellionidai, 217; Genus Proctotretus, Dum. & B., 217 ; Proctotretus tenuis,
Dum. & B., 217 ; Proctotretus femoratus, Grd., 219; Proctotretus stantoni, Grd., 221; Family of Lacertidce, 223 ; Genus Aporo-
mera, Dum. & B., 223; Aporomera ornata, Dum. & B.,223; Genus Cnemidophorus, Wagl., 226; Cnemidophorus prsesignis,
B. & G., 227.

FISHES, BY CHARLES GIRARD.

Family of Percida:, 230; Genus Percichthys, Grd., 231; Percichthys chilensis, Grd., 231; Percichthys melanops, Grd., 233;
Genus Percilia, Grd., 235 ; Percilia gillisei, Grd., 236; Family of AtJierinidm, 237 ; Genus Basilichthys, Grd., 238 ; Baeilichthys
microlepidotus, Grd., 238; Family of Siluridt e, 240; Genus Nematogenys, Grd., 240; Nematogenys inermis, Grd., 240; Genus
Thrichomycterus, (Humb.) Valenc., 242; Thrichomycterus maculatus, Cuv. and Val., 243; Thrichomycterus macrsei, 245;
Family of Clupeidoe, 245; Genus Alosa, Cuv., 245; Alosa musica, Grd., 246; Genus Engraulis, Cuv., 247 ; Engraulis pulchellus,
Grd., 247 ; Family of Characini, 249; Genus Cheirodon, Grd., 249; Cheirodon pisciculus, Grd., 249; Family of Myxinoidea, 251 ;
Genus Bdellostoma, Mtill., 251 ; Bdellostoma polytrema, Grd., 252.

CRUSTACEA, BY CHARLES GIRARD.

Cenobitidae iEgleidee, 254; iEglea laevis, Leach, 255; iEglea denticulata, 255; JEglea intermedia, 255; Palaemonidae
Alpheinae, 258; Rhynchociuetes typus, Edw., 259.

List of Shells brought home by the U. S. N. Astronomical Expedition, by Aug. A. Gould, 263.

APPENDIX G.

List of the Dried Plants, by Asa Gray, 267-269.

List of the Living Plants and Seeds, by Wm. D. Brackenridge, 270,271.

APPENDIX H.

Fossil Mammals. — Description of the lower jaw of Mastodon Andium, also of a tooth and fragment of the femur of a Mastodon
from Lake Tagna-Tagua, by Jeffries Wyman, 275-281.

CONTENTS.

IX

Remarks on the secondary fossils, 282; Terebratulte : Subexcavata, 282; Meridionals, 282 ; Subtetraedra, 232 ; Ostrea:
Irregularis, 283; Gregaria, 283; Peoten : Alatus, 283 ; Lithotrochus: Andii, 283; Belemmtes : Chilensis, 284; Recent, forma-
tion of Copiapo, 284 ; List of shells in the recent formation along the line of the Copiapo railroad, 284 ; Tertiary shells of
Chile, 285; Perna: Chilensis, 285 ; Ostrea: Copiapina, 285 ; Laxicava: Calderensis, 286. By T. A. Conrad.

ADDENDUM.

An account of the locality where the meteoric iron is found in Atacama, translated from a memoir by Dr. Philippi to the
University of Chile, and published in the “ Anales de la Universidad, 1854,” 287-289.

COEEIGEND A.

Page

8,

line

19, for las Puquios,

read los Puquios.

a

19,

it

17, “

Rosavia,

it

Rosario.

it

30,

“

41, “

San Sose,

It

San Jose.

it

61,

“

11, “

San NichoMs,

a

San Nicolas.

/ T2

/ T2

73,

it

20, “

K=K

) “

1

C4

M

II

M

“

160,

“

16, “

Guanaco,

ti

Guanaca.

it

160,

It

22, “

bolos,

a

bolas.

a

170, next bottom, quanaco,

tt

guanaco.

tt

171,

“

8, “

hilensis,

a

chilensis.

tt

175,

“

9, “

Elanus lucurus,

a

Elanus leucurus.

u

175,

it

10, “

Milvus lucurus,

a

Milvus leucurus.

<C

175,

“

37, “

Sess.,

tt

Less.

a

181,

i

34, “

cacruleocephala,

tt

ccerulocephala.

a

182,

u

29, “

Diet. PXXII,

a

Diet. XXXII.

“

186,

tt

9, “

Giff.,

a

Grifif.

a

191,

tt

19, “

Obignyianus,

a

Orbignyianus.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page.

1 . Map of the Portillo and Cumbre passes 1

2. Map of a part of Chile and the Argentine republic 15

3. Indian antiquities — metallic 112

4. Indian antiquities — pottery 115

5. Indian antiquities — wood 116

6. Chlamyphorus truncatus 158

7. Falco nigriceps 176

8. Psaracolius curaeus 178

9. Agelaius thilius— Sturnella militaris 179

10. Chrysomitiis marginalia 181

11. Calliste cyariicollis — Calliste larvata 181

12. Calliste gyroloides — Calliste desmarestii 182

13. Euphonia rufiventris — Chlorophonia occipitalis 182

14. Ericornis melanura — Scytalopus fuscus 188

15. Psittacus ochrocephalus 189

16. Bernicla antarctica 200

17. Bernicla magellanica - 201

18. Anas melanocephala 202

19. Querquedulacreccoides 203

20. Fuligula metopias 204

21. Phalacrocorax brazilianus 205

22. Trichomycterus maculatus — Cheirodon pisciculus — Cystignathus tseniatus — Phylobates auratus 209

23. Elaps nigrocinctus 210

24. Dryophis vittatus 211

25. Tachymenes ehilensis — Tseniophis tantillus 215

26. Proctotretus tenuis — P. femoratus — P. stantoni - 217

27. Aporomera ornata 223

28. Cnemidophorus praesignis 227

29. Percichthys ehilensis — Pereilia gillissii 231

30. Percichthys melanops — Basilichthys microlepidotus - 233

31- Nematogenys inermis 240

32. Alosa musica — Engraulis pulchellus 246

33. Bdellostoma polytrema 252

34. Mastodon audium — Fragment of lower jaw 275

35. Mastodon audium — Teeth 279

36. Ostrea gregaria — Pecten alatus — Lithotrochus andii — Terebratula subexcavata— Ammonites 282

37. Casts — Perna chiliana — Terebratula subtetrseda — Ostrea irregularis — Terebratula meridionalis 283

WOOD-CUTS.

1. View of the Incas bridge 9

2. Valley of the Tupungato - ---11

3. Structure of the aneroid barometer . --72

4. Peruvian antiquities of earthenware - 130

5. Ancient pottery in cabinet of the Emperor of Brazil 133

6. Ancient utensils of stone and wood - --134

7. Implements and utensils of stone ■ 136

8. Implements of copper and bronze - ■ 138

9. Implements of gold, silver, champi, &c. - 141

10. Specimens'of modem wood carving . • 143

11. Mode of wearing ear and under-lip ornaments ... - ... 145

PART I.

REPORT

JOURNEYS ACROSS THE ANDES AND PAMPAS

OF THE

ARGENTINE PROVINCES,

MADE UNDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM

Lieut. J. M. GILLISS,

SUPERINTENDENT U. S. N. ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION,

BY

Lieut. ARCHIBALD MACRAE, U. S. N.,

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT.

MAP

of the

1

6

y

(1

Drawn Inj Herbal < b.

THE ANDES AND PAMPAS.

CHAPTER I.

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

OCCUPATION PENDING MY DEPARTURE. DIFFICULTY IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANIMALS. DEPARTURE.

SANTA ROSA. CHACRA DE MONTUMAS. PREPARATION OF FOOD FOR THE MOUNTAINS. SANTA ROSA. ESTERO

DE LAS CRUCES. LADERAS ■ — CASUCHAS. GLACIER. OJOS DE AGUA. ALTO DE LA LAGUNA. MOUNTAIN LAKE.

CUMBRE. PUNA. CONTRABANDISTAS. CONTRAST BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES OF THE MOUNTAIN. CASUCTIA DE

LOS PUQUIOS. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STREAMS ON THE TWO SIDES OF THE PASS. FATE OF THE CON-
TRABANDISTAS. HOSPITALITY OF THE ARRIEROS. INCA’S BRIDGE. CERRO DE LOS PENITENTES. TUPUNGATO.

LADERA DE LOS POLVADERAS. LADERA DE LOS CORTADERAS. FALSE SUNSET. USPALLATA. INSTANCE OF THE

VALUE OF MADRINAS. VILLAVICENSIO. THE PLAIN. MOCKING BIRDS. ARRIVE AT MENDOZA. STREAMS PASSED

IN THE MOUNTAINS. ANIMALS AND BIRDS.

A part of your instructions, directing me to inform myself about the course and ultimate ter-
mination of certain rivers ; their capabilities for navigation, &c. ; of the moral and social con-
dition of the people; the prevailing diseases, virtues, and vices of the different communities
through which I might pass; their mineral and agricultural resources, &c., &c., are too wide
in their extent for me to furnish, from personal experience during two hasty trips, made with
very limited means, and more limited knowledge of natural science, any other than a shadow
of the information desired ; and this, meagre as it is, is not of sufficient importance to be put
in a separate or tabular report.

In European or North American cities and provinces, registers are kept, containing full in-
formation on all these points, and there is no difficulty in obtaining it; but in the thinly settled
provinces of that part of South America through which my road lay, no such records are to he
had.

Therefore, after due consideration of these facts, I have concluded that the best I can do will
be to give my limited information as it was received, in connection with a narrative of my
journeys.

The time intervening between the departure of the other members of the expedition and the
opening of the mountain pass over which I was directed to go, was spent in the enjoyment of
the posthumous reputation of the party, which, I am sorry to say, was not very agreeable.

Our existence had ceased so recently, that people were not yet prepared to occupy themselves
with more than our faults ; and as I was, so to speak, the tombstone on which they read our
supposed virtues and merits, I had at times to learn that our reputation was not in every respect
1*

2

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

equal to what we had expected. Whether the fault was with the “ tombstone, ” or with the
departed party, I am unahle to say.

Except the advent of a dead bishop — visiting whom gave me constant occupation and plea-
sure, till the odor of his sanctity became too great — and an occasional religious procession,
nothing occurred to relieve the tedium of waiting.

These processions differ from each other only in the number of saints, sinners, and candles
used on the occasion, and therefore it is unnecessary to enter into a history of them ; a few days
before my departure, however, I learned of a feature in some of them entirely new to me, which
may he worth relating.

On the day preceding that of San Francisco, I met a procession in the street going towards
the church of that name, having under convoy the most superbly dressed image of a saint that
I had ever seen. Except for his shaven crown he might have passed for one of the magnificent
monarchs of the magnificent age of France, but turned out to he San Francisco himself, on his
way to church to preside over the fiesta of next day. Dona Francisca de Fulano de Tal had,
at her own expense, extracted him from his altar in the church and dressed him in this splendid
manner for the occasion.

Fully impressed, from this circumstance, with the importance of his character, I did not fail
to attend mass the next day, and found that I was not the only person attracted by the finery
of his dress. Old women and young women, priests and priestlings, were enthusiastic in their
devotions; and even San Antonio himself, who is the patron saint of marriages, lovers, and
sailors, was almost entirely neglected.

On the following day, as I was going up a retired hy-street, I met four peons trotting hastily
along with an exceedingly dilapidated looking saint on a litter, whom, upon examination, I
found to he no other than my quondam acquaintance San Francisco ; hut so ragged and dirty
in his appearance that he was evidently ashamed of himself, and did not wish to be recognised.

On inquiry I learned that his rich robes had been taken off in order to preserve them for the
next annual fiesta; Dona Francisca de. Fulano de Tal having no idea of allowing him to lux-
uriate in fine clothes except on that day, when he was particularly her patron.

The only real occupation I had, pending my departure, was to get a travelling rate for the
pocket chronometers, and make arrangements for mules to take me to Mendoza. The first I
endeavored to accomplish by wearing the three chronometers on my person in the same position
I proposed to carry them in travelling, and making it a point to ride and walk about a good
deal every day. I soon found, however, that two of them performed so irregularly as to he
nearly useless for the determination of longitudes.

To obtain mules at anything like a reasonable rate was much more difficult, particularly as I
had to stipulate that we should stop when and where I pleased; and my difficulties were
increased by the manoeuvres of a noted hirlochero named Ascencio Palma, certainly the keenest
knave in a bargain about horses or gigs I ever saw. His most common trick, when any one
wished to hire a hirlocho (gig) for Valparaiso or elsewhere, was to come himself, make an offer
at«, very high figure, and if he failed in making a contract, retire, advising the applicant to
give up all idea of the trip, as he certainly would not find any cheaper mode of conveyance.
Half an hour afterwards some other fellow would make his appearance, and propose to carry
the voyager for a little less ; until, finally, some one would make a really fair offer to those who
had the patience to wait ; and then after the contract was completed, in would walk master
Ascencio, or “Chencho” as he is called, and the fact would he learned for the first time that
every one who had offered was his agent.

Something of this kind was attempted with me. His first proposal, made in person, was to
take rne to Mendoza for $138 ; but, by the advice of those acquainted with the subject, I declined
it, and cast about for better terms. In the mean time, a foreign merchant, with whom I had
long been acquainted, wrote to a friend in Santa Rosa — the headquarters of muleteers — and
requested him to send down one who would take me over at a reasonable rate. At the end of

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

3

a week he received an answer stating that there had been hut one offer, which was to take me
on the stipulated conditions for $155 — the writer going into a long statement to prove that the
offer was very liberal ; adducing to this effect items unheard of in the ordinary rules of trans-
portation across the mountains, reminding me forcibly of the story of an old whaler, Christo-
pher Dolphin by name, who said that when fitting out for his first voyage to sea, the slop-shop
man, after imposing on him everything of possible utility, recollected that it would he neces-
sary for him to have a left-handed palm with which to thrust the sail-needle hack after he had
shoved it through with the right. I of course rejected this offer, and afterwards learned that
as soon as Palma heard of the letter, he had sent his son to Santa Rosa, who had frightened off
all competitors by stories about the length of time I intended to stop in the mountains, and had
himself been the bidder.

I finally made an arrangement for $86 with an honest fellow, who would have taken me at a
more reasonable rate if I had not been obliged to stipulate about stopping at several points on
the road. My contract was, to be furnished one saddle-mule and two others for the baggage, and
be accompanied by the arriero himself and a peon. These were to saddle and unsaddle for me,
and have all the care of the mules; in addition to which, they were to furnish me with the same
food they themselves had.

At length, on or about the 8th of November, the first courier arrived at Santiago reporting
the cordillera open, and on the 10th my arriero came in with his mules; but the state of my
health did not permit me to start till the 15th of the same month, when, after taking leave of
all my kind friends, I set out in company with Colonel Peyton, the American minister to the
Chilean government, who did me the honor to accompany me a few leagues on the road. We
parted about eight miles out, and when fairly alone, with nothing to think of but myself, I
began to be aware that I had undertaken no easy task. I had slung across my shoulders a
mercurial barometer, an aneroid and a pocket compass, and around my waist three pocket
chronometers and the little money I possessed ; and by the time the sun had reached the
meridian, these weighed quite enough to make them burdensome. The day was warm and the
road dusty; and notwithstanding the latter led between finely cultivated fields, with occasional
country seats in excellent order, long before our arrival at our first stopping place I was essen-
tially used up, and incapable of enjoying either cultivation or scenery.

At nightfall we arrived at the Posada (inn) of Chacabuco, where we remained till morning.
Before arriving, however, I was relieved of part of my load. On mounting at the hill of Colina,
the aneroid barometer caught in the holsters, broke its sling, and in the fall its chain parted,
so that, as it was no longer of use, I stored it away with the baggage.

On the morning of the 16th set out again, and very shortly reached the wide range of hills
called Cuesta de Chacabuco. Passing this, we entered the rich and picturesque valley of San
Felipe, and a few miles more brought us to a lane called the Calle-larga, or long. street, of Santa
Rosa. Certainly, to the weary traveller no street ever deserved that name more: at first there
are no houses — only walks enclosing fields and orchards ; but at a short distance, houses are
not unfrequent, and become more numerous up towards a focus, where the presence of a dry-
goods store, and two or three grog-shops, leads one to suppose that he has finally arrived at
Santa Rosa. A few squares farther on, however, and the voyager is in the country again. I
do not know how many of these little eruptions of houses there are, but recollect that after
repeated disappointments, I began to think the arriero was misleading me, or that no such
place as Santa Rosa existed. Nevertheless, we did eventually arrive at a town fairly brought
to a stand near the bank of the river Aconcagua ; and I could not help thinking it very fortunate
that nature had placed this barrier there, as it is impossible to say where the town would have
got to, but for tliat stream.

My arriero lived about three miles beyond, and as all bis preparations were to be made there,
I determined to stop at his farm instead of in the town ; so we pushed on, crossing the river at
a part where stony islands divided it into three streams. This was my first experience in

4

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

crossing a rapid mountain stream ; and as tlie Aconcagua in the early part of the spring, -when
the snows begin to melt, is very formidable, it was nearly my worst. At first I looked at the
river and the mules ahead; hut the rapidity of the one, and the slow progress of the others
over the rounded stones, made me giddy. I could not get rid of the idea that we were all being
washed down the stream; and if I had not ceased" gazing at the rushing water, and looked at
the sky only, as is common with persons ascending giddy heights, I should have fallen off the
mule._ This is, I believe, the experience of all new hands.

Each of the streams at the ford was about twenty-five yards wide, two feet deep, and very
rapid.

On our arrival at the farm of the arriero, we gave ourselves up to rest for the remainder of
that day.

Passed the 17th in making a set of observations — the arriero and his family being occupied
meanwhile with the necessary preparations for the voyage, which consisted in shoeing th mules
and getting ready our provisions. The food usual and most adapted to the mountains is
charqui or dried beef, which instead of being made in junks, like that we are accustomed to see,
is dried in thin sheets. For use it is either roasted in its ordinary state, or, what is most com-
mon in the cordillera, baked and afterwards pounded till it is reduced to powder ; and when so
prepared, nothing more is necessary to make a savory mess of it than to put five or six table-
spoonfuls in a tin pot, break up with it some crackers or bread, and throw in a few slices of
onion ; then fill the pot with boiling water, and after allowing it to steep for fifteen minutes,
you have as savory and nourishing a dish as can he prepared with the limited amount of
cooking utensils of a traveller among the Andes. It is probably the food best adapted to the
thin air of the mountains; and as its bulk is very small, it deserves precedence over all other.

On the 18th, as we were not quite ready, I rode hack to Santa Rosa, “and made a set of
observations for latitude and longitude. As I did not consider my work to commence until we
entered the mountains, I took no pains to inform myself as to the population of the place, &c.
Nor did it appear to he a very easy matter, for the town extends over so much ground that it is
difficult to say where its limits end and the country begins. It has a public plaza, two
alamedas — shaded, as usual, by Lombardy poplars — at least one church, one school-house, one
inn, and two or three apothecary-shops. The best idea I could form of the condition of the arts
and sciences was derived from the fact that there was no one capable of repairing the chain of
the aneroid barometer. The only place in the town where anything of the kind could be done
was at a silversmith’s, where the principal occupation of the workmen was making ornaments
for spur and bridle mountings. As for the inn, it was had enough, and it cost us a good deal
of trouble to find it. We asked for it under every possible name we could think of, and at
length found one person sufficiently intelligent to divine that we meant the “billar,” or billiard-
room, as it is called, and there we accordingly repaired. The one billiard-table it contained was
unique of its kind ; it was about eight feet long and four broad, with pockets large enough for
a ten-pin hall, and gutters had been worn from the middle of the table towards the pockets.
At twelve and a half cents for a game of thirty, it appeared to he a profitable piece of furni-
ture. As for the food, it is only necessary to say that in any house in Chile, however humble,
the traveller can obtain a good cazuela — a kind of vegetable soup, peculiar to that country — and
an epicure need not ask for anything better. The “billar” has rooms for lodgers ; hut as I did
not try them, I can only say that they looked uncomfortable.

November 19, 1852. — Having made all preparations, we set out from the chacra de Montumas
for the mountains, our party consisting of the arriero, his peon, and myself; and, until we were
clear ot the settlements, there was a boy to lead the madrina (god-mother) or bell-mare. Of
animals we had three saddle-mules, two burden-mules, a spare one for a change in case of
necessity, and the madrina.

Two miles to the southward, on the road to Santa Rosa, brought us to a little settlement
called La Junta, where we turned off to the eastward, near the north bank of the Aconcagua.

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS. 5

For about three miles the road led between cultivated fields and farm-houses, and then entered
on a stony mule path between two mountain spurs; thence two miles to a small bridge, across
the Aconcagua, called the “Puente de Biscachas,” made of two sleepers with cross-logs, and
without hand-rails. Here the road from Santa Rosa crosses to join this. The river at the
bridge is about ten yards wide, rapid, and deep.

At noon we stopped near the resguardo, or custom-house, on the west hank of the Rio
Colorado — a stream which enters the Aconcagua from the northward. It is crossed by a bridge
similar to the Puente de Biscachas. At 3 p. m., set out again and travelled on, constantly
ascending and following the hank of the river, to a grove of quillais, near the Estero de las
Cruces, where we stopped for the night and for work on the next day.

Crossed a stream near a place on the hank of the river called “El Salto del Soldado,” where
tradition tells of a soldier’s having escaped his pursuers by leaping across the chasm in which
the river-bed lies ; then passed another stream on the south side. The hills on each side had
increased to mountains, but were covered with vegetation nearly to their summits; the bases
being tolerably well wooded, principally with quillai trees. Passed several huts and small
farms, and also a short ladera, or road, cut like a shelf in the side of a steep mountain, where
there is not room at the base for one. There are very few of the laderas dangerous to the trav-
eller mounted on a good mule ; but they are exceedingly perilous looking places, as the mount-
ain on the one hand rises almost perpendicularly, and the precipice — from which there is no
wall to guard one — lies on t ie other ; while below is the rapid mountain stream, rushing along
over the stones at a distance, in some places, of’ hundreds of feet. This ladera, called the
“Ladera de los Quillais,” is about six feet wide, except in those parts where the bank has
crumbled away.

Hear our stopping-place there are two foot-bridges suspended across the stream by hide
thongs, and on the opposite side of the river is a large furnace for smelting copper ores brought
from a mine near by, while on this side are two or three ranchos where beef and potatoes can
be had, and also beds of ox-hides under shelter. This rancheriais the resort of smugglers from
the other side of the cordillera, and the principal use of one of the foot-bridges near it, is to
pass over smuggled goods — tobacco generally — when there is danger from the custom-house
officers.

The occupation of the people appears to be cutting firewood for the furnaces opposite, and they
bid fair in a short time to leave the country bare of the fine trees which now abound there.

They appeared to be very hospitable and polite, and invited me to share their meal ; but as it
was the first time I had noticed their style of eating, I preferred taking my dinner in camp.
Five or six were seated around a very small table, on which was a wooden bowl of beef and
potato stew ; but there were neither plates nor bread, and each one helped himself from the basin
with a wooden or horn spoon.

November 20. — After making a full set of observations, packed the instruments, saddled up,
and at 2.30 p. m. left camp and travelled till night, when we stopped a short distance beyond
the first casuclia. Passed on the way several streams tributary to the Aconcagua, and also a
house called the “ Gf-uardia Vieja,” where was formerly the custom-house. Road always as-
cending, and mountains on each side tipped with snow.

The casuchas are small brick houses with vaulted roofs, built by the old Spaniards for the
shelter of couriers and travellers who might be caught in snow-storms. Under the Spanish rule
they were provided with shelves for sleeping on, food, and firewood ; but they are now without
even doors, the wood-work having long since been torn away, and the supply of provisions not
being kept up. They are so dismal and dirty, that, except in cases of great necessity, travellers
prefer to sleep outside.

A few miles before arriving at camp, we saw up a valley to the northward what I supposed to
be a glacier — a thick shelf of green-looking ice, in a gorge near the summit of the mountains.

A number of arrieros bound over stopped in company for the night, and we were very gay.

6

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

November 21. — We were not able to start so early this morning as our companions of the
night. One of the mules had strayed off, and it was sunrise before we were able to find her by
dint of ringing the hell of the madrina up the valley.

At the distance of about two miles we arrived at several springs, called Ojos de Agua, oozing
from the base of a high mountain on the left. Their waters are supposed to percolate through
from a lake further up. Hear these is the second casucha, called from the springs the ££ Casucha
de los Ojos de Agua.” Afterwards passed another on the west hank of a small stream called the
Juncalillo. The Aconcagua here loses its name, being formed by the Juncal from the south-
eastward, and the Juncalillo, or little Juncal, from the northeastward. After crossing the
latter the road turns to the northeastward, between high ranges of hills, and the ascent becomes
more steep. At the distance of about two miles it reaches a steep harrier hill, running nearly
across from the range on the right to that on the left, being only separated from the latter by
the Juncalillo. A toilsome ascent of half a mile on the right flank of this brought us to the
Casucha del Portillo or ££del Alto de la Laguna,” near which there is a singular sandy plain,
half a mile long and a quarter broad. Here we stopped for another set of observations. There
is in the vicinity no other vegetation than a few low thorny shrubs, with very thin pasturage on
the skirt of the hills.

Wind strong and clear from the westward, and day clear till near sunset, when the sky be-
came OArercast with thin clouds which reflected the sun’s light to the snow on the mountains,
tinging it with a beautiful rose-color.

The little valley in which we stopped is perfectly level, and, from the appearance of the huge
and shapeless rocks that partially surround it, looks as if it was once the crater of a volcano and
afterwards a lake, until the wash from the hills filled it up.

About two miles north of it there is a beautiful mountain lake, situated in a valley formed
by two ranges of mountains and a hill crossing from range to range. As it has no outlet, its
waters are supposed by the arrieros to ooze through the high range to the westward, and issue
at the Ojos de Agua. On a clear day it has the transparently blue color of the sky, and trees
and vegetation only are wanted to make it a most romantic-looking spot.

Here, for the first time, I attempted to make use of my tent. It was one of my own inven-
tion, intended to shelter the instruments from the sun while at work, and myself, during had
weather, or at night ; hut, unfortunately, it turned out to be a failure, and of no value for one
purpose or the other. The pole was too long to he carried on the mules, and the amount of
surface exposed to the wind too great for its stays to prevent it from being blown over.

We made our fires at nightfall with mules’ dung — the best fuel to he had; and as the wind
was strong in squalls, our stew was pretty well seasoned with the ashes. These, however, are
things to which one becomes accustomed.

All that we saw of animal life, to remind us of the valleys of Chile, were small birds resem-
bling sparrows in size, form, and color; the only difference being that the males had top-knots
and a stripe of orange-colored feathers around their necks. They were very tame, and hopped
about picking up crumbs within a few feet of us.

November 22. — Concluded my work in the calm of the morning, and at 7 o’clock set out for
the Cumbre, or summit of the range, where we arrived about 10 a. m. ; hut found the wind so
strong that it would have been impossible to set up the instruments ; we therefore retraced
our steps across the snow to the Casucha de la Cumbre, about half a mile from the pass.

The road from the Alto de la Laguna, after ascending a tolerably steep hill to the right,
continues for about three miles up a valley not very steep or stony, passing, about half way, the
Casucha de las Calaveras, and arrives at the foot of the steep part of what may he called the
spine of the cordillera. Here there is no longer a stream to follow, hut the ascent must he
accomplished by zig-zags up the ridges. This is necessarily a very slow process, and frequently
one finds himself hut a few feet advanced after toiling over a great deal of ground.

On this morning we passed, for the first time, several patches of snow in the road, hut none of

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

7

great magnitude until we commenced to ascend the Cuesta de la Cumbre, where in one place
we had to cross a field a third of a mile wide. This was already undermined by the melting
snow from the more exposed places above, and our mules frequently sank into it so deep as to
make it very difficult to extricate them. It was necessary for us to dismount and feel our way
on foot, and in this exercise I experienced, for the first time, what is called the puna — a diffi-
culty in filling the lungs in consequence of the rarity of the atmosphere. This is frequently
accompanied by partial blindness and vomiting. My attack, however, was very slight, merely
causing a necessity to halt a d pant every fifty yards or so.

We found in the snow a stray mule, belonging to a train that had passed over early in the
morning. He was unable to get out, and would probably have died soon ; at all events, two or
three condors appeared to think so, as they were hovering around him in close circles, evidently
expecting a feast. We extricated him and carried him along with ours.

The casucha where we stopped for work is situated on a little knoll which was sticking out
of the snow, like an island. It is a sufficiently inappropriate place for magnetic observations,
as the cold wind whistles around the corners with such violence as to jar the instruments, and
render it necessary to make duplicate measures. There was no better place to he found, how-
ever, and I therefore set to work. The mules were unladen and sent down in charge of the
peon to where pasturage could he found ; the arriero and myself remaining at the casucha.
As much of the work as possible was completed before dark, but enough remained to detain us
till next day.

I have rarely passed so uncomfortable a night, nor one, at the same time, more impressive.
My face and hands were blistered by the sun and chapped by the cold winds to such an extent
as to produce fever, and I found it impossible to sleep. Nor did the arriero appear to be any
better off. He was troubled with what he called the “whiffles,” which he attributed to drink-
ing a cup of tea. What the disease is I do not know, but it kept him awake ; and so we both
got up, made a fire of the tent-pole, and passed the greater part of the night in conversation.
I volunteered two or three stories to pass away the time ; one of which was so very good that
I am sorry it cannot be given here. At least Joaquin — the arriero — thought so, for he did not
recover from it for a long time. Occasionally, as we were riding along the next day, I would
see him check his mule and wait for me to overtake him, when he would ask me a question
bearing on the pith of the story; but, without waiting for an answer, would trot on ahead
again, whickering to himself with great satisfaction.

From time to time our conversation would be interrupted by hearing hoarse shouts on the
eastern side of the mountain, and pretty soon we would see a long line of cattle coming over
thfe summit. On they would come at a slashing pace, followed by ten or a dozen swarthy looking
centaurs, shouting and stoning them to the path. In a moment the casucha would be sur-
rounded by them, and then down hill they would go again, helter-skelter and heels over head;
their drivers only stopping for a moment to light a cigar, or inquire about the condition of the
road below, and very soon we would b.e left to the dismal silence of the cordillera.

There also passed a small train, consisting of some twenty mules, twelve of which were laden
with tobacco, intended to be smuggled into Chile. The owners of this were very particular in
their inquiries about the custom-house officers, and went on apparently satisfied with the in-
formation they had gained, for which they had but little reason, as the sequel proved.

The night was so beautifully clear that I had the curiosity to set up the theodolite and turn
on Saturn. With its little telescope — only twelve inches long — I was able to make out the
rings clearly.

Besides the road by which we ascended the spine of the mountains, there is another that
branches off about a, mile below the casucha and curves the summit farther to the northward.
The descent on the eastern side by that is better than by this, but it opens later, and at the time
we passed was impracticable.

November 23. — Finished work and started for the summit. Having arrived there, we were

8

FKOM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

on the dividing line between Chile and Mendoza, and even from this point a difference could he
noted. There was no snow in the road on the eastern side, nor was there hut little on the hills ;
and there appeared to be a total absence of those green grasses and mosses which were in sight
not far down on the Chilean side.

The height of the pass is twelve thousand feet above the level of the sea.

On the eastern side the road is very steep for about three quarters of a mile, when it arrives
at a valley down which runs a muddy streamlet, called the Rio de las Cuevas, on whose hank
there is a casucha. When we passed there were around this a great number of skulls and
hones, the remains of a large drove of cattle which was caught in a heavy snow-storm on its
way to Chile.

Turning more to the eastward after passing the casucha, though descending hut little, at the
distance of about three miles we reached the brink of a steep descent, at the bottom of which is
another casucha. Afterwards entered on a more smooth road, leading down a uniform valley;
the hills on each side being covered about half way up with thin pasturage, on which a number
of guanacos were browsing. They were the first I had seen in the mountains.

Continuing along the north bank of the Rio de las Cuevas, passing several streams on either
hand — the principal of which is the Rio de los Horcones, that issues from a deep valley to the
northward, -and also passing a natural bridge across the Cuevas, called the “ Inca’s bridge” — we
arrived at the “Casucha de las Puquios,” where we again stopped for work. Up the valley of
the Horcones is seen an enormous mountain, which I supposed to be the volcano of Aconcagua,
but it is called by the arrieros La Torlosa.

While at this casucha Mr. Blanchard, late French consul to Valparaiso, accompanied by a
Cordovese and several peons, overtook us ; they were bound across the pampa, and desired to
make arrangements for us all to travel together, but unfortunately their baggage had gone on
ahead, and they could not pass the night with us; so we parted company, promising to meet in
Mendoza.

The evening of the day of our arrival and a part of the next was sufficient for me to complete
my work, though it was done under the usual disadvantages of a strong wind and in the sun-
shine ; but we determined to remain until the following morning, because there is no other
place between the casucha and Uspallata, except the Punta de las Vacas, a few miles farther
on, where pasturage can be found free from a poisonous weed, generally fatal to cattle. An
additional reason for our remaining was, that there was near the casucha a small marshy stream
of good water, which is unusual on that side of the pass. A singular difference exists in this
respect between the two sides. On the Chilean, I do not recollect a single stream whose waters
are not clear and pure ; while on the Mendoza side there are only two or three that are not
muddy, and charged with salt and lime to such extent as to be unfit to drink ; the small stream-
lets generally having their banks covered by a thin, white deposit or efflorescence called by the
natives salitre — literally saltpetre — but it is not pure. It appeared to me to have the taste of a
mixture of salt, soda and lime.

Early on the first night of our stay here, one of the contrabandistas who had passed us on
the Cumbre arrived in a very melancholy mood, and informed us that they had lost nearly all
their tobacco. It appeared that after they got down on the Chilean side to what was considered
dangerous ground, one of the party, an old and experienced hand, was sent ahead to reconnoitre
and make signal to them on the appearance of danger. The custom-house guard to the num-
ber of about eight men, with an officer, had by some means got notice of the expedition, and
were in ambush at a part of the road where the look-out must necessarily lose sight of his com-
panions. He arrived at a point of hills, made signal of the coast being clear, and was proceed-
ing to the next point, when the guard took possession of him and carried him out of sight. The
rest of the party, not suspecting danger, came on and likewise fell into the hands of the guard,
with all their animals and tobacco, except what was on two mules some distance behind. They
had time after the surprise to unload these, and hide their loads among the rocks. Every

PROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS. 9

attempt was made to bribe the officer in charge, but without effect ; and I inferred from the con-
versation between the smuggler and my arriero that he would he assassinated, as one of his
predecessors had been, for being too honest.

The hospitality of the arrieros appears to he worthy of remark. Several men stopped hero
by our fire, as elsewhere, to warm themselves, chat or smoke, and there was invariably prepared
for them, without asking, the best meal our fellows could offer ; and as this attention was
received as a matter of course, I conclude it is a general custom.

Inca’s Bridge.

On the 24th, after finishing work, I rode back to the Inca’s Bridge to examine it more fully,
and to hathe; the latter being very necessary, as I had, by advice, allowed the dirt and grease
to collect on my face and hands to prevent them from chapping.

Mr. Darwin says that the bridge was formed by the stream breaking through underneath ;
but without pretending to controvert his opinion, appearances justify the belief that it was
formed by the concretion of the water from several calcareous springs in the hill-side, which
may have gone on forming shelf after shelf, until they reached across. Such a process is now
going on.

The length of the bridge is near sixty feet, its width fifty at the northeast end, and seventy
at the southwest; and its height above the river is about forty feet. On a sbelf of rocks under
it are two boiling springs, which have been hollowed out so as to form baths. The water of
these has a temperature of 97° Fahrenheit, and tastes like soda-water: the arriero said it was
purgative ; but I drank a quantity, and experienced no other effect than increased appetite.
While bathing in the spring, I occasionally got my face into the vapor jetting out with the
2*

10

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

water, and found great difficulty in breathing, although there was little or no smell of
sulphur.

Another place worthy to be seen near the Casucha de los Puqnios, is a hill called the “Cerro
de los Penitentes,” from the appearance of several isolated and turret-like rocks on it. Seen at
dusk when the outlines only are distinct, this hill has so perfectly the appearance of a castle
as to deceive any one who did not know that he was beyond the limits of all castles.

Considering the breaking of my aneroid barometer as my first misfortune, the second
happened here. I took the chronometers out, and wound the two silver ones ; but as the gold
one had such a highly burnished case, I stopped to examine in it, as in a mirror, the condition of
the sores formed on my nose by the sun. The inspection was interesting, and led to so long a
train of thought as to whether my friends would recognise me, that I eventually forgot to wind
it, and the next morning found that it had run down. The only remedy was to make another
set of observations, and trust to the chronometer taking up its old rate from the start. It was
the only reliable time-keeper I had.

On the evening of the 25th we again set out, greatly refreshed by tbe resting spell. A
distance of about seven miles down a straight valley bounded by nearly uniform hills, brought
us to the Punta de las Yacas, near which, on the southern bank of the river, is the last casu-
cha ; and on the left of the road are the ruins of a stone hut, formerly the Gruardia, or toll-gate.
Vegetation became more abundant and varied as we descended. Besides the thin grass and
weeds we had seen before, there were two classes of low bushes ; one, somewhat resembling
myrtle, is, I believe, called the Chilca, and the other Jarilla. The latter was in bloom, its
leaves and flowers being arranged in palm-shaped branches, and the flowers almost invariably
towards the eastward, probably for protection from the wind, which is generally from the
opposite direction.

After passing the ruins of the Gruardia Vieja, the road crosses the Punta de las Yacas, and
at a short distance is in front of one of the finest views in the cordillera. To the southward is
a long valley, down which flows the Rio de Tupungato, a stream tributary to the Cuevas, taking
its rise at the base of a majestic mountain called Tupungato. (See wood-cut, opposite.)

This appears to lie midway between the two ranges bounding the river, and to block up the
valley at that point. Its summit is nearly hemispherical in form, and covered with perpetual
snow, and there is a quiet grandeur about it, as seen from this place, far exceeding anything
else in this pass.

A short distance from the point we forded the Rio de las Yacas, the most formidable stream,
not bridged, in the mountains.* At its junction the main stream loses its name, and from the
Rio de la Cuevas becomes the Rio de Mendoza. Crossed the Ladera.de las Yacas, and arrived
at the Penon Rasgado. This is a large rock, split both latitudinally and longitudinally, which,
like a quartered orange, appears to be on the point of falling apart. From here to the Ladera
de las Polvaderas there is nothing worth noting. There is, or was, in this ladera a very start-
ling place called La Caleta. The path sweeps up the skirt of a hill, which at the commence-
ment is not very precipitous on one hand or the other, but at the distance of about a third of a
mile it becomes almost perpendicular, and just in the worst part the road turns abruptly behind
a large rock and enters a few paces into the mountain. Overhead is a jutting rock, which,
although high enough, does not appear so, and the rider mechanically dips his head to avoid
contact. After passing this, there is an immediate descent, by a few rude steps cut in the
mountain ; and before one is aware of it he is again out of the cave, and on the brink of a
precipice near two hundred feet deep.f

Farther on there is another ladera called Las Cortaderas, which has also its dangerous part;
being cut into the hill, so that it looks like a tunnel, except that it is open towards the river.

* I learned that a bridge was being made for this stream in Mendoza, and, on my second trip in the following year, found an
excellent one erected — the work of my friend, Colonel Rivarola.

t On my second trip, this place was so much improved as to be no longer formidable.

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS. 11

While we were adjusting the girths of our saddles, the two burden-mules went ahead, and met
a train descending in this tunnel. To pass each other was impossible, and we were all alarmed
lest they should he knocked over the precipice. They succeeded in turning, however, by bring-
ing all four feet close together and poising themselves beautifully on the brink of the road, and
then came trotting hack, apparently as much relieved as we certainly were.

Valley of the Tupungato.

I do not think I was ever more provoked by the want of knowledge on the part of the arrieros
as regarded distances, than I was this day. At the time of starting from the Casucha de los
Puquios, I was informed that we would go hut a short distance and take our meal at the river
Pichiuta. My habit was to provide myself, before setting out, with crackers to nibble on the
way; hut this morning, in consideration of the short distance, I had neglected it. By noon I
was quite hungry, and, on inquiry, I was told that we were near the Pichiuta, whose locality
the arriero indicated by sticking out his chin and saying: “Un poco mas alia, al otro lado de
aquella lomita” — a little farther on, on the other side of that hill. As the hill was near, I
resisted the gnawing of my stomach for a while; hut lost patience after passing not one, hut a
dozen lomitas, and asked the peon to point out the exact place where we were to stop. He
showed me a hill some ten miles off, and said the Pichiuta was just this side of it. As it was
now four o’clock in the afternoon — more than twenty-four hours since our last meal — I ordered a
halt ; and we got a pot of charqui soup, made from the muddy and disagreeable water of the
Mendoza.

Two hundred yards farther on we arrived at the Pichiuta, a fine stream of clear and excellent

12

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

water, with pasturage and fire-wood in abundance — altogether a delightful spot for an hour’s
resting-spell.

The traveller will save annoyance hy not asking distances of the arrieros. They have no idea
at all, except what is based on the condition of the road and of the animal on which they may
he mounted. To them, with a good horse on a good road, a place is very near which is very
far off", on a badhorse or road. Their “alia no mas,” (just there;) or “alla-cito,” (a little this
side of just there;) generally turns out to be as far as the eye can reach.

From the Pichiuta to the table-land there is very little worthy of note. Vegetation increases ;
several streamlets enter the river from one side or the other ; and the mountains decrease in
height. On entering the table-land near Uspallata, we left the Rio de Mendoza, which flows
off to the southeastward, and at the distance of about seven miles reached the river and hamlet
of Uspallata.

On our way we saw a beautiful false sunset. The sun was below the summits of the main
range ; but some scattered clouds, high overhead, intercepted in part its last rays, and the bright
and dark streaks of atmosphere converged in the distance to the eastward till they appeared to
come to a focus at the summit of the range separating Uspallata from the plain, presenting a
perfect appearance of sunset in that direction.

Uspallata is merely a rancheria, consisting of low adobe houses built round a court-yard.
The principal part of it is divided into small rooms for the accommodation of travellers; these
have no other furniture than one chair and a very small table in each. Here, as in all the
post-houses across the country, the bed-place consists of a shelf of adobes against the wall,
raised about two feet above the level of the floor ; this is generally whitewashed, but is not
covered, even with ox-hides — the general bed of the traveller — it being supposed that he has
blankets and sheep-skins enough about his saddle-gear to furnish a couch. The building also
contains the “guardia,” or deputy custom-house, the few soldiers belonging to which are
quartered in a little detached shed. These are militia, draughted for duty by the month, during
which time they receive a real, or twelve and a half cents, per diem.

Around the houses are several large pasture-fields, planted in clover, for the use of cattle
and mule trains. They must yield a large revenue to the proprietors, as the price was, I
think, eighteen and three-quarter cents a head per diem ; and on the night of our arrival, the
place was alive with mules and horses.

On the following morning I saw illustrated, in a most striking manner, the great value of
the madrinas, or bell-mares. Before daylight the arrieros were out preparing to start; and as
there were half a dozen trains — some bound east and others west — I supposed it would be very
difficult to separate them. On the contrary, it was the easiest matter in the world; each arriero
led off his madrina, tinkling her bell, and in a moment the different troops parted and followed
after their respective leaders. For this reason the arriero regards the madrina, or rather her
bell, as the apple of his eye; for, although his mules readily follow the bell on another mare,
they will seldom follow the mare with another bell.

The animals most readily trained to this, or, as it is called, “ amadrinado,” are the offspring of
mares and jacks ; those of jennets and horses being apt to leave the drove when there are horses
in sight, appearing to prefer the company of the latter to that of mules.

The mule I rode was perfectly amadrinado, and gave me no little trouble whenever I wished
to stop for a while to make a note. I found it necessary on such occasions to make the arriero
dismount and hold her ; for as soon as the bell-mare was out of sight or hearing, she would
become exceedingly troublesome, kicking and jumping to an alarming extent, and when turned
loose would be off at a gallop to join her companions. This is universal with well-trained
animals.

The river of Uspallata is about six yards wide, knee-deep, and clear, and its water excellent.
In it there are quantities of small crabs of a very singular form, and a few little fish resem-
bling cat-fish.

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENLOZA BY THE TJSPALLATA PASS.

13

On the morning of the 27th we again set out ; and after travelling about fifteen miles to the
northeastward, along the skirt of the Uspallata range, and gradually ascending, we reached
its highest point, called ‘fEl Paramillo” par excellence; for although there are several para-
millos — places exposed to the cold winds of the mountains — this is perhaps the most exposed of
them all. Here we fell in with the tail of a snow-storm, which prevented me from seeing any-
thing more of the nature of the country than that the hills were higher on both sides than in
the road.

From this we turned to the southeastward, and commenced to descend by a steep and narrow
valley with high hills on both sides. Passed two mining establishments, one on the right and
the other on the left. I believe they are not worked at present ;• the few peons employed about
them only picking out enough grains of gold to cover their expenses. Passed also, on the left,
a high bronze-colored hill called the Cerro Dorado, or gilded hill ; and finally, after a ride of
nine hours, arrived at the high-sounding, hut wretched place, Yillavicensio. The name indi-
cates a town, hut there is really nothing more than one long hut, divided into two parts, with
an adjoining shed for a kitchen. The room for travellers is without any furniture except a
small table and a couple of knotty logs on crutches for seats. Its floor is of earth, and at the
time of our arrival the rain had leaked through the roof to such extent, that it would have
served better for a brickyard than a chamber. Add to this, that we could get nothing to eat
hut had beef and four eggs, and you have a description of Yillavicensio as I found it — a place
rendered notable from the fact that the wife of an English traveller was here confined and
delivered of a child. How she managed to exist through such a complication of miseries is
a mystery. If it had been a man, accustomed to all hardships, it would have been a small
matter ; hut for a delicate woman to be confined in such a place must have been the acme of
misery.

Upon consultation with the arriero, who was as little pleased as myself with the prospect of
a night’s lodging there, I learned that the mules would he capable of going on as far as Men-
doza, and after allowing them to graze for a couple of hours we pushed on.

A short distance down the valley brought us in sight of the plain, spreading out with un-
broken horizon from north, around by east, to south. Its appearance is generally like that of
the ocean; but on this occasion it was particularly so. The sky was entirely overcast, but some
reflected light fell on the nearer part of the plain, giving to it the appearance of shoal-water.
Far in the distance to the southward, Mendoza, with its tall poplars, was in sight, requiring
no stretch of imagination to fancy it a port with shipping ; while, rising above the horizon to
the eastward, were the peaks of a remote range of hills, finishing the picture in their resem-
blance to islands.

On emerging from the mountains we were saluted by the familiar notes of the partridge and
mocking-bird, giving us assurance that we had arrived at habitable regions.

I think the mocking-bird very much slandered by those who suppose it to have no notes of its
own. Here, and elsewhere in those parts of the plain where there are woods, it is common,
and has many of the same notes that it has in the southern parts of the United States; and it
certainly has no originals to copy from hereabouts, the country being remarkably destitute of
warblers.

By nightfall we were in the well-beaten road, and being desirous to enjoy the luxury of a
bed under shelter, I left the party behind and pushed on alone — a step I had reason to regret,
as the distance was so much greater than was anticipated, that I believed I had lost the way ;
hut at length the outer settlements of Mendoza were discovered, and two drunken gauchos
informed me that I was on the right course. One of them was disposed to he very familiar,
and leaned on my mule to hold a conversation, which I cut short by spurring ahead and leaving
him sprawling in the road. Of course I was saluted with very complimentary epithets, which,
as I was out of reach of their knives, I cared very little for. I should not have been guilty of
this great discourtesy, hut that I was badly scared. It was a late hour and a lonely place; and

14

FROM SANTIAGO TO MENDOZA BY THE USPALLATA PASS.

the gaucho who wishes to commit robbery or murder generally comes close up, assumes a
familiar manner, asks for a cigar or light, and before the victim is aware, whips his knife out
from under his poncho and accomplishes his purpose.

After arriving at the town, I was as badly off as when in the country; it was half-past one
in the morning, and the streets were completely deserted, so that there was great difficulty in
finding the hotel. By good luck another drunken man turned up, who, for a consideration,
showed me the way ; and finally, after a ride of eighteen hours, or thirty leagues, I alighted,
completely knocked up. The worst of it was that I could not get a bed, nor anything to eat or
drink, and had to put up with saddle-cloths on the brick floor till next day. The men with
the mules arrived at 6 a. m., and were paid off; and here ended the first part of my journey.

The principal streams passed in the cordillera are the following — commencing at Santa Rosa :
1st. The Aconcagua, whose width where it is crossed by the Puente de Biscachas is about ten
yards. It is there deep and rapid. 2d. The Colorado, from the northward, which is ten yards
wide, and not fordable. 3d. The Rio de Gualtatos, from the southward, ten yards wide. 4th.
The Rio Blanco, from the southward, six yards wide. 5th. The Rio de los Hornillos,
from the northward, crossed by a bridge. 6th. The Rio del Penon, from the northward, five
yards wide. 7th. The Joncal, from the southeast, at its junction with the Joncalillo, where
the road leaves it, is about ten yards wide. 8th. The Rio de los Horcones, from the northward,
about six yards wide. 9th. The Tupungato, from the southward, eight yards wide. 10th.
The Rio de las Yacas, from the northward, ten yards wide. 11th. The Pichiuta, four yards
wide. All of these streams are very rapid, and the quantity of water discharged by them
depends very much upon the season of the year and the hour of the day. In the spring, when
the snows begin to melt, they are full ; and many of them which are insignificant early in the
morning, are very formidable after mid-day. They are all tributaries either to the Aconcagua
on the west side, or the Rio de Mendoza on the east.

Of wild animals, I saw only guanacos, foxes, and mountain rabbits about the size and color
of rats.

Of birds, the little sparrows and the enormous condors are the most common ; but there are
also mountain partridges, ducks, and a few hawks.

The weather during our journey was exceedingly favorable. From our departure from San-
tiago, till our arrival at Uspallata, we had clouds part of one day only. The wind generally
sprang up about six o’clock in the morning from the westward, and by nine was blowing half
a gale. Near nightfall it would again die away, and generally during the night there was a
light counter breeze from the eastward. In Uspallata, and from there to Mendoza, we had
southeast winds and cloudy weather, with a fall of snow in the mountains.

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CHAPTER II.

MENDOZA.

PLAN OP THE TOWN. ALAMEDA. SANJON. BRIDGES. CHURCHES AND CONVENTS. — STYLE OF BUILDING.

CHEAPNESS OF LIVING. GOVERNMENT. HEALTH. GOITRE. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. NUMBER OF CATTLE

SENT TO CHILE. CRIMES DEMOCRACY OF THE BILLIARD ROOM. MARKET. MODES OF CROSSING THE

COUNTRY. GALERAS. TWO-WHEEL CARTS. OX-CARTS. MULE TRAINS. POST HORSES.

Mendoza contains a population of about nine thousand. It is laid off in squares of one
hundred and forty English yards each ; the streets running nearly north and south, and east and
west. One or two of these appear to have been paved in former times, and all have very
narrow and uneven sidewalks. The western part of the city is bounded by the Alameda — a
fine walk shaded by poplars, and furnished with stone sofas at convenient distances for the use
of promenaders. On the evening of feast days a band of music plays here; and this, with the
facility of getting ices — of which the Mendoijinos are passionately fond — from two or three
cafes near by, attracts nearly the whole population. Horsemen are excluded from the walk,
but congregate in front of the cafes, and enliven the time by running short races down the road,
which is separated from the Alameda by a canal or ditch cut from the Rio de Mendoza. This,
and another canal called the Sanjon, are at nightfall the common bathing places of the popula-
tion. Sir Francis Head states that he saw here men, women, and children, in a state of nudity,
bathing in common. Such may have been the case when he passed, but I certainly saw no
indecent exposure except on the part of small boys, who I believe are the same in that respect
everywhere.

The Sanjon is in the eastern part of the city, and separates it from a suburb called La Chimba.
Across it are two bridges, one square apart ; the smaller of which is of wood, on brick piers,
and was built by a governor by the name of Molina, whose fame is commemorated on its col-
umns in rather a singular manner. Near the top of each is one large letter of his name, and
below on tablets are records of some of his good qualities or acts, to read which the large letter
above is necessary, thus forming a kind of acrostic. The other bridge was built afterwards, in
a spirit of emulation, by one of Molina’s successors. It is of masonry, very neat and firm, and
its columns also serve as monuments of departed heroes, whose particularly praiseworthy acts or
qualities are there recorded.

The banks of the Sanjon are thickly covered with roses, whose fragrance on summer eve-
nings makes the bridges a favorite resort for the sentimental.

There are two plazas in the city; but they have nothing more to recommend them than most
plazas in Spanish towns — great extent and desolate appearance. In the centre of the principal
one is a dry fountain, guarded by four posts and a chain, to keep it, I suppose, from going to
the river for a little water.

Of churches there are several, all of them unfinished exteriorly. There are also four con-
vents of monks and one of nuns. The inmates of the latter I believe teach female children.
The usual stories are told about the licentiousness of the friars ; but, whether with good founda-
tion or not I am not prepared to say, as I saw nothing of it.

The houses, with one or two exceptions, are of one story ; the best of them being flat-roofed,
but the majority having peaked roofs, thatched, and covered over the thatch with a mixture of

16

MENDOZA.

mud and chopped straw, such as is used for making adobes — a style of building that gives a
very dull appearance to the place. Nearly all of the houses have window-sashes, though very
few have glass. The government house — which, however, is a private one rented for the pur-
pose— has, I think, hut one -window glazed, and in other respects has about it an air of most
republican simplicity. Indeed, the same may he said of the whole place not only in regard to
the appearance of the building, hut also of the manners of the people. Judging from what I
saw, there is very little offensive pretension to superiority on the part of those in authority, or
well to do in worldly goods ; and the aristocracy of dress has not progressed so far as to make
a respectable woman ashamed to he seen in calico. There is, therefore, a greater feeling of
equality than is usual in so large a community.

Mercantile business is generally conducted on small capital ; and as living is cheap, any
industrious man may maintain his position and support his family at a very small cost. I
visited in one or two houses which had fronts of about sixty feet on two streets, and gardens and
out-houses, covering near half a square ; yet their rents were only five dollars a month, and the
wages of cooks and men-servants are only about a like sum.

The salaries of public officers are very small, and there does not appear to be the same facility
for them to accumulate fortunes by dishonest means, as in some other parts of South America.
The people appear to have but little, or want but little ; and notwithstanding they have recently
been embroiled in civil wars, all party feeling seems to be extinct, and in its place they have
adopted the harmless idea that Mendoza is a great city, and, from its geographical position,
destined soon to astonish the world ; under which belief they get along as peaceably and happily
as could be desired even in Utopia.

The government is representative, but is administered at present rather by traditionary laws
than by any well established constitution. Since the downfall of Kosas a general call has been
made for deputies from the several provinces of the Argentine Confederation, and they are now
waiting for these to form a constitution and code of laws.

In the formation of laws and enactments relating to the province, the governor has, as in
Chile, the initiative ; or, in other words, he proposes to the provincial congress such as he deems
necessary, and instances of laws originating with the congress are exceedingly rare. Of the
health of the city I could learn but little. It was very common to hear people talk of the prev-
alence of pulmonary diseases ; but an intelligent English physician, of long practice in the
country, informed me that it was their custom to call everything consumption which they did
not understand, and that consumption was almost entirely unknown — the place being in reality
so healthy, that invalids repaired there for the benefit of its pure air.

Goitre in its ugliest form is very common. It is said that in some parts of EuYope this dis-
ease grows very symmetrically in the middle of the throat, and is considered an ornament, as
it serves to display fine laces and jewels. In Mendoza it is quite the contrary, being generally
knotty and on one side ; and not unfrequently there are two — one on each side of the throat j
but even in this case the symmetry is spoiled by one being higher than the other. There can
be but little doubt that it is produced by the use of the water of the Bio de Mendoza, or rather
of the Sanjon, which comes from the Mendoza, five leagues to the southward, as the disease is
almost wholly confined to the lower classes, who are unable to pay for the spring-water brought
in on mules. A few leagues distant, where the water of the Tunuyan is used, it is said never to
originate.*

The principal cereal' produce of the province is wheat, which grows well and is of good
quality. Indian corn is also raised without difficulty, but not in large quantities ; so also are
grapes, peaches, melons, figs, and olives. Indeed, the want of a market is the great obstacle to
agriculture. Flax grows readily, and is cultivated in small quantities ; but the great source
of revenue is the alfalfa, or clover of the country. Large numbers of cattle and horses are driven

'* Doctor Day — the English physician previously referred to — assured me that ho had known an incipient case of goitre in a
newly-born infant.

MENDOZA.

17

through the province on their way to Chile, and are nearly always detained long enough to
give them an opportunity of fattening and recruiting before attempting the mountain passes.
These pay so much per head to the owners of the pasturages for the time they. may remain. I
was told that about fourteen thousand head of horned cattle, fifteen hundred horses, and six
hundred mules, were sent to Chile in one year, and from observation do not think the account
exaggerated. Of these, many are lost before they arrive. Some split their hoofs to such an
extent that they are unable to travel ; others die from eating the poisonous weeds on some
parts of the road ; and a few are lost over the precipices. The oxen are always shod on the
fore feet before they are driven across the mountains ; hut notwithstanding the great care taken
of them, they die in such numbers that the road from the entrance on one side to the outlet on
the other is perfectly marked out by their skulls and bones.

From a pamphlet published in Mendoza I translate the following statistical information :

“ Without doubt the most important branch of our external commerce is that of quadrupeds,
which we carry on with the neighboring republic on the other side of the Andes. From what
we have been able to gather, there have been exported across the cordillera, between the first
of May, 1851, and the first of January, 1852, fourteen or fifteen thousand head of horned cattle,
seven or eight hundred mules, about two thousand horses, and three hundred mares.

“ That which evidently gives most increment to this interesting article of our trade,
and consequently an augmentation to the public riches of the country, is the consumption and
sale of alfalfa for fattening the animals sold. The province is opulent in this precious produc-
tion, and will be doubly so.

“ We have made a calculation from data furnished by competent persons as regards the
number of cuadras — 140 English yards square — of alfalfa cultivated in Mendoza, and this gives
a result of eighty thousand cuadras.

“ As regards cereals, Nature and the fertility of our soil spread with prodigal hand their
savory treasures. This branch of our produce is of the most excellent quality, and yields con-
siderably.

cc By what the table of the annual rent of tithes furnishes we may estimate the amount of the
harvest of the principal grains thus : Wheat at from ninety thousand to a hundred thousand
fanegas — (a fanega contains two bushels and a quarter) ; Indian corn about the half, and beans
about a tenth part of that quantity.

“ The vintage, which has been neglected in the country, has diminished very much in its pro-
ducts. Nevertheless the table of rents before spoken of warrants us in computing the quantity
annually made at one hundred thousand arrobas of mosto, or unfermented wine.”

This last item is certainly a great exaggeration. Of crimes the most common in Mendoza is
theft. Murder, except in brawls, and occasionally for revenge, is very rare ; and generally
speaking, the lower classes, among whom those crimes are usually confined, are a peaceable,
civil, and good-natured people ; but as they are fond of drink, and all carry long knives in their
belts, they are sometimes awkward fellows to deal with.

One thing remarkable from Mendoza to Rosario is the perfect democracy of the billiard-room.
At pool it is not unfrequent to see a colonel in the same game as the common soldier, the dandy
with the loafer, or the rich employer with the ragged and dirty laborer. Indeed, the only
qualification required is the necessary money to enter with, and it appeared that the poor work-
men who have a fondness for billiards labored all the week to gain a few reals for the pleasure
of losing it in good company on Sunday.

Besides billiards, which is the favorite amusement of the young men, card-playing is very
common among the older ones. At the hotel in which I lived, every evening when the weather
was good, four or five tables were set out in the patio or court-yard, and by nine or ten o’clock
they would generally be all occupied by grave-looking old Dons, smoking paper cigars, sipping
ice cream, and playing a dull and stupid game, somewhat like whist. Their sitting generally
lasted till one o’clock in the morning, when the old codjers would toddle home.

3*

18

MENDOZA.

In warm weatlier Mendoza is like a deserted city from about eleven A. M. till five P. M. The
stores are closed, and people all retire to take the siesta, or pass the beat of the day as best
suits them.

From the little I saw of the polite society of the place, I was very favorably impressed.
When walking about the streets at night I could not help learning, however, that the plague
of pianos was making its inroads.

The government, although hampered in its means, was endeavoring to improve the condition
of the roads and bridges. A gang of hands was at work in the mountains clearing the road as
far as the Curnbre, and a fine bridge was being built, under the direction of Don Carlos Maria
de Rivarola, for the Rio de las Vacas. I mention this gentleman’s name in order to state that he
was universally kind and attentive to me, and rendered me any assistance in his power in the
discharge of my duty. Through his introduction I obtained from an exceedingly interesting
and amiable lady, with a charming impediment in her speech, the use of a fine shady vineyard.
Here, under shelter and refreshed now and then by a rum punch or lemonade made by the lady’s
own hand, I was enabled to complete my work.

Don Carlos was colonel under Rosas, but for some years has been chief of the engineer depart-
ment in Mendoza ; and, although never educated as an engineer, he has very excellent practi-
cal knowledge, and is quite suited to the wants of the country.

The market of Mendoza is supplied with scarcely anything more than beef, squashes, and
potatoes. Chickens, eggs, and a few other articles are hawked about the streets, but are very
scarce. In the hotel the cook came every day to inquire what we would have for dinner ; and
in answer to our questions as to what she had, invariably said, whatever we wished ; but we
soon found that we must choose only from beef or chicken, eggs or squashes.

The various modes of crossing from Mendoza to Rosario or Buenos Ayres are, first, in what
are called galeras — enormous, heavy four-wheel coaches, hung like our stage-coaches, and bound
and lashed around the spokes and axle-trees in every direction with raw-hide thongs, to
strengthen them. In some parts of the country — as from Rosario to Cordova, for instance —
these travel regularly, the passenger paying about fifty dollars for his seat, and having no
responsibility for the horses or coach. But from Mendoza there is not travel enough to justify
this, and therefore the usual way is for two or three to club together and purchase a galera.
As to the cost, I can only give my own experience. Before we had decided how to travel, Mr.
Blanchard and myself cast about us for one, but could find only one at all fit for the journey
under four hundred dollars, and this was in a dilapidated condition.

Harnesses are not necessary for these or any other wheel-vehicle used in the pampa ; so that
after paying for the carriage, the only other expense is for horses. These are obtained at the
post-houses at the rate of one real — twelve and a half cents — per league each, except for the first
post out of the towns, which are generally double rates. The galera requires four horses, each
of which is mounted by a postillion. They are connected with the carriage by means of lassos
hooked to the saddle-girths — two alongside of the tongue, and the other two at its end, so that
it is only a momentary job to change them. When the post is long, it is necessary to have a
relay or two driven in company, which, of course, increases the expenses. This is perhaps the
most comfortable, although the most expensive way of travelling. It is also rather rapid,
the horses being spurred along at a gallop where the road is good, and the post short.

Besides the galera there is a nondescript vehicle, on two wheels, that looks like a peak-roofed
house. It has no springs, and is drawn either by horses or oxen. Next comes the ox-cart _
itself, an immensely high and narrow affair, mounted on very large wheels. The wood-work
of this is necessarily very strong, but the sides and top are of straw, closely woven over half
hoops. Each cart is furnished with a large earthen jar, strapped behind, for carrying water — a
very necessary article, because in some parts of the road they are frequently two or three days
crossing what are called travesias, places where there is no water to be had.

These vehicles are generally drawn by three pairs of oxen ; the first supporting the tongue ;

MENDOZA.

19

the others a little separated ahead, and capable of being let out to some distance when the
wagon gets into a mud-hole. The object of this arrangement is, that the two front pairs may
get on dry ground, where they will he able to pull the cart out. The oxen are always yoked by
the horns, which I do not think preferable to our way. The driver of one of these ox-carts sits
in front, armed with a short goad for the first pair of oxen ; and has control of another long
enough to reach the head pair, which is slung from the roof of the cart in such a manner as to
he nearly balanced. This is armed with an iron point at the extremity, and has another pro-
jecting from it at right angles in such a position as to reach the middle pair. Their rate of
travel is from three to six leagues a day ; and this mode can recommend itself only to a naturalist
or to a person fond of hunting. Either of these could have a horse along, and whenever he
should get tired of the cart, could mount and gallop off in any direction as far as he pleased,
with a certainty of being able to overtake the train by night. I thought of taking a cart for
myself and instruments, making it comfortable by half filling it with straw, and learned that
it would cost me sixty dollars to Eosario ; but I had to decline, as the owner of the train would
not consent either to my going ahead or remaining behind — which would have been necessary,
as the trains do not halt long enough to accomplish the work I had to do.

Simple passage in a cart from Mendoza to Kosaria is usually from seventeen to twenty dollars,
beef included ; but the passenger must accommodate himself in the best way he can on top of the
load. The time of travel between the two places ranges from thirty-five to forty-five, and
even to sixty days, depending on the state of the road.

These are the only modes of travel across the pampa by wheel conveyance ; but there are still
three others more usual than either. First, by hiring one mule, or as many as may be needed,
of a train bound over with produce. In this case, you put yourself entirely under control of
the capataz, or chief arriero, setting out and stopping when he pleases. The expense is gene-
rally very small, but is not at all fixed, and the proper price will be about what the shipping,
or rather muling merchant pays per load, which, I think, is not far from fifteen dollars. A
stranger, however, will, in all probability, have to pay more ; and if he travel in this way, it
will be well for him to have a native servant, accustomed to the ways of the road, who should
be made to provide fresh provisions, whenever they can be had, and carry along a keg or a
couple of bottles of good water, which must only be used in case of necessity : otherwise he will be
obliged to put up with one meal of charqui a day, taken, probably, at a pond of stinking water.
The arrieros generally carry water in a pair of large ox-horns, called chifles, which are hung
over the crupper of the saddle ; and it is almost unnecessary to say, that after riding six or seven
hours in the sun, with the additional heat of one’s thighs on them, the water, however good
when first put in, is sufficiently disagreeable. Taking everything into consideration, I think
this the most inconvenient way of travelling. I met in Mendoza a small party of half-starved
Italians: they had come from Eosario, with a train of mules partially laden, for the small sum of
eleven dollars each, including beef on the road ; and their complaints of suffering for want of
proper food and water were lamentable. I can answer, from experience, that the idea of a
person who has been brought up to some of the luxuries of life being able to jump, without
preparation, into the habits of the people of the pampa, is almost, if not quite, as preposterous
as for him to say, that because cattle subsist on pasturage, he can, Nebuchadnezzar-like, live on
grass also. It requires a special dispensation of Providence for him to come out safe.

The difference between the prices of taking mule trains from Mendoza to Eosario, and
from Eosario to Mendoza, consists in the fact that the first trains take down cargoes of greater
bulk than they have on their return, and that mules are much cheaper in Eosario than in Men-
doza. Therefore the capataz of the downward train will take the least number of animals pos-
sible, knowing that, if any fail, he can purchase and make a profit on his return. Next to
hiring mules belonging to a train, is to agree with an arriero for the requisite number of
animals, both biped and quadruped, stipulating that they shall be entirely under the traveller s
control. In this case, one may go when and where he pleases, and, of course, must pay accord-

20

MENDOZA.

ingly. It is difficult to say what the price ought to he in such a case. When I was looking
about me for a conveyance from Mendoza to Kosario, the best arriero in the place offered to take
me, with two loads of baggage, under the above stipulations, for the sum of one hundred dollars ;
and I was led to suppose that he would eventually agree for seventy-five, which I had offered.
Probably when there are two or three persons together, with a tent and some necessary small
stores, this, after the galera, would he the most comfortable way of travelling, because one
becomes accustomed to the men, and, what is more important, to the horse or mule he rides,
which is not the case in travelling by post — the last to he mentioned of the several modes of
crossing the country.

To go by the post does not imply, as one would suppose, going with the mail, and obliged to
keep pace with the courier. It merely means that, by paying a certain tax for a certificate from
the administrador de correos, or postmaster general of the province, you are authorized to call
at the post-houses and demand of the master of the post the number of horses stipulated in the
certificate, which he is hound to furnish at a fixed price. The privilege is granted to the master
of the post, in consideration of the advantages he derives from the traffic, which is not inconsid-
erable in a country where the wages of a postillion rarely exceed five dollars a month, and the
value of horses is almost nominal. With the exception of the first post out from the seat of
government of a province or department, which is charged double* the price per league is six
and a quarter cents for a saddle-horse and twelve and a half for a carriage-horse. In some of
the provinces, the charge for burden-horses is the same as for saddle-horses, and in others
double. I paid twelve and a half cents in Santa Fe and San Luis, hut in Cordova and Mendoza
only six and a quarter. The horse ridden by the postillion is also paid for by the traveller,
who will find it to his convenience, if he he in a hurry, or encumbered with hut little baggage,
to pack his things in a soft valise, which, if not too large, is carried by the postillion across the
crupper of his saddle. In this way I have seen them carry valises at least three feet long and
one thick, for which they did not receive a cent beyond the six and a quarter cents per league
for the horse on which they rode.

Provided with a certificate from the administrador, for which he has paid one dollar, the trav-
eller goes to the post-house and notifies the master of the post at what hour he wishes to have
the horses, and they are brought at the stipulated time. He may then go to the next post-house
leisurely or at a gallop, as he pleases; and, on arrival, may either call for horses immediately
or wait any length of time he wishes.

It is advisable, if one wants good horses, to fee the master of the post, and a feeling of gen-
erosity will generally suggest a small gratification to the postillion who accompanies him ; hut
for the purpose of obtaining good horses, feeing the postillion is of no use whatever, because he
is generally occupied preparing for the ride while another is catching them.

The great inconvenience attending this mode of travel is, that one hardly becomes accustomed
to his horse before it is necessary to change ; and if there is a burden-horse along, the postillion
from one post may he perfectly versed in arranging the load, and the one from the next know
nothing about it, so that if it begins to turn on one side there is a deal of trouble to get it straight
again. Besides this there is another inconvenience. Every man or hoy in the pampa rides as
if he was born to it — which is in reality the case — and they have a thorough contempt for any
one who does not ride well ; so that the chances are rather more than even that the inexpe-
rienced rider will have the most vicious horse in the drove palmed on him, and if he does not
get a fall before arriving at the next post it will he little short of a marvel.

CHAPTER, III.

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

LEAVE MENDOZA. OUR PARTY. CHACRA OF THE ALDAOS. HOSPITALITY OF THE SEflORA. WATER OF THE

TUNUYAN. LA RETAMA. SAN ISIDRO. LOMBARDY POPLARS. SANTA ROSA. A FALL. RIVER TUNUYAN.

ACOROCORTO. MISHAPS. POETRY OF THE PEONS. DESAGUADERO. LAS TORTUGAS. LOCUSTS. REPRESA.

VIEW OF THE CORDILLERA. THE BEBEDERO. EL BALDE. THE REPRESA. ARRIVE AT SAN LUIS. AN

ENORMOUS NOSE. SEPARATE FROM MY COMPANIONS. PORTRAIT OF DON MANUEL. SAN LUIS. POPULATION.

GENERAL APPEARANCE. SOLDIERS’ COSTUME. HEALTH. HOTEL. MISTAKE OF THE COOK. CULTIVATION.

COCHINEAL. GOLD MINES.

On the 7th of December I left Mendoza in company with Mr. Blanchard, a Cordoves by the
name of Figueroa, and young Aldao, the owner of a small train of mules with which he was
going to the Bio Cuarto for a drove of cattle. He contracted to take us that far at the rate of
six dollars per mule, and in addition furnish us with beef.

Our first stage out was made in a nondescript vehicle loaned to Mr. Blanchard by a friend,
in which we proceeded about ten leagues and stopped at the estate of the Aldaos, where wre were
received with great hospitality by the mother.

For nearly the whole distance the road leads between rows of poplar trees, hounding wheat-
fields and pasture-grounds, with houses and grog-shops occasionally. Passed two places
marked ££Bodeos” on the map — the ££Bodeo de la Cruz” and the ££Bodeo del Medio” — which,
from their high-sounding names, I supposed meant towns or villages; hut they are merely con-
venient places for carts and trains to stop at on account of the water and pasturage. The name
Bodeo comes probably from the habit of arranging the loads and pack-saddles in a circle,
when the train stops for the night or siesta ; every load being covered by its proper saddle and
other horse-gear.

About nine leagues out we crossed the Bio de Mendoza, running to the nortli-northeastward.
It is divided here into three streams, about half a mile apart; but a league off on either hand
they unite. The first stream is about three yards wide; the second, ten; and the third, four.
Each of them is a foot or eighteen inches deep, and has a very sluggish current. In dry weather
nearly all the water of the Mendoza is consumed in irrigating the land ; hut in rainy weather a
considerable stream finds its way into the lakes of Guanacache, to the southeastward of San
Juan. These lakes also receive the waters of the river San Juan, and, I believe, of one or two
other small streams. Fine fish are said to abound in them; one kind, called the trucha de
Guanacache , being much vaunted for its excellence. The flats between the three streams, into
which the Mendoza is divided at the ford, are covered with a thin white deposit, called salitre.
So much of this exists in the earth as to render the river salt before it reaches the lake.

The soil over which we passed is a fine, loose, and rich one, and of a dark-brown color; want-
ing only water to make it yield abundant crops.

Discovered that one of my pistols had either been stolen or lost; which was rather distressing,
considering the number of stories told of danger from the Indians.

The chacra of the Aldaos is one of a scattering settlement called ££E1 Barrial,” from its being
very muddy in wet weather. Nearly all the farms (chacras) thereabouts are irrigated by means
of canals or ditches from the river Tunuyan, which runs to the eastward along the base of a
low range of hills about eight leagues to the southward. The water of this stream is quite

22

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

muddy, but very readily settles when taken out for drinking purposes ; differing in this respect
from that of the Mendoza, which requires to be filtered before use.

December 8. — The first part of the day was rainy, and, as we were very comfortable under the
motherly care of the Senora Aldao, we were in no haste to depart; but about nine o’clock in
the morning it cleared away in part, and we took our leave. On mounting I discovered that
my saddle-girths were entirely too large for the mule ; but being assured of her perfect gentle-
ness, I concluded to make them answer till we reached our next stopping-place. So, “making
myself light,” I jumped into the saddle without using the stirrups, and set out in fine spirits;
these, however, were not destined to last me all day.

From the Barrial, travelling through almost continuous lines of Lombardy poplars and fields,
for about five miles, brought us to another scattering settlement, called “El Retamo;” and six
miles farther, through the same class of country, to San Isidro, a counterpart of the Retamo —
the existence of a shop where aguardiente and knick-knacks are sold appearing to establish the
identity of a place, or rather of a name.

In connection with the rows of poplars which form one of the distinctive features of the
country around Santiago and Mendoza, it is worthy of remark that the first were brought to this
country about the year 1810 ; and from this original stock they have been transplanted and
propagated to such an extent, that they have become the principal ornaments, and, as this is
almost the only wood known, it is one of the most useful productions of middle Chile and
Mendoza.

At about twenty miles from San Isidro we arrived at an estate called Santa Rosa, having a
good dwelling-house and several ranchos about it, where we stopped for the night. It is two
miles north of the Tunuyan, and is watered by a ditch cut from that stream.

For the first few miles the road leads through a partially cultivated country, and after-
wards through one open, uncultivated, and thinly wooded with small, thorny trees, called
Chanares, the highest of which scarcely exceeds twelve feet. On leaving the cult^yated country
we passed a small stream running to the southward, which is singular, because all the rest we
had seen ran to the northward. This one is the surplus waters from the fields above, which is
thus returned to the Tunuyan. I mention this to show the flatness of the country.

About half an hour after leaving San Isidro I checked my mule, and took out a map, for
the purpose of examining whether the road corresponded with it or not. The wind set the
paper to rattling, which frightened the animal to such an extent that she ran away. For fear
of coming into collision with the burden-mules, among which she was running, I turned out of
the road, sawing on the bridle, at the same time, to bring her up; but the saddle-girths being
too long, the more I pulled the more the saddle went to her neck, and she eventually stum-
bled over a bush — myself, the mule, and saddle, going down together, head foremost. I had an
indistinct recollection of seeing any number of stars and mule’s heels playing about me; and on
recovering from the stunning effects of the fall, found that I had been kicked lightly on the
head and ankle, but severely on the knee. The rest of the day’s journey was painful enough,
but was performed on a very gentle horse. This was my third misfortune, or mismanagement,
for by it I broke the barometer tube into a thousand pieces.

One of the old women about Santa Rosa was kind enough to rub my knee, at night, and
bind it up in salt and aguardiente, which reduced the swelling somewhat before morning.

It may be as well to remark, here, that the distances I have or may set down, in crossing
from Mendoza, are merely estimated by the time occupied in accomplishing them, allowing,
generally , about four miles an hour to the regular walk of the mules ; but these distances are
considerably exaggerated, partly from over-estimate, but principally from the sinuosities of the
road.

December 9. — Set out at 5.30 A. m., and travelled twenty miles to the east-southeastward,
through a country cultivated in some parts, but generally thinly wooded with Chanares and Reta-
mos. At the distance of two miles passed the post-house of Santa Rosa ; at six miles a rancho ; and

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

23

at eight arrived at a scattering settlement called Las Catitas, consisting of some half a dozen
houses, about which there are a few small, cultivated fields. Turned to the south-southeastward
at a bridge across a large acequia, or ditch for irrigating, and continued along, between pastures
on the left, and thinly wooded country on the right, to a farm-house on the one hand, and the
post-house of La Dormida, off among the woods, on the other; afterwards, five miles through
uncultivated country, and around a low hill to a grove of Algarrobas, on the hanks of the Tunu-
yan, where we stopped to get dinner and pass the siesta.

My leg was very much swollen, and so painful that I was obliged to make a cushion on the
horse’s neck with a blanket, and ride lady-fashion. The weather till noon was rainy, and the
road very slippery. Wind from the northward. After noon it cleared up.

The Tunuyan, at our stopping-place, is a third of a mile wide, full of sand-flats, and appa-
rently shallow, with a current of about three miles an hour. A number of ducks and cranes
were feeding on its flats, and there are said to he fish of good quality in it.

At 4.30 p. M. set out again, and at 8.30 arrived at a small town called Acorocorto, or La
Villa de la Paz. The first six miles of the road is by the river, sometimes over its flats, and at
others through tolerably thick groves of Chaiiares, Algarrobas, and Eetamos ; the remainder is
at a little distance from the stream, and leads through groves of the same wood. At two-thirds
of the way passed a couple of huts on the right, occupied by goat-herds ; and about three miles
before arriving we found the guard in one of a collection of huts. Here we were put under
charge of a soldier, who led us on a wild goose chase through mud-holes and bushes to the
town, where he left us, after notifying the comandante of our arrival.

Our first impressions of Acorocorto were anything but favorable. It had rained very hard
there, and the whole town appeared to be one great mud-pool. The only lodging-place we
could find was at a wretched pulperia ; where, besides the grog-shop, there was but one room,
which was lumbered with casks of aguardiente, sacks of grease, horse-gear, and a variety of
other articles. Into this we were all tumbled with baggage and saddles, and passed the night,
of course very indifferently, the only redeeming point in its experience being a good supper.
Mr. Blanchard had shot several partridges and plovers along the road, and having found a dry
spot in the yard on which to make a fire, he turned to — F renchman-like — and prepared for us a
most savory mess.

In addition to the discomfort of our quarters, we had other reasons to be doleful. In the
efforts to conquer an unbroken mule, one of our best peons, by some inexplicable means, man-
aged to run a knife through his foot ; and on entering the yard of the pulperia, Aldao got a
severe wound just above the knee cap, from the roasting-spit, which had been foolishly left
sticking out from one of the loads; so that we now counted three cripples in three days’ travel.

December 10.’ — A fine day rendered our prospect less gloomy; and Acorocorto, instead of
being a mud-puddle, really turned out to be a town — if the existence of one principal street and
one or two cross-streets, sufficiently built on to make their limits and direction known, are
enough to constitute one. It has a large plaza, bounded on one side by the government house,
embracing the barracks and prison, and on the opposite side by two or three dwellings ; the
two remaining sides being partially marked out by mud-walls. The houses are of one story,
built of enormous adobes (about four feet long by two feet thick*), are without windows, and
have nearly flat parapeted roofs. Only one or two in the town are whitewashed.

I suppose the population of the place and its environs to be about five hundred, including
some twenty-five or thirty soldiers, kept here by the province of Mendoza — of which this is the
most easterly settlement — to prevent incursions of the Indians.

There is but little cultivated land about it, and that is principally planted in alfalfa. It is
irrigated by water from the Tunuyan, which passes about two miles south of the town.

* These large adobes are made on the spot they are intended to occupy ; and when the first course is sufficiently hardened to
bear the weight, another course is moulded on top of it, and so on.

24

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

While at work in the plaza, an enormous herd of oxen was driven in from the eastward; and
I had barely time, with the aid of the peon, to pick up my instruments and hobble off before
they swept, like a living sea, over the very spot we had occupied. From Acorocorto the cor-
dilla is fully in sight, and as the lower portion is below the horizon, it presents the fine view
of a barrier, apparently entirely covered with snow : Tupungato, with its hemispherical summit,
towering above all.

At 5.15 p. M., having finished work — for which my companions had waited — we again set out,
and at 8.30 stopped for the night on the side of a little hollow; where, however, there was no
water to be found.

Eoad generally through low bushes — principally jarilla and algarroba; mocking-birds
abundant, as they have been since leaving the mountains. Found this day, as heretofore, that
where there had been a deposit of water, there was a thin coating of salitre.

The distances, as usual, are all gum-elastic; and places said to be four leagues off, may turn out
to be two or eight.

Our arrieros and peons were as amusing and light-hearted a set of fellows as I ever met, and
two or three of them had some pretensions to poetry. As we rode along, in the cool of the
morning or evening, they would enliven the time by improvising some long-drawn-out song,
generally referring to their personal adventures, but occasionally conveying a hint that a
present or treat from their “patrones” would be acceptable.

Their ordinary style was for one to commence with a lusty interjection of “ Ay, que me ha
dicho and after chanting all he might have to say, end with some strongly accented word.
Another would then take up the song, make some response to the subject of his companion’s
verse, and finish by rhyming his last word. This in Spanish, where the past participles sound
so nearly alike, is very easy ; and I have known these fellows go on, alternating in this way, for
one or two hours together ; not making very good music, certainly, but displaying considera-
ble wit and humor.

December 11. — Twenty miles from last night’s stopping-place brought us to the Desaguadero,
a stream which discharges the surplus waters of the “ Lagunas de Gfuanacache.” Where we
crossed, it was about four yards wide and eight inches deep, with a current to the southward, of
three miles an hour. It is salt and bitter, except after heavy rains. A few miles to the south-
ward it unites with a part of the Tunuyan, with which, after spreading out in marshes, it turns
to the northward and enters a salt lake, called El Bebedero, where it is either absorbed or
evaporated.

Two or three leagues to the westward of the Desaguadero, a place is marked on the map we
had “Las Tortugas:” there is no sign of a habitation on that part of the road, and we should
have passed without thinking of it, if we had not discovered a terrapin. I suppose the name
comes from the fact that tortugas (turtle) are found there. It is not at all uncommon to find
instances of the kind; there are very many places on the maps with imposing names, where
there is not even a huf.

The road from Acorocorto to the Desaguadero is over what is called a travesia, or place where
no water can usualiy be found; bat when we crossed it there was a great deal in many parts of
the road, from the heavy rains of the two previous days. Country wooded with Chanares, Beta-
mos, and Algarrobas. Passed on the road a swarm of large grasshoppers — locusts— apparently
at war with strange-looking black flies. These were about the size and shape of wasps, and
had a red spot on their tails. Their hostility to the locusts appeared to be wholly wanton, for
I could not observe that they did more than kill them. We had before seen myriads of small
locusts, generally feeding on the leaves of young algarrobas, but had not seen any large ones
except these.

After crossing the Desaguadero, which is the dividing line between the provinces of Mendoza
and San Luis, we proceeded two miles farther, and stopped for dinner at what is called a
represa — a flat or hollow place, dammed around, so as to contain the rain-water. As the

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

25

represas are not protected by any shade, the water is warm and disagreeable ; hut still, it is
better than that of mud-puddles, from which both cattle and men are frequently obliged to
quench their thirst.

From here the cordillera is still in sight, and a view of it bothered me a good deal. At
Acorocorto I took a general look at the whole chain, and saw nothing higher than Tupun-
gato ; hut just before arriving at the Desaguadero, I turned to look, and discovered that there
was another peak to the northward, much higher. At first I supposed it to he a cloud ; hut as
it did not change appearance, I concluded it was Aconcagua, and determined to take angles
on it, hut on dismounting, found myself too much knocked up with my lame knee ; and before
I was sufficiently recovered, the cordillera was enveloped in clouds, so that I was left in doubt
as to whether I had really seen Aconcagua or not.

At 4 p. M. we set out, and at 6.30 camped at the Represa de las Cabras. There is one hut
at this place. Country as usual. Liebres and large partridges abundant. Grasshoppers in
myriads.

December 12. — Started at 2 o’clock A. m. , and after travelling twelve miles, passed the Re-
presa de Chomes, where there are two wretched huts. From this the lake called the Bebedero
is in sight, about nine miles to the southward. It appears to he nearly circular, and is perhaps
ten miles in diameter. Thence twelve miles further, brought us to the post-house and represa
called £,'E1 Balde.” Country up to this point less thinly wooded.

This post-house is built of adobes, is square and high like a block-house, and surrounded by
a stout palisade made of trunks of trees. There are three or four ranchos about it, in one of
which dwells the owner of the land bordering the Bebedero. Being referred to him as the
person best acquainted with the country and streams thereabout, I made him a visit, and, after
answering the usual questions as to whether I was a medico , or had any remedio.s, succeeded in
obtaining the following information: That the Desaguadero, and a part of the Tunuyan,

enter together a small laguna called the ££ Corral de Tortoras,” which is sometimes nearly dry;
and that from this pond or marsh, a stream flows to the northward, and empties into the lake
called the Bebedero, or drinker, from which there is no outlet. To account for what becomes
of the water that enters it, the popular belief was, that there was a whirlpool (resumidero) in
its centre, through which it is discharged into the earth. That part of the Tunuyan which
does not unite with the Desaguadero turns to the southward, and after receiving the waters of
the Atuel and Diamante, finally ends in a salt lake far to the south.

From El Balde we proceeded six miles farther, and stopped at a represa. Our road lay
through a country with very little undergrowth, hut with larger trees than any we had seen,
some of the algarrobas being sixteen inches in diameter, and thirty feet high. Weather warm
and clear, the thermometer in the shade being 93°, and in the sun 101° — not as comfortable as
it might he for a ride of nine hours.

This represa, which is now abandoned, consists of a collection of about a dozen huts, formerly
occupied by soldiers, stationed there to protect the country from the Indians, and has on its most
elevated ground the trunk of a large tree, with a scatfolding on top, where a look-out used to be
kept. The represa itself — that is, the pond of water — had been neglected so long, it had dwindled
to a mere puddle, some twelve yards long by three yards wide, and six inches deep. The water
was perfectly green, and had to he strained through a handkerchief before it was fit to drink.

Saw a large iguana and a number of liebres in the course of the morning’s ride.

Twenty miles from the represa brought us to San Luis, where Aldao and myself arrived at
sunset, having pushed on at a galloj), leaving the rest of the party behind. The country
through which we passed is more cheerful, the approach to the town being marked, of course,
by the presence of occasional farms and houses. About half way there is another represa, with
a few huts in its neighborhood.

Feeling the effects of the impure water we bad drank at the place where we passed the siesta,
we made it a point on our arrival to call for and drink three several tumblers of water each,
4#

26

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

and by that time we were in a fit state to contemplate calmly the nose of the keeper of the
hotel, which was of such wonderful dimensions and form as to require one to he perfectly cool
before approaching it. I have never seen anything, in all my experience, either in nature or
caricature, equal to it. From the eyes it branched off, and became wider and longer till it
completely hid the mouth and a great part of the chin. Its color was of a deep purple ; and as
the owner of this tremendous appendage was so palsied that his nose never would keep still, it
will readily be believed that it was an object of deep interest to me.

Our companions arrived at the Fonda about nine o’clock at night, and, being anxious for
their comfort, I hastened out to welcome them with a large glass of good cool water. Unfor-
tunately a misstep in the court-yard dislocated anew my knee-cap, which was just recovering
from the effects of the kick. This determined me to do what I had frequently thought of before,
viz: to take an arriero and mules for myself, and travel alone, as I had already found that,
however willing my companions were to stop whilst I did my work, it was annoying to feel that
I was detaining them, and very fatiguing for me to mount and keep along with them after eight
or nine hours’ work. Accordingly, on the second day after our arrival, I managed to get to the
door and see them off, feeling much more friendly towards them at the moment of separating
than I had done during the trip.

Before separating, however, I succeeded in getting permission for Mr. Blanchard to take a
portrait of Don Manuel. This, of course, was rather a delicate matter. As I was to remain
behind, it was my interest not to offend either the 'patron or his family ; but a desire to give to
the world the picture of a nose which is, I have no doubt, the same that Sterne describes in
Slawkenbergius’s story, overcame my discretion. Approaching Don Manuel, therefore, I said to
him, in a most insinuating and deferential tone, I supposed he could not be ignorant of the fact
that he had a most remarkable feature in his physiognomy ; that I was very far from wishing to
offend him, but my friend, Mr. Blanchard, being a celebrated philanthropist, had, through life,
endeavored to do everything in his power to relieve persons suffering under painful or inconve-
nient diseases ; and having noticed his nose, was desirous to have a picture of it, for the purpose
of submitting it to a distinguished surgical friend in France, in order to learn the nature of
and a remedy for the disease. I added, that as Mr. Blanchard had a delicacy in asking, I had
volunteered to request him to sit for his portrait. The old Don was overcome by my eloquence,
and readily consented ; and in a few minutes we had a perfect fac-simile (barring the palsy
movement, which could not be put on paper) of the greatest nose that ever existed.

“San Luis de la Punta,” so called from its being situated at the point of a range of mount-
ains, is a miserably decayed place, and, to judge from its appearance, must be rapidly decreas-
ing in population. It is the capital of the province of San Luis, which probably contains fifteen
thousand souls — the town itself and its environs having about three thousand. It has, of
course — no Spanish town is without it — its plaza, one side of which is bounded by a barrack and
a church, both in good repair ; on another side by a second barrack and a few one-story adobe
houses in bad repair; and on the other two, by huts and walls in ruins. The streets are at
right angles with each other, and in some places have narrow sidewalks, and paved gutters
in the middle. As the houses are nearly all built of adobe, and very little attention is paid to
whitewashing or repairs, at least one-third of them appear to be in ruins from the effect of
the heavy rains of summer. The house of the Governor was the only one I saw built of brick,
or in thorough repair. Many have window-frames, but I saw no glazed windows.

There were quartered in the town about fifty soldiers of the line, whose pay was ten reals
(one dollar and a quarter) per month, and one suit of clothes a year. Their term of service
depends upon the wishes of the government, as they do not enlist for a fixed period, but are
draughted. Notwithstanding the smallness of their pay, they were comparatively well dressed,
and appeared to have an easy time of it. Their uniform was picturesque, and not unlike the
Greek dress. It consists of a flat cap, (which, if blown out, would resemble a sugar-loaf,) com-
mon with nearly all Spanish or Spanish- American soldiers; a close-fitting jacket, the chiripa,

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

27

and calzoncillas. The chiripa is generally made of a poncho, or blanket, one end of which is
tucked under a waist-helt behind, and the other brought down between the legs and tucked in
over the belt before, in such manner that the whole waist is encompassed by the two ends — the
middle hanging loosely as low as the knees. Calzoncillas are very wide, loose drawers,
embroidered and fringed at the foot, hut not gathered round the ankles — the amount of em-
broidery generally depending on the social position of the individual, or upon the state of
feelings of his female friends or relations, whose principal occupation beyond household cares is
to prepare them. For boots or shoes, the soldier, as well as the ordinary gaucho of the country,
uses the skin from the legs of horses or mules. This is cut around near the knee-joint and
stripped off. The hoof is then removed, and the skin tanned and rubbed until it is pliable. The
part from which the hoof is taken is sometimes closed, but generally is only gathered in, leaving
room for two of the toes to stick out — an arrangement very necessary for the use of the stirrups
of the country, which are so small as not to admit more than the point of the foot; and not
unfrequently a simple knot in the stirrup-leather serves as a substitute by being grasped between
the first and second toes.

The health of San Luis appeared to be good, and, from all I could learn, no epidemic had
ever raged there. The secret of this probably consists in the fact that they have no medical
men whatever, and therefore never yield to imaginary diseases, thus producing real ones. On
the other hand, they of course suffer actual diseases, without knowing what they are or how to
cure them.

I had some medicines with me, which had been brought along to patch myself with from
time to time, and having no further use for them, was about to throw them away, when a visitor
in the hotel begged them of me. He only knew that they were “ remedios,” and it was little
matter to him for what diseases they were efficacious. As they were great specifics, I had no
hesitation in giving them away, and have no doubt they have effected wonderful cures before
this time.

Perhaps I speak too broadly when I say that there were no medical men in San Luis. There -
are certainly “ curanderos” and “curanderas” — curers, male and female, who are competent,
and do treat simple cases.

There is only one church in the town, which is under the charge of a curate, who is, doubtless,
a very lazy and greedy fellow, for, on the Sunday I passed in the place, there was only one
mass, and that at too early an hour for me or any one else to attend who had no obligation to
prepare for it by fasting.

But little attention is paid to religion, and less to dress — if the two may be included in the
same category.

The hotel, or c Honda,” is, in some respects, better than that of Mendoza. There, at least,
one gets what he asks for, provided his desires are moderate, whilst, in the latter named place
there is nothing to be had out of the usual routine of beef, squash, and chicken. It is possible,
however, that I have made a wrong estimate of the comparative merits of the two, from a curious
mistake of the cook in that of San Luis. Nothing I could say would convince her that I was
not a certain Don Gfuillermo — an American circus-rider, who had passed through with a troupe
some two or three years before. From some of the attempted attentions of this damsel, I
formed a very poor opinion of the taste of Don Guillermo.

The only instance of goitre I saw or heard of, was in the case of this very cook, and she had
brought it with her from Mendoza.

Wheat, Indian corn, figs, grapes, and other fruits, are here cultivated for home consumption,
and could be profitably grown for a market, if there were one at hand. In the vicinity of the
town, and to the westward, there are not sufficient means of irrigating, and they depend in a
great measure on rains, which I was told were abundant in summer, but of rare occuri'ence in
winter. The farms to the eastward and southward are irrigated by the waters of a small
stream coming from the mountains.

2S

FROM MENDOZA TO SAN LUIS DE LA PUNTA.

Cochineal is gathered in small quantities in the neighborhood, and sold, I think, very cheap,
as an old woman brought a cake of it, about the size of my hand, into the shop of a Chilean,
while I was present, and sold it for twelve and a half cents’ worth of goods. It is, however,
only collected by the lazy peasants, when they have necessity for a little yerba (tea of Paraguay)
or tobacco.

About fifty miles to the northward of the town, and in the range of hills at whose point it is
situated, are the gold mines of “La Carolina,” Avhich were formerly worked very successfully,
but are now nearly abandoned — there being no one about them except a few natives, who live
in wretched hovels, and collect only gold enough by washing to cover their actual expenses.

CHAPTER IV.

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

LEAVE SAN LUIS. NATURE OF THE COUNTRY. OUR PARTY. RIO QUINTO. SAN JOSE DELMORRO. FORTIFICATIONS.

CHURCH WITHOUT A PRIEST. POPULATION. A NEW YORKER. WILD HORSES. BISCACHAS. INDOLENCE OF THE

ARRIERO STRIKINGLY ILLUSTRATED. ACHIRAS. VILLA DE LA CONCEPCION. APPEARANCE. POPULATION. DON

MARTIN QUENON. STATISTICAL TABLE. MY LANDLORD. AN ADVENTURE. ADVENTURES OF A DUTCH CHEESE.

INDIANS. CHRISTIAN CAPTIVES AMONG THEM. DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING INFORMATION. PRESENTS FROM THEM

RATHER EXPENSIVE. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. HAIL-STORMS. BISCACHAS. LOCUSTS. CHRISTMAS DAY.

LEAVE THE VILLA DE LA CONCEPCION. RIO CUARTO. UN-ENCLOSED CORN FIELDS. HUTS OF HERDSMEN. LA

REDUCCION. SICKNESS OF ONE OF THE MULES, NOVEL CURE. VIPERS. OSTRICH NEST. MOSQUITOS. — GLUTTONY

OF THE ARRIERO. DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING FOOD. PEJE TREE STATION. ALMOST PERFECT HORIZON. SALADILLO

DE RUI DIAZ. FORTIFICATIONS OF THE CABEZA DEL TIGRE POST-HOUSE. RIO TERCERO. DESMOCHADOS. SUPER-
STITION OF THE PEOPLE. ARRIVE AT ROSARIO.

December 20. — Left San Luis at 6 a. m., and at 3 p. M. arrived at the Rio Quinto — distance
estimated thirty-six miles, as follows : Five around the point of the San Luis range, through a
wooded country, with occasionally huts on either hand ; five to two streamlets flowing to the
southwestward, whose waters are consumed in irrigating the neighboring fields ; and thence,
at a very short distance, the road emerges from the wooded country, and for twenty-three miles
leads across the pampa or prairie land, where there are no trees or shrubs, except chanares and
algarrobas, at long intervals — the surface being gently rolling, and covered with wire-grass
about a foot high. Three miles before arriving at the Rio Quinto, there are occasional clumps
of algarrobas, and ridges of low, rocky hills — some of the rocks appearing to he marble, and are
of dazzling whiteness.

Our party consisted of the arriero, his peon, and myself, with only one wretched old horse for
a change in case any of the animals in use should fail. As for the arriero and his man, they
were very different from my former companions. The first was very taciturn, and travelled along,
with his enormous ill-looking face dropped on his breast, looking as surly as a hull, and the only
words I could ever get out of him. were, “ What did you say, sir?” “Yes, sir,” or “No, sir;”
or, if I asked where we would stop, he would answer, “in such a place,” “con permiso de Dios
y Maria santisima” — never failing to add this devout clause of “with the permission of God
and the most holy Mary.” The peon was a fool, and appeared to have no other idea than fear
of the arriero ; so that I was lonesome enough.

We stopped for rest, and to eat our dinner on the hank of the river ; and after remaining there
nearly three hours, set out again, and travelled till nine o’clock, when we camped hy the road-
side. The weather during the day was nearly clear, and the sun very oppressive. Wind light
from the southeastward.

The Rio Quinto, or fifth river, rises near the Carolina mines, in the mountains north of San
Luis ; and where we crossed it was about twenty-five yards wide and two feet deep, with a current
of five miles an hour to the south-eastward. Six or eight leagues to the south ward it reaches the
more level land of the pampa: has scarcely any current: spreads out into lagunas and marshes,
and is lost. There are several ranchos on and near its hanks at the ford, with some few small
corn fields. The people appear to live in great wretchedness, hut are very polite and obliging.
After crossing the river the road leads over rocky hills, thinly wooded with algarrobas and
chanares for about six miles, when it again enters on the open pampa.

30

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

December 21. — Started at daylight, and at 11.30 a. m. arrived at the little town of San Josfi
del Morro. Weather clear. Wind strong from the northward. At the distance of twelve
miles from the river we passed a hut, and two miles farther on, a second — there being between
the two a marshy hollow, overgrown with long grass, called “cortaderas,” from the edges of
the blades being serrated. Hence this pair of wretched huts, two miles apart, is dignified by
the name of “Las Cortaderas.” At eighteen miles passed a dry river-bed, which, after leaving
the cortaderas, is the only break in the plain. About fifteen miles to the northward of this
there is an isolated range of hills, some ten miles long, lying south-southwest and north-north-
east. On arriving within three miles of San Jose the pampa ceases, and the road leads over
rocky hills to the town.

San Jose del Morro is at the southern point of a range of tolerably high hills, which does not
appear to he more than sixteen miles long, and tapers to the southward of the town till it
blends with the plain. Its appellation of “del Morro” comes from a high and solitary hill
jutting into the pampa from the range to the southward, which, from its form, is called “El
Morro.” It is a compact place, walled and ditched on two sides to protect it against the Indians,
the other two sides being partially protected by a small stream of good water'; hut the absence of
trees of any kind gives it rather a desolate appearance. It covers about four squares of ground,
one of which is the plaza. This has a neat little church on one side, that, singular to say, is
without a priest, and depends upon the curacy of San Luis ; so that, when there is necessity for
clerical aid, the inhabitants have to send twenty-four leagues. On my second journey I took a
letter from a distressed woman to the curate of San Luis, requesting that he would come down
to perform a marriage ceremony. Besides the houses in the town proper, there are a number of
Luts scattered about, on the banks of the streamlet. The population is estimated at one thou-
sand, including in this number some two hundred soldiers, who are quartered there, and in the
small forts more advanced towards the Indian frontier.

The best house in the town is that of a “New Yorker,” named Van Sice, who, after establish-
ing several printing-presses in various parts of South America, and pursuing fortune in other
honorable ways, finally married an intelligent and very comely native, and settled down in
San Jose. His assortment of merchandise was the best I had seen on the eastern side of
the cordillera, and he appeared to be doing a thriving business.

Notwithstanding the little attention paid to religion in that part of the country, and the
great advantage it was for any woman there to obtain a husband so industrious, intelligent,
and “well to do in the world,” Mr. Van Sice was obliged to turn Catholic, and confess himself
— or, as he said, tell a pack of lies — before he could be married. I passed the siesta at his
house, and was very hospitably entertained.

Nearly all the horses I had seen on the road had very thin tails, and were so different from
the droves of wild horses I had been led to anticipate, from reading narratives of travellers,
that I inquired about the matter, and learned that there are no wild horses on the pampa, or,
at least, none which had not owners ; and, as regards their tails, I was told they were plucked
once a year, the hair being about the most valuable part of them. With the exception of one or
two droves we passed on the day of our arrival at San Sose, all that I had seen since leaving Chile
were very ordinary looking animals. Of horses proper, however, but few were seen, as the
droves we had passed, grazing on the pampa, were composed almost entirely of brood-mares,
with their respective stallions. The horses are broken as soon as they are old enough, and
are either sold to drovers or used for travel, so that they are seldom seen grazing in herds.
Mares are very rarely ridden, and are only of value for breeding, or for their hair and tallow,
large quantities of which are exported from Buenos Ayres.

V e saw a great number of biscachas on the road, but they only appeared early in the morn-
ing or late in the evening, when it was too dark to examine them. During the day they keep
in their burrows, at the mouths of which little owls are generally perched, apparently on duty as
sentinels. I suppose that, as they can only see at night, they are kept awake by the darkness

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

31

of their holes, and therefore during sun light take a nap. After leaving the wooded land near
San Luis we saw no more large partridges or liebres.

As it was not certain that Mr. Van Sice would ask me to dinner, I gave the arriero money
to buy beef, with directions to let me know when it was roasted, in order that, if I failed in
obtaining somebody else’s dinner, I should have my own to fall hack on. In due time, how-
ever, I partook of a good meal served in the house, and, supposing the men would look out
for themselves, turned in for a nap. When it was nearly time to start again, I went out, and
found the arriero asleep under an ox-cart, hut without beef. He said he had not been able to
find any, and that neither himself nor the peon had eaten since the previous day — a matter
which appeared to give him no uneasiness at all. In answer to my inquiry as to what we were
to do for dinner the next day, he very coolly said he supposed we should have to “suffer.”
At the expense of a good growl on his part for the want of endurance of “los estrangeros,”
I succeeded in persuading him to exert himself, and we procured enough charqui for our neces-
sities. He was perfectly willing to fast for sixty hours, rather than trouble himself; and as
the peon was away taking care of the horses, he had no vote in the matter.

At 6.30 p. M. we left San Jose, and at 9.30 p. M. camped. The first part of our road was
over rocky hills, and the last over rolling ground. Passed two or three streamlets running to
the southward.

December 22. — At 5 A. M. left camp, and after travelling twenty-four miles, by estimation, or
thirty-six from San Jose, we stopped in a small valley watered by a streamlet whose hanks are
shaded by a little grove of willows. This is the dividing line between the provinces of San
Luis and Cordova, and was one of the most delightful places we had found in which to pass the
siesta — the water and shade being both equally cool and refreshing. At the distance of ten
miles from our last night’s stopping-place, we passed a low rocky hill lying north and south, and
at twenty miles crossed a streamlet running to the southeastward, near Avliich there are one
or two ranchos with small patches of cultivated ground around them. The road leads over
pampa except at the streamlet, where there are low rocky hills. Wind strong from the north-
ward. After the siesta set out again, and at the distance of five miles we arrived at the village
of Achiras : road, as before, leading over rocky lomas thinly covered with soil, in many places
entirely hare. Achiras, like San Jose, is partly surrounded by walls and ditches, which, with
two little streams, constitute its defences. It is built more scatteringly than the latter,
and covers a greater space, hut I think does not contain more than half the population. It has
a plaza and chapel, hut there is a decayed look about the place very different from the fresh ap-
pearance of San J ose. Perhaps the style of building and general aspect of the two places may
he better understood by comparing San Jose to a pile of new-made adobes, and Achiras to a
cluster of old ones, rain-washed. The latter, however, has the advantage of being partially
surrounded by trees. On the banks of the streamlets by which it is watered, there is a fine
grove of fig-trees, which very much relieve the otherwise decayed appearance of the collection of
ruinous, thatched mud-huts.

While the arriero was procuring food for the following day I rode into the town to obtain
cigarritos, and was amused at the astonishment and contempt expressed by an old gentle-
man, to whom I referred for information as to where they could be bought, when he learned
that I did not know how to make them. After lecturing me severely upon the folly of travel-
ling in the pampa without carrying my own tobacco and paper, he insisted on my dismounting
to take a lesson in the art of cigar-making ; and when I had acquired knowledge of the modus
operandi, he made me a present of a few, and started me off, not, however, before I had obtained,
through the agency of a soldier, a good supply ready made.

As soon as the arriero was ready — he having procured a sucking calf for food — we continued
our journey and travelled till ten o’clock, when we camped on the pampa. After crossing the
streamlets near the town, the road leads for about four miles over rocky hills, similar to those we
had passed near some of the other streamlets, with the exception that the prominent rocks here,

32

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

instead of lying horizontally, are inclined to the westward at an angle of about thirty degrees
from the horizon, the strata cropping out aboiTe the road. At the distance of five miles there
is a grove of willows, and near it is the Rio de la Laja, a small stream, about fifteen feet wide
and two deep, running to the southwestward. On reaching the level country, this stream, like
most of the others, is lost in the lagunas and marshes.

After crossing the river, our road led over pampa, and, at the distance of twelve miles from
Achiras, we passed a rancho or two called Los Barranquitos. Met a drove of some five hundred
cattle hound to Chile.

December 23. — Rain and hail throughout the night, and no shelter. Mosquitos excessively
annoying.

Fourteen miles over pampa brought us to a streamlet of brackish water called Arroyo de
la Lagunilla, flowing to the southeastward ; and thence about nineteen miles over the same
kind of country to the “Villa del Rio Cuarto,” or more properly the “Villa de la Concepcion.”
We had passed two huts, one at twenty and the other at thirty miles from our camp of last
night — the country is diversified by occasional shallow ponds and marshes, around which num-
bers of deer and guanaco were seen grazing.

The Villa de la Concepcion is situated near the west bank of the Rio Cuarto or Fourth River,
and, like other towns on the Indian frontier, is fortified by ditch and wall. These fortifications
would be of but little avail against soldiers, but are quite sufficient against Indians, whose only
arms are the lance and the “ bolas,” and who always attack on horseback.

The town is laid off in squares — has its plaza, with a barrack and church on it, as usual,
and in almost every respect is like others I have described ; the outskirts consisting of sorry
mud-huts, and the centre but little better, except that its houses are whitewashed and of a
more regular construction, the best of them having brick floors instead of the bare earth. It
has not so large a population as San Luis, but is a much more tliriving-looking place. About
five hundred soldiers are stationed there, and in several little forts to the southward, to keep a
look-out for inroads from the Indians.

The necessary formality of presenting myself to the official dignitary of the place was more
profitable to me here than in any other town through which I had passed on the road. It
gave me the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Don Martin Quenon — the dignitary in
question — from whom I received many polite attentions, and some information respecting the
rivers, and which confirmed what I had learned before. Don Martin also gave me the fol-
lowing statistical table, which I have no doubt is perfectly correct :

Table of the Population , cix., of the several Towns and Villages of the Depart-
ment of the Rio Cuarto , in the Province of Cordova, furnished by Don Mar-
tin Quefion, Jefe Politico del Departamento.

’o

5

5

Houses.

Heads of families.

Children.

Domestics.

Horned cattle.

Brood-mares.

Sheep.

43

3

42
C .
§1
G

'S

c

Principal invested
in commerce.

Villa de la Concepcion . .

1

217

1,222

1,300

499

3,500

37,000

38,000

74

$ 12, 900

Villa de la Carlota . . .

1

85

230

255

92

1,339

1,637

5,966

21

850

Fuerte de la Reduccion . .

1

32

84

107

42

227

279

1,814

6

Fueite de las Achiras .

1

75

178

297

92

287

734

2,374

14

1,000

Fuerte del Rodeo Viejo . .

45

114

128

94

438

890

3,865

14

I was amused at this gentleman’s quiet way of getting rid of my landlord — an officious
fellow, who pestered me no little during my stay here. I requested Don Panclio — the landlord — •
to show me the way to the government house, and as he was glad of an opportunity to intrude

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

himself among his superiors, he insisted upon going with me. All the women in the house
were called in requisition to fit him out, and half an hour afterwards the illustrious Don made
his appearance “dressed to kill” in a blue broadcloth jacket and pants, and a red gold-laced
waistcoat; the suit, he told me, in which he had been married, and which he never wore except
on special occasions. Thus equipped, he set out to accompany me, evidently expecting to be
treated according to his cloth ; the eyes of an admiring mother, wife, and child — to say nothing
of the cook — following us till we were out of sight. Greatly to his disappointment and
mortification, he was received in a manner decidedly contemptuous. As soon as he had made known
the object of my visit, Don Martin invited me into the parlor, and turning to Pancho, dismissed
him with a “Very well, my man; the gentleman now knows the house, and you can go.”
Poor Pancho retired, crest-fallen, and on my return I found him in his dirty every-day suit,
very much overcome with liquor.

One of my fellow lodgers at the posada — in which there was only one room for travellers,
serving as bed-room, dining-room, and parlor — was an old Bolivian, who used to bore me a geat
deal by talking about the dangers of travelling, which he illustrated by narratives of personal
adventures. One evening a person dressed as an officer called, and informed me a lady
who was a half country-woman of mine — her father having been an Englishman had seen me
the day of my arrival, and learning that I had difficulty in obtaining lodgings, was about
inviting me to her house, when told that I had found accommodations, but she had deputed
him to say that she should be happy to see me. As it was dull enough at the posada,
I accepted the invitation, and while dressing for the visit, noticed that the Bolivian was very
uneasy. He made several signs to me, and finally, during a momentary absence of the officer,
told me X ought not to go alone with that person, because he had a notonously bad character,
and would entice me to some out of the way place and rob me. binding that I paid no atten-
tion to his warnings, he requested my ameio to follow to pi event foul play , but I soon put a
stop to that, by sending the arriero to give some directions about the horses, and finally sallied
out m company with my military friend, whose features, I must confess, were not very prepos-
sessing.

Although I had despised the warnings of the Bolivian, a nervous feeling came over me when
I found myself alone with my companion. This made me regret I had not brought a pistol, and
induced me to open a sharp penknife, which was held in readiness for use. Armed with this,
I proceeded three or four squares along dark and solitary streets, keeping close to my com-
panion, watching every movement with the vigilance of a cat, and expecting him to turn on
me at every dark place we passed. I had become so nervous with the idea, that I am certain
if he had stumbled against me by accident, or had made the least movement of a hand towards
his knife, I should have stabbed him on the spot, without waiting to learn his intentions. The
open door of one of the best houses in the place, the cordial welcome of a well-dressed and
fine-looking lady and her family, and the dignified reception of an elderly Don Marido, into
whose house my companion ushered me, drove away apprehensions, and gave place to a
feeling of shame and mortification for my cowardice.

We passed an agreeable evening, heard some excellent singing from the lady of the house,
who accompanied herself on the guitar, and returned to the posada sworn friends. After this,
I stopped the Bolivian’s grog— which he had been drinking at my expense — and found, from
his altered manner towards me, that this was the only link of sympathy between us.

You will perceive there was wanting only a knave to make this an adventure. The fool was
already supplied in my proper self.

One of the few amusing incidents that happened on the journey was at this place. Among
the articles of small-stores remaining of those laid in at Santiago, was the shell of a
Dutch cheese. On the road this had attracted the attention of my arriero, who greatly won-
dered at a shape and color so different from the cheeses of the country; and on our arrival,
he had informed the keeper of the posada that I possessed this great curiosity. It soon became
5*

34

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

the lion of the hotel, and after being tasted and examined by every one there, was about to be
returned to its place in the provision chest, in a very dilapidated condition, when we were
honored by the presence of two handsome and well-dressed young ladies, who called ostensibly
to visit the wife of Don Pancho, but really, either to see a tall and handsome young Mendocino,
a fellow lodger, or my bar magnets, (which had acquired some fame), or both. Their curiosity
with regard to the cheese was as great as that of the people of the hotel, and it was a matter
of regret to me that I could not offer them, in addition to the few crumbs scooped from its
bottom, any other delicacy than “ Eau sucre,” slightly dashed with aguardiente. The last
affected their tongues to such extent that they bored us, for near an hour, with a conversation
which was entirely local, and therefore uninteresting. At length they took leave, to our great
satisfaction, when I again restored the unfortunate cheese to its place, and prepared to retire for
the siesta. The cheese was worse than a nightmare. I had hardly made myself comfortable
before a servant came in with a note from the mother of the young ladies, stating that she
regretted exceedingly her health would not permit her to call on me, and requesting that I
would send her some of the cheese to try. I suppose I ought to have sent her the whole; but it
was really too valuable a “ stand-by,” and so I sent only a few crumbs.

There were some thirty odd Indians in the Villa del Rio Cuarto, who had come in to traffic,
and were guests of the government while they remained.

Their appearance does not differ from that of our North American Indians ; and, like them,
they are addicted to the vice of drinking to excess. They had only for sale ponchos, mantas,
and bolas. Of these they were disposing little by little, according to their desires for aguar-
diente or toys. Among them were several Cristianos, as they are called — natives of some of
the provinces, who had been carried off when young, and reared among the Indians, till they
preferred that mode of life to any other. One of these was rather an interesting woman. She
was still young, and had evidently been very fair and handsome; but was now so burned by
the sun, and had so far acquired an Indian expression of features, as to attract but little sym-
pathy by her looks. She came to the posada to beg bread, and remained some time in con-
versation with the women ; who, seeing that she still preserved a little silver cross hung around
her neck, that she appeared to regard with childish delight, endeavored to persuade her to
leave the Indians and return to Christian life. She played with her cross, wept a little, but
said it was too late then; that she had a husband and children among the Indians, and
could not leave them. While she was talking, a fine-looking young Indian pass'ed on horse-
back, sawing on an accordeon, and so drunk he could hardly keep his seat ; and, on discovering
the woman with us, he addressed a few guttural sounds to her in a very surly tone, and rode
on. She now became urgent for the bread; stating that she had been placed under his charge
by her husband, and that he had ordered her to the camp. What she asked for was given, and
she went away at a trot, apparently a good deal alarmed.

Hoping to obtain information from a party who came to the posada, I ordered a large glass
of aguardiente, and commenced questioning the cacique through a young Cristiano, who acted
as interpreter; but could get no answer to inquiries respecting the Tunuyan and some other
streams, except that they were “ Alla, muy tierra adentro” — a long way in the interior. As
regards the nature of the country in which they live, he said it was not pampa, but thickly
wooded. He also told me that I could go down among them in perfect safety, as they were a
peaceable people, and never interfered with those who did not trouble them. I have no doubt
that, personally, I should have been safe; but it is more than probable I would have been
robbed of everything. Indeed, several of the natives along the road told me that a foreigner
was much less exposed to danger from the Indians than themselves ; and there is good reason
for this, for it is known (or at least is generally stated) that one of the former governors of
the department of the Rio Cuarto treacherously induced twenty-five or thirty Indians to come
in for the purpose of making a treaty, and then had caused them all to be assassinated.

While we were talking, the liquor was brought out and handed to the chief, who took a sip

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO. 35

and passed it round, first to me, and then from one to another, until it was finished. They
declined to drink more, on the ground that they had been very drunk the night previous.

This cacique made the interpreter take off his poncho and present it to Don Pancho; who, I
was surprised to see, bitterly regretted the necessity of accepting it. On inquiry, I learned that,
in consequence of that present, the whole party would consider themselves entitled to the hos-
pitality of the house ; and, in all probability, would drink enough liquor to pay for the poncho
three or four times over.

Their style of dress did not differ much from that of the gauchos; and nearly everything
they had for sale was carried on their persons. Although they come on their trading expe-
ditions well equipped with ponchos, &c., they manage to leave with a very limited wardrobe.

In the vicinity of the town Indian corn is cultivated in small quantities ; and also figs, grapes,
peaches, plums, apricots, &c. Of the latter, the figs were just ripening at the time we passed,
although we had had them ripe in Mendoza.

At the time of our arrival in la Villa de la Concepcion the tops of the trees were entirely hare
of leaves and twigs, from the effects of a heavy hail-storm, which had passed over a few days
before. The frequency of these storms in summer is one of the three principal bars to agricul-
ture on the pampa.- The first are locusts, which are very destructive; the second the biscachas;
and the third, as I have said, the hail-storms.

Christmas day would have passed away without our knowledge, but for the serenade of a
military band composed entirely of negroes. They were all drunk, and made such an infernal
noise, that we paid them pretty roundly to stop their music; indeed, they threatened to play
until we did pay them. It is their custom, like that of our negroes in some parts of the south,
to go round on this occasion, and either play or dance in front of a house until they receive a
present.

December 26. — At 5 o’clock a. m. left the town; and after coasting the west bank of Rio
Cuarto for four miles, forded it at a part where it was about fifty yards wide and two feet deep,
with sand-flats and marshes in it. Thence our road lay over pampa, and along the north
bank of the river. At noon we stopped for the siesta under the shade of a small algarroba.

We passed two or three ranchos, and a small field of corn without a fence or wall, a man on
horseback serving for this purpose. This is common on the pampa, where wood is so scarce as
to render it impossible, in many places, to obtain a sufficient quantity for fencing.

Although the river was near the road, it was only distinguishable by a dark line on the
pampa, and by the tops of a few willows and reeds appearing above its banks. Half a mile
from where we stopped there was a hut, which the arriero insisted was uninhabited, and there-
fore refused to go further; but it afterwards proved to he occupied; and as there was easy
access to the river at that point, we might have got plenty of water, and had a bath. As it
was, we passed the siesta very uncomfortably, annoyed by flies and mosquitos; and, through
the stupidity of the arriero, we were obliged to send the mules back, about three miles, for water,
as the river bank near us was a high cliff.

The hut of which I have spoken is similar to nearly all on the pampa occupied by herds-
men, the principal part of it being like a wagon-top in form, and well thatched to keep out
rain ; while the front is merely a flat, thatched awning, for protection from the sun. In the
interior of this one the clothes and other perishable articles belonging to the occupants were
stowed, and outside them were two or three stools, a small table, and a very few pieces of
wooden-ware, as substitutes for crockery. Both inside and outside there were a number ot
dogs. These huts, however, are distinct in their construction from the adobe ranchos, which
are the head-quarters of the estancia or estate.

The arriero left his spare horse here, which had become so jaded and galled as to be useless.

At 4 p. M. set out again, and travelled till 10, when we stopped for the night. At a distance
of about twenty-five miles from the Villa del Rio Cuarto we passed the small village of “La
Reduccion,” and from there turned off from the river and followed a path leading more directly

36

FllOM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

than either of the two main roads. From the “Villa” there are three roads. The principal,
or post-road, turns to the northeastward, and after reaching the Rio Tercero, joins that
from Cordova, and follows the hank of the latter river to Saladillo. The next road coasts the
Rio Cuar%) to its junction with the Tercero, at Saladillo ; and the one we took diverges from
this last at La Reduccion, and strikes directly across the country. Of the three, the safest
is hy the Tercero; and next that ky the Cuarto, or by the Punta del Sauce, as it is called;
these two being defended against Indians hy post-houses and forts, or stockades ; while the last
is over a desert country. La Reduccion is fortified, as usual, hy a ditch and wall; its population
is given in the statistical table of the department; and as we did not stop there, I know nothing
more respecting it.

The place where we stopped for the night is near a stream called there Las Chilcas ; hut far-
ther to the northward, Cliucul. At the ford it has very little current, and half a mile to the
southward spreads out into marshes and ponds, which are quite salt, and swarming with wild
fowl. Lions and tigers are also found there. These, and, indeed, everything undomesticated,
from a mosquito to a lion, are called, hy the country people, hy the name of “ bichos ” — a word
meaning, literally, vermin, and corresponding, in its corruption, to our southwestern significa-
tion of the term “varmint.”

Before our arrival at camp we missed the track and got into the edge of this marsh, and
were soon so completely bewildered that we did not knowhow to get out: fortunately, the
arriero discovered, through the darkness of the night, a distant hut, and, leaving us to await his
return, rode off to procure a guide. The denizens of the pampa, like sailors, have, hy long
practice, acquired the habit of discerning and “making out” distant objects that are invisible
to the unpracticed eye. Those of them with whom I have been would frequently call attention
to some distant speck and confidently assert whether it was a deer, an ostrich, a horse, or an
ox; just as the sailor knows land in the faint pencil-mark above the horizon, which to the eye
of a landsman has no meaning

December 27. — Travelled about sixteen miles over pampa, with occasional lagunas on each side,
and stopped for the siesta near one of these, where, except an occasional clump of low bushes called
chilcas, there was no sign of a tree or shelter from the sun. We were delayed on our journey, first
by losing the road, and next by the sickness of one of the mules. As it may appear singular
we should lose our path on the open pampa, I will state that we followed a track which had been
used in dry weather, and it led us into a marsh, around which we were obliged to make a long
detour. The illness of the mule was supposed to arise from a retention of urine, from which
animals on the pampa frequently suffer, in consequence of the bad water they drink. In order
to induce him to make an effort to relieve himself, the arriero and his man commenced emitting
wind violently from their mouths, thus making a disagreeable though not uncommon noise,
which at times appeared to be on the point of producing the desired effect; but after a while a
more desperate remedy was resorted to : the mule was ridden at full speed two miles up the
road and back, under which operation he fell several times, and then followed a repetition of
the former remedy. In the mean time, we were at a halt on the pampa where there was neither
shelter, water, nor prospect of getting an animal to supply the place of the sick one nearer
than La Reduccion. The efforts to effect a cure, therefore, were highly interesting to me, and
I readily lent my aid as far as wind went. At length, after repeated gallops and volleys, the
poor animal did really relieve his bladder, and at once got well ; whereupon, the arriero threw
his head back and piously — but rather indelicately, considering the character of the Virgin —
exclaimed, “Gracias a Dios y Maria Santisima, ya meo.” He told me he had made a vow to
the Virgin that he would perform some kind of penance if she would relieve the mule; and had
done the same for me on our departure from San Luis, when he found I was almost too lame to
travel, and seemed very much shocked when I doubted that the vow had anything to do with
the cure of either myself or the mule.

At our stopping-place I made a bed with my horse gear, in a position that would at least

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO. 37

afford shelter for my head ; hut when I was about to occupy it, the peon discovered a vibora
coiled away between the holsters, which put all further ideas of rest out of the question.

The vibora is a small snake, from eighteen inches to two feet long, very much resembling in
appearance what in North Carolina is called the ground rattlesnake. Its bite is said to he a
deadly poison. We passed the siesta in wandering about looking for ostrich nests, of which we
found one filled with eggs and young birds. Some of the eggs were quite fresh, and served the
men for dinner ; hut I found them hard and unpalatable, and preferred to make my meal of
charqui.

We saw large numbers of deer, guanacos, and water-fowl feeding about the laguna, and felt
enough mosquitos to last me till doomsday.

Weather clear. Wind from N.E. Thermometer 92° in the shade, and 95° in the sun.

At 3.45 p. M. set out again, and travelled till 9, when we camped. Passed two ranchos,
dignified by being called Lucacha. Road as before — over pampa, with occasional lagunas, in
which a great number of ducks, cranes, and plover were feeding.

December 28. — Passed a miserable night. With his usual want of foresight, the arriero
stopped in a bight nearly surrounded by marshy ground and lagunas, where we were so pestered
by mosquitos that at one o’clock — finding it impossible to sleep — I ordered a march ; but, unfor-
tunately, two of our mules had strayed off, and we had to endure the discomfort of the flies and
a drenching shower of rain till half-past six.

Travelled till noon, and stopped near a rancho called Los Torsales.

On the way the peon killed a partridge with singular dexterity by riding around it until the
bird was confused, and then knocking it over with his knife. At our stopping place it was
roasted and offered me, I conceived, as a compliment ; but, as we had started on the principle of
all sharing alike, I divided it into three parts, and we partook equally. After a while, feeling
hungry, I inquired for dinner, and learned that my two worthies, to whom I had been so gen-
erous with the partridge, had eaten up all there was, supposing that the bird would suffice me.
I have before spoken of the habits of these people with regard to fasting, and I mention this
circumstance as proof of a directly opposite quality. When we left the Villa de la Concep-
cion we had enough beef and charqui to last any three reasonable appetites a week, but these
fellows had eaten it all in two days.

They can fast a long time, but are also capable of devouring more meat than grizzly bears.
Fortunately, the owner of the rancho was kind enough to sell us some new cheese, on which
we made a comfortable dinner.

The traveller on the pampa must not take it for granted that he can procure food at the dif-
ferent houses along the road. On the contrary, he would he more able to sell than to buy the
necessaries of life. It is a remarkable fact, that although essentially a cattle-growing country,
it is very difficult to obtain beef. One may purchase a whole ox or a sheep; but to buy a few
pounds is almost impossible: the country people kill and dry only the amount they require for
their own use, and have none for sale. At one place where we stopped, on my second journey,
the people refused to furnish us at any price, denying that they had anything, until the arriero
discovered a pile of charqui, which I suppose was prepared from some animal that had died a
natural death, as it was so inferior that it was destined for the use of the dogs; and even this
they were very reluctant to sell. As for bread, except in the towns, it is wholly out of the ques-
tion : the natives generally beg bread of travellers.

At 4 p. M. set out again, and travelled till 8.30 p. m., the road leading over pampa, vitli
occasional lagunas. We saw several swans and flamingoes in some of these. Wind strong
from S.E. Weather clear and warm. Thermometer at 3 p. m. 84°. 5. Mosquitos pestiferous!

December 29. — Left camp at daylight, and at 9 stopped for work under the shade of a fine peje
tree. Nothing could have been more fortunate than the discovery of this tree. I had been in-
formed farther back that in Saladillo there was no appropriate place for magnetic observations, and
had been on the look out for a shady tree under which I might make my experiments lice nom the

38

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

interruption of curious people, which, by the way, was always an important consideration, for the
gauchos universally wear spurs and sheath-knives, and it was difficult to make them understand
that these affected the magnets. Sometimes they would come close to where I was at work,
with hidden knives, merely for the purpose of seeing whether I could detect their presence hy
the action of the magnet. Near some of the lagunas, we had passed occasional trees that would
have answered hut for the annoyance of mosquitos. At length this one presented itself, at some
distance to the right of the road, and, allowing the mules to go on, I galloped off, and found it
the most appropriate place I had seen since leaving Chile. To hurry on and stop the party was
my next step ; and as fortunately there was a pond of tolerable water near, we had all we could
desire. This peje tree, with three or four algarroba companions, stands on a little knoll ; and
what was particularly delightful about it was, that although the mosquitos were swarming at
the distance of fifty yards in every direction from it, there were only a few under it.

Here, in its delightful shade, I was able to conclude work before sunset, and he off again in
time to avoid an attack from flies, which, with the falling shades of evening, were losing
all respect for the tree, and came swarming around us. We had the satisfaction, however,
before finally leaving, to see them slaughtered right and left, hy hundreds of mosquito-hawks
(dragon-flies) that appeared to have sprung into existence hy miracle, as we had before only
seen an occasional straggler.

The tree was about two feet in diameter, forty feet high, and had fifty feet spread. Its limbs
were closely interlaced, and filled with nests, principally of the scissor-bird, common to the
country from Mendoza to Eosario. This is about the size and color of the mocking-bird, and
gets its name from two long tail-feathers, resembling the blades of a pair of scissors.

As this was one of the most level parts of the pampa we had passed, I had the curiosity to
set up the theodolite, and see how far it departed from a perfect plane. Setting the horizontal
wire on the horizon in one direction, I turned the instrument through the circle, and found five
minutes’ depression at every point except north, where, hy the intervention of a knoll, it was
only two minutes and thirty seconds, and at northeast four minutes ; so that an observation
with the natural horizon, in the most unfavorable direction, when corrected for dip, would have
been only two minutes and a half in error.

It may seem ridiculous to attach so much importance to a single tree, hut it really is not so.
The traveller on the pampa frequently looks in vain for one under whose shade to pass the
siesta, and with whose wood to cook his beef. He may discern one, apparently a long way off,
that offers, as he thinks, every requisite; hut, on nearing it, he finds that what looked stately
in the distance is a mere shrub. These disappointments are of continual occurrence. One of
the places where we passed the siesta had so very little shade to recommend it, that I urged the
arriero to go farther; hut he refused, telling me I ought to give “gracias a Dios” for even that
much; and after we were farther advanced over the pampa, I found he was right.

Travelled about sixteen miles farther on the 29th, and stopped near the little village of Sala-
dillo. During the night there was a very heavy dew; weather clear, and, for the season, cold.
Thermometer at 4.30 A. M. (December 30) 56° Fahrenheit.

December 30. — Set out at daylight, and at 5 o’clock entered the town of “Saladillo de Eui
Diaz.” It is partially surrounded by walls and ditches, and consists of some two hundred
thatched adobe houses and huts, not one of which is decent in appearance. It has a plaza and
barrack, where there were about eighty soldiers quartered, hut has no church, and, with greater
advantages than any other town along the road, is perhaps the most wretched looking. The
three roads from the westward, and that from Cordova, all pass here, and, to judge from what
we saw, there must he a great deal of traffic and travel at this point. The country was alive
with trains of ox-carts and mules, going or coming. There were in .sight about a hundred
carts, and altogether it was a very enlivening scene, reminding us, in an unmistakable manner,
that we were approaching civilization; for which, to use the arriero’s expression, I gave “gra-
cias a Dios y Maria Santisima.” The creaking wheels of the ox-carts, heard far and near, the

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO. 39

bleating of kicls and calves, and tbe lowing of cows, although, not very agreeable music in them-
selves, were highly refreshing after our solitary journey.

They were killing an ox for the use of the soldiers, but we were unable to buy any beef, and
had to fall hack on miserable charqui.

Saladillo is situated near the junction of the rivers Tercero and Cuarto, the latter of which
was very much smaller there than at the place where we formerly crossed it. Near the Punta
del Sauce it spreads out, forming lagunas and marshes, and a great part of the water is either
evaporated or absorbed in the soil. That which reaches the Tercero is impregnated with
salt to such an extent as to be useless for irrigation or drinking. The Tercero is a more con-
siderable stream. It empties into the Parana, and only in very dry seasons is too salt for use.

Crossed the Eio Cuarto where it was fifteen yards wide, two feet deep, and had a current of
about two miles an hour, and thence proceeded along near the south bank of the Tercero, over
pampa, as far as the post-house of “Caheza del Tigre,” where we stopped for the siesta. Half
way we passed a post-house called the “Esquina de Lovaton.”

“La Cabeza del Tigre” is better fortified than most of the post-houses we had passed. It is
surrounded by two walls and an intermediate cactus hedge, with another cactus hedge and a
ditch outside of all. Besides the post-house, there are one or two huts outside of the fortifica-
tions. Weather very oppressive. Thermometer 93° in the coolest place about the post.

This day, for the first time, I was obliged to use authority with the arriero. He fancied that
his animals were suffering in their hoofs from the heat of the ground, and wished to stop for
the siesta on a part of the road where there was neither shelter nor fire-wood with which
to cook our dinner ; and although the post-house was in sight, about a league and a half farther
on, I was only enabled to force him to proceed to it by threatening not to pay him the stipulated
price on arrival in Rosario. The secret of the matter was, that my man was as avaricious as
he could be, and invariably preferred camping away from settlements, for fear of having some-
thing to pay.

Left the post-house about 4 p. M., and travelled till 8 o’clock, when we camped three miles to
the eastward of the post called “La Cruz Alta.” Country pampa, with occasional marshes.
Wind E.S.E. Weather clear. Mosquitos awful.

December 31. — Five miles farther brought us to the post called the “Guardia delaEsquina,”
which is not so well fortified as many others. It is surrounded by quite a collection of huts,
in one of which I saw a young man and his sister who had been captives among the Indians,
but had succeeded in effecting their escape. They had been about a year among the “ Chris-
tians,” and the woman had married, but the man was pining to return to savage life. He
sold me Jais best jmncho, and with the money proposed to purchase a horse to carry him hack
to the Indian Gountry. Saw also a remarkably pretty and bright-eyed girl— not a very com-
mon sight on the pampa.

The Rio Tercero here was near fifty yards wide, apparently deep, and had a current of about
three miles an hour. The gauchos had lassoed and dragged on its banks a few large logs,
indications that the country is better wooded farther up.

Left “La Guardia,” passed the post of Arequitas, then a deserted two-story brick house, and
stopped for the siesta at one of the ranchos in the vicinity of the post of Los Desmochados.
The post-road which follows the river Tercero from beyond Saladillo here leaves it, and turns
more to the southward, the river trending to the northward.

On the afternoon of our arrival at the Desmochados a violent thunder-storm arose ; and as
the rain continued all night, we did not leave our comfortable quarters at the farm. The
people did everything they could to make our time agreeable. I had a good meal, a comforta-
ble room, where there was a raw-hide bedstead and no bugs, and, what was more important,
some one to talk to, for which I was beginning to feel great necessity in consequence of the
taciturnity of my arriero and his man. The people were very devout, and had prayers at night
in presence of the whole family. I was in my room when they commenced their devotions,

40

FROM SAN LUIS TO ROSARIO.

and, without being aware of what they were about, intruded, hut did not disturb them in the
least: the old lady offered me a chair, and the service went on as usual. When the thunder-
storm commenced, a little hell was brought out, and rung violently at every sharp flash of
lightning, with a view of warding off danger. They had implicit faith in its virtues, as it had
been specially consecrated for that purpose. This superstition probably comes from Spain. In
Moratin’s comedy called “El si de las Ninas,” L> na Francisca, in examining the presents
made her by the nuns whom she had just visited, mates an exclamation of delight on discover-
ing among them a little bell blessed for thunder — “una campanilla de barro bendito para los.
truenos.”

January 1, 1853. — Set out at 5 A. M., and at 3 p. m. arrived at the town of Rosario, situated
on the west bank of the Rio Parana; and here my journey on horseback ended.

The day was rainy, and our road lay over pampa and, in some places, very marshy ground.
This is not the post-road, but a short cut through the country — that road turning more to the
southward, and passing round the marshy ground. Saw an iguana, about four feet long. Passed
several ranchos and immense herds of mares grazing. As we approached the town, we of
course found the houses more frequent.

About twelve miles out, the vegetation of the pampa, instead of being wire-grass, as we had
had it all along, was principally fennel, thistle, and other weeds. From the accounts of some
travellers, one is led to believe that there is at certain seasons a rank growth of thistles all the
way across the country. This, I think, is a mistake. Thistles are common near Buenos Ayres
and Montevideo, and generally near the river banks; but on other parts of my road I saw no
signs of such a growth.

Paid the arriero the sum agreed on for my transportation from San Luis, (sixty-five dollars,)
gave him all my blankets and some other riding gear, and dismissed him, rather glad of the
riddance. The rascal had so little grace as to offer the blankets for sale before my eyes within
two minutes after he had received them. It was very plain that he had no romantic ideas of
sympathetic affection. I was obliged to sell my saddle, bridle, and holsters, in order to raise
means to pay expenses down the river; for I was reduced to the last extremity in money
matters.

CHAPTER V.

ROSARIO, AND A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES AND BACK.

DESCRIPTION OF ROSARIO.— COMMERCE.— DANGERS OF THE ROAD ACROSS THE PAMPA.— VOYAGE DOWN THE RIVER.—
VESSEL LOAD OF FRIARS.— BIRD CALLED THE “BIEN TE VEO.”— RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES.— OBTAIN PERMIS-
SION TO RETRACE MT STEPS.— SAIL FOR MONTEVIDEO.— AN OVER-RELIGIOUS FELLOW PASSENGER.— ARRIVE is EH>
RIO DE LA PLATA.— VOYAGE TO ROSARIO.— HAMPERED WITH A FRENCHMAN.— NEW IMPRESSIONS OF ROSARIO.—
DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING CONVEYANCE TO MENDOZA.

El Rosario is the most modern-looking town on the road. With the exception of huts on the
outskirts, the buildings are all of brick and mortar, and for one falling to decay there are ten
being built. The plaza has on one side a neat church, and on the others comfortable-looking stores
and residences, in front of which there are wide sidewalks — the latter being unusual in Spanish
American towns. The streets are not yet paved, but in most places have sidewalks. Along
the west bank of the river there are occasional algarrobas, and lower down on the flats there
is a grove of willows. The banks are about forty feet high; and in muddy weather it is rather
a difficult undertaking to reach the landing-place — there being no improvements in that direc-
tion for foot-passengers, and the road very much cut up by ox-carts. While I was there, there
were eighteen vessels loading for Buenos Ayres and Montevideo. Nearly all were owned and
sailed by Italians, although under the Buenos Ayrean flag.

The opening of navigation of the river, and the blockade of Buenos Ayres, had brought all
the trade of the interior to Rosario ; and as transportation from there by water is so much
easier than by land, it is probable that the town will increase rapidly. There is very little
cultivated land about it; and, indeed, after leaving the Villa del Rio Cuarto I saw no more than
small garden spots near some of the post-houses.

As it is usual at both ends of the road to talk a great deal about the dangers of crossing the
pampa, it may be as well to say something here on the subject.

As the Indians were at peace when I passed over it, I cannot speak from experience with regard
to danger from them; hut I do not believe it ever has been very great for travellers. Their
inroads were generally made at night, and with great secrecy; and their principal object was to
drive off mares and horned cattle. If in the pursuit of this they fell in with defenceless drovers
or herdsmen, they usually put them to death — partly to prevent news of their presence being
carried to the fort, though most generally from a desire to retaliate, or from a naturally cruel
disposition; and it is probable that travellers fallen in with under the same circumstances have
shared the same fate. But as it was contrary to the interest of the Indians to follow the main
road, or of travellers to take any other, these encounters were not of frequent occurrence. At
all events, I do not think that, for an Englishman or an American, the danger from Indians ever
was or ever will be so great as that to be apprehended from some of the lower class gauchos.
We are all known as or are supposed to be heretics, the shedding of whose blood is not considered
a very grave sin, and is sometimes even considered a merit. To the commission of this meri-
torious act let there be added the prospect of pecuniary benefit, and the heretic who finds him-
self unprepared, and in a lonely place, with no other company than two or three gauchos,
stands but little chance for his life. As they are cowardly, so are they treacherous; their usual
mode of attack being to approach with a very civil air, requesting tire or a cigar, and at the
first unguarded moment of the traveller out comes a knife, and — adios!

6*

42

ROSARIO, AND A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES AND BACK.

Generally, however, there is no necessity to run sncli risk. By taking a well-known arriero,
and being careful not to stray away from him when near suspicious characters, hut little clanger
need be apprehended. From the arriero there is nothing to fear, if proper precaution lias been
taken to procure one well recommended. They know very well that, if anything happen to
their “ patron,” they will he required to account for him; hut it is quite as necessary to learn
who and what the persons recommending one are, as to know the character of the arriero himself.
Generally it is better to refer to the chief of police, or juez del barrio. A Chileno in San Luis
recommended my man, Luis Alvarez, to me, and I ascertained afterwards that it was only to
recover a debt of four dollars due from him. On my second journey across the country, as
there was some difficulty in obtaining good horses in the province of San Luis, I inquired for
Alvarez, intending to bargain with him to carry me to Mendoza, hut was told that I had better
put my head in the fire than trust myself with him, for he was the greatest knave in the country.
The Chileno was among those who gave me this advice, notwithstanding his former recom-
mendation.

If, in addition to other precautions, the traveller on the pampa will profess himself a Catholic,
or “Christian,” (as the Catholics are called), or wear a rosary, cross, or scapulary, in such a
manner that it may he seen, the danger will he much less ; for, as it is unusual to see a “gringo”
who is not a heretic, any exception is looked upon with great consideration.

I do not know that I would have been exposed to danger under any circumstances, hut am
satisfied that the chance was much less in consequence of my having a scapulary — a present
from a friend in Chile — worn at first as a memento ; hut so soon as I found that my arriero,
although a great knave, was a devout Catholic, I determined to make another use of it, and
allowed myself to he surprised several times attentively regarding it, apparently engaged in
my devotions. The desired effect was produced, and I was firmly believed to he a Christian;
taking which in an un-catholic sense, I never denied.

What I have said of the arrieros may also he said of the postillions who accompany travellers
from one post to another ; they are considered perfectly trust-worthy.

On the oth of January I embarked on hoard of an uncomfortable little Italian schooner, for
Buenos Ayres, where I arrived on the 10th, heartily sick and tired of the mosquitos and of
eating tripe and maccaroni — the only food our captain provided.

On the passage down the river we passed an Italian brig on her way up, which had on board
some forty friars bound across the country to Chile.

It often struck me, as we drifted or sailed down the Parana, that the people thereabouts ought
to be very honest. There is a little bird very common on its banks, called, from its notes,
“bienteveo.” These notes come out so suddenly and clearly, that I thought it would be
impossible to be guilty of bad conduct in the presence of the little monitors. Sometimes when
taking a pull at the captain’s jug of aguardiente, the clear, sharp, and spiteful “que bien te
veo' ’ — how well I see you — would break on me from the overhanging trees, and almost induce
me to return the jug untouched to its locker.

I arrived in Buenos Ayres without money, and was unable to get a draft cashed ; so that I
was in a strait. Commodore McKeever relieved me, however, by giving an order on Purser
Gulick, of the Jamestown, for the amount of pay due me.

The custom-house officials in Buenos Ayres apj>eared to take particular delight in throwing
as many obstacles in my way as their infamous system admitted. Before attempting to disem-
bark my baggage, I went to the resguardo, and stated that, besides personal equipage, I had a
set oi instruments, with which I proposed to make a series of observations, and was told that
there would be no difficulty in passing them. Acting on this assurance, I landed and got my
things into a cart, expecting to have no other trouble than merely opening them on the mole.
On the contrary, I was obliged to go to the custom-house for a permit; and from the custom-
house it was necessary to go and look for a shop where stamped paper could be bought ; then to
find some person who would word the permit in due form ; and finally to the collectors, to get

ROSARIO, AND A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES AND RACE.

43

it signed. Supposing my troubles over, I repaired to the mole, where, after unpacking in
presence of the officers of the resguardo, I found that I should he obliged to carry everything to
the custom-house, because, forsooth, some of the instruments looked new. At the custom-house
it was necessary to go through the same labor of unpacking again — and all this in the sunshine,
with the temperature of the air about 90°, that of my temper at 212°. When the curiosity of
the clerks was satisfied, I was told quietly that the instruments could not pass, because they
were not comestibles — as if anybody ever supposed that magnetical instruments were comestible.
Heartily wishing that the custom-house officers were food for the worms, I repaired to the col-
lector, and, by speaking my mind very freely to him, succeeded in getting an order to have the
things passed.

After making a full set of observations in Buenos Ayres and Montevideo, I embarked on
board the American barque “Almeida,” Captain Kearney, and without special incident arrived
at New York, after a passage of fifty-six days.

A short time before my return, Congress had passed a law giving extra pay to officers and men
who had served in the Pacific during the Mexican war, and I found myself with sufficient funds
to enable me to return to South America and ascertain the longitudes of my stations satisfactorily,
as also to complete the chain of barometrical measures across the country. Having obtained
permission to do so, at my own expense, I again, on the 12th of August, 1853, sailed from New
York for Montevideo, on board of the ship “Margaret Eliza.” We had a pleasant passage out,
and an agreeable set of passengers, with the exception that they were too religious for me. One
of them, who was fresh and red-hot from a camp-meeting at Cape Cod, seemed to think it his
special mission on earth to convert me, and gave me no peace until he concluded I was past redemp-
tion. He was constantly telling me, with a whining, nasal twang, that he had Christ in his
heart ; he knew it ; he felt it : that he was ready to die at any moment, and that death had no
terrors for him. Nevertheless he was very scary about the ship ; and all day long, in bad weather,
when not praying, would sit in the boat stowed on the poop, and watch both captain and i he
weather with intense anxiety. If a squall struck the ship, he would turn very pale, shut his
teeth hard, and hold on to the boat’s gunwale with both hands, looking the picture of terror.
On such occasions I could not resist a desire to ask him if he had Christ in his heart then.

I made a set of observations in Montevideo, and another in Buenos Ayres, and then engaged
passage in a Buenos Ayrean schooner for Rosario. The captain and crew were, as usual,
Italians.

On embarking, I found some seven or eight passengers, among whom there was an overgrown,
sentimental-looking Frenchman, who appeared to be a stranger to all on board, and was pen-
sively whiling away time with a flute. His green spectacles, and indeed everything about him,
made me suppose he was an author, and it was not until we were near Rosario that I found him
to be a cook— a regular Parisian artiste — who had been thrown out of occupation by the siege
of Buenos Ayres; was “hard up,” and bound to Chile in search of employment. All this was
told me when he learned that I had been looking for a servant in Buenos Ayres. He was
anxious to serve me, and asked no more than that I should pay his expens s , but as I wanted
a man accustomed to the country and to the management of horses, I declined the oflei, suggest-
ing, however, that he should make a bargain with the arriero whom I might employ, and in
that way he could get a mule or two added to my train at a very low price. This he decided to
do, and I thus became burdened with an incumbrance that could not be gotten lid of until our
arrival in Chile.

Rosario did not make so great impression at my second visit as at the first. The houses did
not look so fine, nor did the dresses of foreigners, attired in the European stile, appear so
elegant. I suppose the reason was, that on the first visit I saw it after crossing the pampa,
where nearly all the towns have an aspect of decay, while on the second I was fresh from New
York. Nevertheless it is an exceedingly thriving place, and even during my short absence
gave evidence of increased prosperity, in the organization of a club of foreign residents, vhere

44

ROSARIO, AND A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES AND BACK.

the amusements incident to civilized life were afforded to the better class of citizens and visitors ;
and in the establishment of agencies to some of the large English and German commercial
houses, as well as in the increased size of the town itself.

There was greater difficulty in obtaining conveyance to Mendoza than I had anticipated.
There are no professional arrieros about Rosario, except those who come down with trains from
the interior, and all my efforts to find a trust-worthy man who would transport me, with baggage
and instruments, at anything like a reasonable rate, were unavailing. The only chance was to
buy animals, and hire the men myself; and this might have been the most economical if I had
been accustomed to a country life ; but as there was a strong probability of being imposed on
by careless or dishonest men, who would either lose or steal the animals, I did not care to run
the risk. I next tried for a carriage; but the expense was too heavy. Then the idea of buying
an ox-cart and three or four pairs of oxen suggested itself ; but this, too, offered so many diffi-
culties in the way of time and money, that it was abandoned. At length, after losing several
days in fruitless negotiations, I determined to go by post, for one of my objects was to arrive
in Mendoza in time to observe the solar eclipse of the 30th of November.

CHAPTER VI.

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

LEAVE ROSARIO BY POST.— POST-HOUSES.— ARMADILLOS.— SALADILLO DE RUI DIAZ.— FRAILE MUERTO.— FAMILY OF

THE COMAND ANTE.— VILLAGE SCHOOL.— MASTER OF THE POST AT THE ARROYO DE SAN JOs£. VIOLENT

THUNDER STORM AND EXTRAORDINARY DISCHARGES OF ELECTRICITY. VILLA DE LA CONCEPCION. TIIE

LANDLORD AND HIS COMPANION. — LABORS OF THE VESSEL LOAD OF FRIARS. — SAN JOSE. SAN LUIS. —

BOILING-POINT APPARATUS. COLONEL BAIGORRI.— EL BALDE. CATCH A TARTAR. ACOKOCORTO. .MY MAN

DON MARCOS. THE FRENCHMAN’S FALLS ACCOUNTED FOR. ARRIVE IN MENDOZA. RESUME. NATURE OF THE

COUNTRY. AGRICULTURE. RIVERS. CANALS. RAILROAD. ANIMALS. BIRDS.

After having made arrangements to send all my heavy baggage hy a train of ox-carts, and to
take with me only what was absolutely necessary, packed in two small trunks, I advised the
Frenchman to go hy the carts, because it would cost him very little ; hut, as he expressed great
disinclination to travel alone, it was decided that as the two would require hut one postillion,
he would he relieved of that part of the expense, and therefore should accompany me.

We left Rosario at half-past three p. m. of the 7th of November, and rode at a gallop through
a hard rain a distance of about twenty-four miles, to the post-house called El Saladillo de la
Orqueta, only stopping to change horses at the post-house “ De Luna,” as there were then no
accommodations for travellers.

Procured a chicken for supper at the Saladillo de la Orqueta, and a hide bedstead to sleep on.
Foolishly pulled off my hoots on going to bed, and in the morning found my feet so much
swollen that I could not get them on : therefore travelled in slippers, which, as one of my
ankles is weak, was exceedingly inconvenient.

November 8. — Changed horses at the post of La Candelaria, and stopped at Los Desmochados
for dinner, hut could obtain none. This post consists of three or four adobe huts ; that for
travellers having a hide bedstead in it, which was occupied while we were there hy a sick
gaucho, who stuck to it like a leech, taking care when he had necessity to go out, to have a
friend occupy it until he should return, for fear we would take possession. Besides this bed,
there was the usual adobe bed-place against the wall ; hut as we had ridden all the morning in
a hard rain, our things were too wet to sleep in, and we therefore determined to push on to the
next post-house. The beautiful girl I had seen the trip before at the Guardia de la Esquina
was now at the Desmochados, having married a ferocious-looking gaucho.

Pushed on to the post of “ Arequitas,” where I arrived so completely used up that I could
with difficulty sit my horse. The barometer and three chronometers, together with my money
and cartridges, after three or four hours’ travel, appeared to weigh twice as much as before.
Weather still rainy. Found the master of the post very civil and attentive.

November 9. — The first post to La Guardia de la Esquina lies over pampa. Passed a polecat
in the road, which was disposed to show fight; hut as he had the advantage of weapons, I hacked
out. Found everything about the post-house exactly as I had left it, except that the man who
sold me his poncho had left for the Indian country, and the pretty girl was away.

Second post to “ La Cruz Alta.” Crossed and recrossed the Rio Tercero at fords which were
about twenty-five yards wide and a foot deep. Stream not near so full as on my former journey.

Cruz Alta is a little settlement of some twenty huts, with gardens about them. There, as
elsewhere on the road, we were pestered hy people desirous to change Cordova money, which

4G

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

is not current in any of tlie other provinces. Stopped here for dinner and rest, for the French-
man was tired out, and had travelled the last post with a firm hold on the crupper and pummel
of the saddle.

Third post to La Cabeza del Tigre, where we stopped for the night. Road leads near the
south side of the Tercero, which, as its hanks are high and hare of trees, is only marked on
the pampa by a dark streak. One of the peons about the place having just returned from a
hunting expedition, on which, with the aid of dogs, he had captured a dozen armadillos, I
ordered one prepared for supper, and found its flesh very savory. The meat is dark, and
resembles that of the opossum in flavor. We had a chicken to fall hack on in case we did not
like the armadillo ; hut the Frenchman, who for the first and only time volunteered his pro-
fessional services, spoiled it by too much seasoning. Passed the night here, and experienced
very sensibly one of the great inconveniences of travelling fast on horseback before being accus-
tomed to it. All night long in my muscles I felt the gallop of the horse, the weight of the
barometer hanging across my shoulder, and the breech of the carbine thumping against my
hack, exactly as if I had been awake and riding.

November 10. — Our first post was to “'Esquina de Lovaton,” coasting the river; country
pampa. Saw a number of horn-plovers, and birds resembling canaries, though smaller.

Second post to the Saladillo de Rui Diaz, where w< stopped for a set of observations. This
place did not present the same appearance of business as on the first trip. Here I was bothered,
as usual, by people seeking remedies for their diseases.

During the night — which we spent at this post — we had rain, thunder, and lightning, con-
fining us to the house, where our companions were fleas and lice.

November 11. — To the post-house of Las Barrancas. First part of our ride rainy, and last
part clear. The master of the post at Saladillo maliciously gave me a horse that would not
stand to he mounted, which came very near finishing my trip suddenly. After the rain ceased,
I alighted to put my poncho on the crupper, and when about remounting, the horse dashed off
before I could get into the saddle ; hut by good luck and hanging on by his mane, I succeeded
in attaining my seat before he had gone far.

The river at the Barrancas was only fifteen yards wide and one foot deep. It had very little
current, and was brackish. The post-house consists of three mud-huts, unenclosed.

Second post to the Zanjon. Passed a rancho ; country pampa ; vegetation, wire-grass; river
hank in sight, about a mile from the road. This post-house is worse than the last ; it consists
of two ranchos, with the wreck of a shed for a kitchen. We could get nothing to eat there hut
four eggs.

From this post to the village of “ Fraile Muerto” country pampa, with occasional hammocks
of chanares and algarrobas. Passed several ranchos to the right and left; and also two women
on one horse, the oldest and ugliest of whom rode astraddle.

Stopped in Fraile Muerto for the night, and for work on the next day.

The village is built in an irregular and straggling manner, and contains a population of
about seven hundred inhabitants. It has some few comparatively good houses, the best being
that of the governor. The post-house is a part of his, and is the most comfortable on the road.
Here the attentive care of the servants of the governor, who is also master of the post, made our
time very pleasant.

This gentleman appeared to use his authority over the people to a very good end. By per-
suasion or force he had induced them to plant fruit-trees, and build walls to enclose their
grounds ; had established a school, and forced them to send their children to it ; and in other
respects had paid such attention to the comfort and appearance of the place as to give it a much
more prosperous look than others of its size on the road.

He had an intelligent and agreeable family, whom I could not help pitying for being obliged
to live so far removed from the refinements of the society to which they had evidently been
accustomed elsewhere.

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

47

While there we saw a procession of hare-headed, and in some instances hare-breeched b >vs,
on their way to chapel to hear mass ; the schoolmaster following them, armed wi h a la ge
rod, apparently for the purpose of whipping up the stragglers. They were chanting a hymn in
a very monotonous tone.

November 13. — First post to Las Tres Cruces. Road the same. Weather clear. Met at this
place a Cordovese merchant, whose galera had broken down on the road. 'e was verv elo-
quent on the subject of the misfortunes to which travellers are exposed. Next, to the post of
“Esquina de Medrano,” consisting of two tolerably good houses, and three or four ranchos.
Road pretty well wooded with chahares and algarrobas. Saw a number of scissor-birds, and
passed the broken galera in the road. Its passengers consisted of two priestlings, on their way
to Buenos Ayres to receive holy orders, and two young women under charge of the merchant I
had met at T Cruces.

The river at Esquina de Medrano was nearly dry, hut the water was good. We had found
at nearly all the post-houses, before this, very good well-water.

The wife of the keeper of the post at Las Tres Cruces was evidently master, for which I had
reason to he thankful ; because the nominal master gave me a very vicious horse, which she
made him change for one more gentle. The postillion rode that which had been destined fu-
me; and I was satisfied, from his tricks on the road, that I should have had a fall.

Third post to the Arroyo de San JosA From the Esquina de Medrano the road follows the
course of the river for about three miles, and then separates from the Cordova road, turning to
the \ estward, at a rancheria called the Esquina de Ballesteros, consisting of twenty or thirty
houses. Thence to the Arroyo de San Jose, a small stream of tolerable water, about three
yards wide and six inches deep. It rises a short distance to the southward, and runs towards
the Tercero, hut is absorbed before reaching it. There are a few huts on its banks, and the
place is known by the name of the Cabral. The post-house is nearly a league farther on.

About half way we passed a rancho, with one or two small patches of land planted in corn ;
they were unenclosed, and, as usual in similar cases, a man on horseback supplied the place of
a fence.

The post-house consists of an ordinary adobe dwelling, with the travellers’ room adjoining,
and a few huts near it for the use of peons. In the absence of travellers, their room is generally
occupied by dogs. The master of the post, who was a dirty old fellow, relused to let us have
our meal separately ; but when his own was ready, invited us to join him. It consisted of the
usual pampa fare — junks of beef — and was eaten in the customary manner, each one helping
himself from the same dish — for there were no plates — and fingers served for forks. One
peculiarity of these people is, that they seem to consider it necessary to spread a cloth over the
table; and, in nine post-houses out of ten, these are actually so filthy as to spoil any hut the
most ravenous appetite. For this reason I always preferred to go to the fire and get iny
dinner, as the peons do, directly from the spit.

Passed the night here; and in consequence of the filth of the inside, we preferred to sleep out-
doors.

November 14. — To the “Canada de Luca.” Road over pampa. Passed a rancheria, and,
at some distance south of the road, a grove of trees. As they had no burden-horses at the last
post-house, my trunks were put on one not broken to packs, and he gave us great trouble «>n
the road.

This post consists of two wretched huts, and has nothing in the world to leeommend it
except good well-water.

To the Tortoral. Country the same. Passed a rancho on the left and a laguna on the
right. The Frenchman was thrown from his horse, but, except a tew bruises, sufiered no h.um,
This post-house consists of a good dwelling, a tolerably clean room for passengers, and one or
two out-houses, and is much more comfortable than the two preceding. Its name, lmtmul,

48

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

comes from a marsh and pond near "by, overgrown with a kind of blade-grass called tortora.
In this pond there were a large number of flamingoes feeding

After a good dinner, proceeded to the next post, called El Guanaco ; where, although it was
still early, we stopped for the night, on account of the inability of my companion to travel
farther. This gave me a good of deal uneasiness. I was apprehensive that from had riding,
some serious accident would happen to him ; and knowing him to be almost destitute of means,
I should have been very reluctant to abandon him in the road ; while, on the other hand, any
detention would have defeated the object of my expedition. Up to the last post he had been of
some service in helping to arrange the load on the burden-horse, and I had willingly paid his
expenses ; but as he was no longer of use on account of the fall, and, moreover, as I was afraid
of getting a fall myself, from the frequent changes to horses I did not know, I took an extra
postillion from El G-uanaco, to carry the barometer and aid in adjusting the load. As far as
the barometer was concerned, I soon found the postillion so awkward that I preferred to
carry it myself.

November 15. — To the post of Tambillos. Country the same, with the exception that near
the post-house there is a considerable sand-hill, which is unusual on the pampa. The post con-
sists of two or three houses situated on the banks of a laguna, surrounded by thinly wooded
sand-cliffs, and, for the pampa, has a decidedly picturesque appearance. The master of the
post had a family of very handsome children, the males of which were occupied in tending
horses and cattle, and the females at their accustomed occupation of embroidering calzoncillas.
One of the latter was very desirous to buy my vest, as a present for her father.

After a long delay in procuring horses, we set out for the post of Chucul, where we arrived
about four o’clock, but found no person whatever at the place. Road over pampa, but very
much cut up by rains.

Chucul consists of one hut, and is situated on the east bank of a stream of good water, run-
ning to the southeastward ; the same stream was passed on my first trip, near a place where it
spreads out in marshes, and is called there Las Chilcas, but here is designated by the name of
the post.

My companion, whose habit was to ride carelessly when not fatigued, swinging arms
and body to the tune of some French opera, and who wore green glasses, in order to see
nature under the most favorable auspices, neglected to guide his horse, and allowed him to
tread into a biscacha hole. The consequence was that the pair of them got a fall, though
fortunately there was no harm done.

"We were in a great strait at Chucul, for we could get no other postillion than a boy so small
as to be unable to arrange the load, but, by good luck, an arriero happened to pass, who did us
this favor, else we should have been obliged to do it ourselves. Not that either of us objected to
the work, but it requires more skill than we were possessed of to arrange a pack-saddle, and
lash on its load in such manner that it will not turn.

Between Chucul and the Villa del Rio Cuarto we were caught in a violent storm, that lasted
about two hours, during which the wind blew from every direction, commencing at southwest,
and going around by south through all the points of the compass. The lightning surpassed any-
thing I have ever seen — discharges taking place from the earth towards the clouds, and from
the clouds towards the earth, not far apart, and almost simultaneously; some of those going
upwards were remarkably like rockets, exploding after reaching the clouds, and sending off
numbers of smaller flashes in different directions. Then, again, there were flashes like balls of
opaque light, or the turning a dark lantern across the eyes, shining dimly for a moment, and
then disappearing. The rain and hail, in the mean time, were very violent; the latter inflicting
such severe blows, that we were obliged to turn our backs to the wind, and wait for it to shift,
before we could proceed on our journey.

I am aware that it is not orthodox to say that the clouds and earth were discharging elec-
tricity at the same time; nor do I state this. I only assert what the evidence of my senses

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

49

assured me was perfectly true — namely, that at or near the same moment and place, discharges
of electricity occurred vertically upward and perpendicularly downward. During the storm
occasional puffs of warm air passed by, indicating that it was a local phenomenon, and confined
to a small space, which after experience proved to be the fact; for we found that at the time we
felt the storm, it rained hut little in the Villa del Rio Cuarto, and a short distance to the west-
ward it did not rain at all. As soon as the wind was sufficiently fair for us we pursued our
journey, and arrived at the villa about ten o’clock at night.

On going down the steep cliff to the bed of the Rio Cuarto we came near having a mishap,
the rain having rendered the road so slippery that it was very difficult to descend. The postil-
lion, who was ahead leading the baggage-horse, got down very well; but the Frenchman, who
followed next, had not descended half way when his horse slipped, and for a while the pair of
them floundered in the mud at a terrible rate ; hut at length the horse lodged in a gutter, with his
heels in the air, from which we had some trouble to extricate him, and the Frenchman escaped
with no other damage than being muddy from head to foot. We found very little water in tho
river — not a tenth of what there was at the same place I crossed before.

Stopped at the old posada, and found Don Pancho still drunk. In addition to his imperti-
nence, I had to suffer that of a drunken companion, who claimed to be the son of some foreigner,
and seemed to think this fact gave him exclusive right to he civil to me. As soon as I asked if
we could have something to eat, he bolted out of the house, and in a few minutes returned with
a disgusting mess of scraps of beef — the remains of his own dinner. On my refusing to partake
of it he became outrageous ; and, eventually, it was necessary to point a cocked pistol at him in
order to get rid of him.

November 16. — Weather partially cloudy. Made a set of observations.

November 17. — Detained by rainy weather.

From what I heard in this place, the troop of friars passed on the Parana, last journey, must
have sweated under their load here. Their provincial, or leader, preached two sermons a day
for the nine days they remained, and all the friars — thirty-five, I think — had authority to receive
confession and give absolution. This they did in the church, every day, except Thursdays and
Sundays, when they sallied forth to visit the houses and receive confessions of the sick, the lame,
and the lazy. When they left town, all the women, and half of the men, accompanied them on
the road, and government furnished them with an escort of fifty soldiers as far as the province
of Mendoza.

November 18. — The weather was still rainy; hut as we had already lost one day, I determined
to set out. Before doing so, however, in order to have no further trouble with the load, I made
a contract with a man to accompany us and attend to its arrangement.

Left town at 8 o’clock, and rode till night, when we stopped in Achiras. Changed horses at
the post-houses of “Los Ojos de Agua ” and Las Barranquitas. Weather chilly. Wind
southwest, with a heavy Scotch mist. As the road from the Villa del Rio Cuarto is the same
passed over on my first trip, it is unnecessary to say anything about the country.

November 19. — To San Jose del Morro, where we were delayed for the remainder of the day,
because the villain of a post-master would not have his horses brought up. It turned out that
he had a letter to write to San Luis ; and notwithstanding he had all the afternoon belore him,
he put off writing till the next morning, again delaying us more than two hours. Between
Achiras and San Jose we changed horses at the post of Portezuelo, which consists of two or
three huts, situated at the eastern base of a range of rocky hills running to the northward.

November 20. — To the post-house of Rio Quinto, where we dined. The heat oi the sun was so
oppressive as to produce, at times, a film over my eyes and a singing in the ears. Found much
less water in the river than on the former occasion. Alter dinner, set out on such wretchedly
lean horses, that, from the heat and length of the post, (twelve leagues), we could not afford to
push them until after nightfall, and even then we could not get more than a draggling trot out
of them; we therefore did not arrive at San Luis till after midnight. We found the city illu-

50

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

minated — that is to say, there was a light over the door of each of the four principal houses in
the main street — in celebration of the election of electors for the presidency of the confederation.
The people were all up, and nearly all in the hotel were either drunk or gambling, or both. I
met there a Chilean acquaintance, bound to Buenos Ayres to embark for England, who gave me
very bad accounts of the condition of the post-horses farther on — as little encouraging to me as
my information on the same subject was to him.

November IT. — Made a set of observations here, and, as had been done at Bosario and the
Villa del Bio Cuarto, tried the boiling-point apparatus. In Bosario it indicated the same
atmospheric pressure as the barometer, but in the Villa del Bio Cuarto, and at this place, very
much lower temperature.

I had been desirous, from the time of my departure from Bosario until my arrival in San Luis,
to fall in with a Colonel Baigorri — a great man among the Indians — from whom I wished to
obtain a safe conduct, in case opportunity should offer for me to penetrate into the Indian
country to the southward; but before my arrival he had gone off among them. His nephew,
however, was there, engaged in the very characteristic occupation of trying to stab a man with
whom he had quarrelled over the gambling table, and to accomplish which he made several
unsuccessful efforts during the day.

Colonel Baigorri is a Putano, or a native of San Luis de la Punta, who committed murder,
and, to escape the penalty, took refuge among the Indians, where he was kept for a while in
close captivity, but was allowed, subsequently, to accompany plundering parties, and on these
occasions committed more atrocities than the Indians themselves, after which he was granted
full liberty. He soon became a man of great consideration among them, and was their pleni-
potentiary in all treaties or transactions with the different towns or provinces on the frontier.
After the fall of Bosas — the late Dictator of the confederation — General Urquiza succeeded,
through Baigorri, in making a treaty with the Indians on a firmer basis than any they had had
before ; and up to the time I left the country, its conditions — paying a tribute in mares on one
side, and abstaining from predatory incursions on the other — had been strictly observed, and
the beneficial effects were apparent in the greater confidence with which people along the fron-
tier devoted themselves to raising cattle. Besides this, Urquiza had made Baigorri a colonel,
and his nephew a captain in the army, and, to create greater confidence between the two races,
had adopted the rather dangerous plan of placing one of the frontier forts under charge of the
former, who, I was told, would man it with Indians.

November 22. — Posted, on wretched horses, to El Balde. Found the post-house in charge of
a woman, who was the most shrewish vixen I had ever met. At first, she was all amiability;
but when I had satisfied her curiosity respecting the instruments, and commenced to hurry her
for the horses, stating that I was an officer on duty for the confederation, she inveighed vio-
lently against the government for requiring her to keep horses ; against travellers in a hurry ;
and particularly against the drought, which had lasted so long that her animals were as lean
as skeletons.

I had heard, before leaving San Luis, that at the Desaguadero, the next post to the Balde,
the horses were worse than at any other point, and therefore asked the woman to inquire if any
of her neighbors had animals with which they would take me directly to Acorocorto, prom-
ising to pay double post-fare the whole way. After getting dinner, for which we paid roundly,
and waiting patiently two or three hours, I inquired the result of her efforts, and was informed
that an old man, whom I had seen about the house ever since our arrival, would take us for
double post as far as the Desaguadero, but that he would go no farther. It vexed me so much
to find that we had lost three hours by the humbugging of the woman — who knew as well as I
did that she was obliged to furnish horses to the Desaguadero for single post charge — that I
lost all patience, and told her if she did not immediately give me horses I would send my ser-
vant to San Luis, and see what the government could do for her; and, moreover, if she did not
stir herself, I would have her saddled and ridden to the devil. It was worth anything to see

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

5L

how the old termagant hopped around at that. As for listening to what she said, it would not
have been advisable. I certainly did not, hut rested satisfied with the fact that the desired
effect had been produced, for we soon had the horses forthcoming. While settling my accounts,
I noticed a malicious twinkle in her eyes, and we had not gone far before we found that she
had, to use a common expression, “taken her change.” A set of more worthless animals I never
saw. By nightfall we were only a third of the way, and two of the horses were so dead beat
that neither whipping nor spurring would induce them to go farther, and we were obliged to
stop in the woods, where there was neither water nor food. The next morning (November 23)
we started early, and after travelling at a snail’s pace, got about five leagues farther, when we
were obliged to halt again and let the horses rest; so that it was near eleven o’clock before we
reached the post-house of the Desaguadero.

After obtaining something to eat for ourselves, my attention was atfracted to the woebegone
looks of our postillion, and another, a boy about fourteen years old, who had arrived with a
courier two or three hours before. We had passed this little fellow two leagues out, sleeping
in the sun while his horses grazed, and he had turned back with us. On inquiring, 1 learned,
that although neither of them had eaten for twenty-four hours, and had to return immediately
with their horses, which would probably occupy nearly twenty-four hours more, they could get
nothing to eat, because they had no money. Of course, I ordered as much as would satisfy
their hunger, which, by the way, was no little, and after giving them a real or so, saw them
off, highly contented.

The post-house of the Desaguadero is nearly four miles south of the ford by which we crossed
it on the former trip. It consists of two or three miserable ranchos. The travellers’ room, at
the time we passed, was occupied by two litters of puppies and several chickens.

As it was very warm, the thermometer being 97° in the sun, and the wet-bulb 72°, we allowed
the heat of the day to pass before we continued our journey. At midnight, arrived at Acoro-
corto, after a long, dusty, and tiresome ride. Found but little accommodation at the post-house,
and less desire to accommodate; the master of the post being the nabob of the place, and con-
sequently too important a personage to attend to the wants of travellers, but not too great,
to receive their money.

Before arriving at this place, my man “Don Marcos” informed me that at one time he had
been better off in the world, and as we were now approaching a part of the country where he
was well known, it would be very mortifying for him to have his friends suppose he was trav-
elling as a servant. He therefore requested I would say that he was merely accompanying us.
I told him I did not care how he represented himself, provided he performed his work. But
when we arrived he walked into the post-house, told the master of the j)ost — who was an
acquaintance, by the way — that he had been taken sick at the Bio Cuarto, and was returning
home in our company; then seated himself very comfortably, leaving me to unsaddle my horse
and make my own bed. Next morning I told him he must either do his duty, which was very
little, or quit, and thus brought him to his senses. After all his pretension to belonging to the
“first family,” the fellow was very desirous, on our arrival in Mendoza, that I should employ
him as my servant in crossing the mountains, and came several times to ellect that object, tell-
ing me, on each occasion, about the tabletas (cake made of alternate layers of sweetmeats and
pastry) that his wife was making, as a present for me. As soon as he learned I had engaged
another servant, he borrowed a dollar of me, and I did not see him again until I was leaving
Mendoza the last time, when, at about a mile out, whom should we meet hut Don Marcos,
riding with a party of friends. He did not see me until I was close up, and hailed him,
to know where my dollar and his wife’s tabletas were. I never saw such a crest-fallen devil in
my life as he was, on being thus accosted.

On the afternoon of the 22d of November, a smart shock of an earthquake was felt from
Mendoza to Acorocorto.

November 24. — The forenoon was clear and very warm, the dry-bulb thermometer standing

52

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

at 94°, and the wet at 70° in the coolest place. Finished work, and set out with a storm brew-
ing. In a short time the rain commenced, and continued to fall violently until night.

Stopped for the night at La Dormida, formerly a post-house, but not so now ; the post being
from Acorocorto to Santa Rosa, a distance of twenty leagues. Slept in wet clothes under a
shed, the house being full of people, some of whom were ill.

November 25. — Found that the lazy scoundrel of a postillion had left the horses tied to posts
all night, instead of allowing them to graze, so that we were obliged to go more slowly than
we wished. Got dinner at Santa Rosa — a very comfortable post-house — and afterwards pro-
ceeded to the post-house of Retamo through a drenching rain, and until night overtook us,
at a very rapid pace. After dark we were obliged to go slowly. There were ditches on both
sides of, and frequently across the road, and as the night was very dark — the obscurity rendered
more intense by flashes of lightning — it was necessary to proceed with caution. We all arrived
at the Retamo in sweet humor: four or five leagues out, the postillion told us that we were one
league off, and for three hours it was the same story of u cosa de una legua;” then to increase
our discomfort, we found that we could get nothing dry to sleep on, and had to pass another
night in wet clothes. Fortunately, we were able to obtain a bottle of aguardiente from
a pulperia about a mile from the post-house, and each of us taking a large dose, we managed
to get through the night tolerably well.

Shortly after leaving Santa Rosa, the Frenchman’s horse slipped, and he got another fall.
Being in a position to witness this, his frequent falls were fully accounted for. Instead of
endeavoring to recover his horse, he let himself drop off like a bag of sand.

November 26. — Set out at daylight, and arrived at Mendoza about 10 A. M.; having stopped
on the way to salute the Aldaos at El Barrial, where I met with a very cordial reception from
the Senora, who thought, as did many others, that I had only been as far as Buenos Ayres, and
could hardly believe I had passed four months in the United States.

Having finished my narrative as far as it is connected with the pampa, I will endeavor to give a
general idea of the country in as condensed a form as possible ; premising, that as I know nothing
of geology, mineralogy, botany, or, indeed, of any of the “ ologies,” I cannot speak technically
on these subjects.

From Mendoza to a few leagues beyond San Luis, the country is thinly wooded with algarro-
bas, chanares, retamos, and — where there is an undergrowth — jarillas. The portion between
San Luis and the river Parana is pampa or prairie land, interrupted only by low rocky ridges
near the Rio Quinto, San Jose, and Achiras, which extend some three miles on each side of the
river and streamlets watering those two small towns. All of these ranges taper off to the
southward, and at the distance of a few leagues from the road appear to blend with the plain.
The vegetation of the pampa, with the exception of occasional clumps or isolated trees, is prin-
cipally wire-grass, interspersed with thin pasturage and small wild flowers. Around the lagu-
nas— of which, owing to the flatness of the country, there are many in rainy weather — there is
frequently a rank growth of marsh grass ; and in the province of Buenos Ayres, farther south
than my road lay, a rank growth of thistles is said to alternate with the other vegetation. The
soil appears to be alluvial, and, wherever it can be irrigated, yields abundantly ; but there are
two great drawbacks to successful cultivation in that part of the country through which I passed,
namely, locusts and hail-storms. The former frequently sweep off whole crops; and on the
pampa the latter are probably quite as destructive, but are not so frequent or violent in the
wooded country. Another difficulty they complain of on the pampa, is the want of wood for
fencing; but they could make mud-walls if they chose; and near Mendoza, where there is wood,
they prefer walls on account of their durability and cheapness.

In the parts of the country where there are no means of irrigating, and the people are
obliged to depend on rains, we passed small patches of corn a foot above the ground; and
perhaps a hundred miles farther on, found that they were still waiting for a shower before
planting.

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

53

The biscacha, also, is said to be very destructive to tbe crops ; and persons who have unen-
closed gardens make it a point during heavy rains to dam the water up, and, by means of a
ditch, turn it into the burrows, thus drowning them or driving the animals out, when they
are killed as they attempt to escape.

Of the rivers passed on the road, the first is the Mendoza,* which rises near the Uspallata
Pass, and reaches the plain about sixteen miles south of Mendoza. It then runs northeastward,
gradually turning more to the northward until, at the distance of twenty-five miles from the
city, it flows nearly due north to the Lagunas de Guanacache, a very small portion reaching
those lakes in dry weather, and that portion is salt. The Lagunas de Guanacache also receive
the waters of the San Juan from the northward, and I believe of one or two small streams from
the westward; and their surplus waters, after speading out into marshes in some places, form
a stream called the “ Desaguadero ” flowing to the southward.

Next to the Mendoza is the Tunuyan, which takes its rise at the base of Tupungato, between
the eastern and western ranges of the cordillera; flows first to the southwestward, then to the
southeastward, and issues to the plain about seventy-five miles south of Mendoza, where it
turns to the eastward and receives several small streams from the mountains. About two
leagues beyond Acorocorto it divides; the principal part running to the southward, and the
rest joining the Desaguadero, ten leagues farther on, and after spreading out in marshes in one
place, the water collects, turns north, and empties into a salt lake some ten miles in diameter,
called the Bebedero. That part which goes to the southward receives the waters of the Dia-
mante, Atuel, and some other smaller streams from the mountains, and is finally lost in a salt
lake near the parallel of thirty-eight degrees.

The next is the Rio Quinto or Fifth river, which rises in the San Luis range, and runs south-
eastward to about latitude thirty-four or thirty-five, where it is lost in lagunas and marshes.
It is possible that in rainy weather some of its waters find their way through, and form the
source of the Salado, emptying to the southward of Buenos Ayres.

The Rio de la Laja, just to the eastward of Achiras— an inconsiderable stream— is also lost
in marshes and lagoons. Then comes the Rio Cuarto or Fourth river, which takes its rise in
the mountains to the southwestward of Cordova, and runs southeastward by the A ilia del Rio
Cuarto to a bend called the “ Punta del Sance,” where it turns to the northward of east, and
enters the Rio Tercero near the village of Saladillo, being considerably smaller at its junction
than at the Villa del Rio Cuarto, and in dry weather quite salt.

About ten miles east of the u Villa” there is a small stream called the Chucul, which runs
to the southeastward, and spreads out in marshes and lagunas near a place called Las Chil-
cas,”| not far from the Rio Cuarto.

Finally, the Rio Tercero or Third river, the last on the road before reaching the Parana, takes
its rise in the same mountains as the Rio Cuarto; folloAvs a course nearly parallel with it till
the two unite ; then runs more easterly as far as the post-house of Los Desmochados, where it
turns to the northeastward, and at length empties into the Parana.

It is almost unnecessary to say that the Parana is a second Mississippi; which, together vitli

the Uruguay, forms the Rio de la Plata. ...

It will be seen, on referring to the narrative, that the Mendoza, at the ford, was divided into
three streams of about three, ten, and iour yards wide, respectively, each a toot 01 eighteen
inches deep; that the Tunuyan, before it divides, was about one-third of a mile wide, full ot
sand-flats, and apparently shallow; that the Desaguadero was toui yards. wide and ei it me ies
deep; that the Quinto, on the first journey, was about twenty-five yards wide and two lee
deep, and on the second, twenty yards wide and eight inches deep ; that I found the Cuarto, on
the first trip, sixty yards wide and two feet deep, but full of marshes and sand-flats at the first

* Mr. Darwin calls this the Luxan.

t There is one hut near this ; but except that and a thicket of bushes
a name to the locality.

called chilcas, there is nothing to justify tbe application of

54 FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

ford, while at that near Saladillo it was only fifteen yards wide and two feet deep; and that on
the second it was near the same at the latter ford, hut much smaller at the Villa del Eio
Cuarto: and, finally, although the Rio Tercero, in consequence of a freshet, is noted as full and
deep on the first journey, yet, on the second, we forded it two or three times, and found it
hut twenty-five yards wide and one deep. None of these streams have an outlet, except the
Tercero and its tributary the Cuarto; and in consequence of their shallowness, none of them
are navigable hut the Tercero, and this only for a short distance in time of a freshet.

While in Mendoza, besides the project of a railroad to Rosario, the subject of a canal was
under consideration ; and one or two persons were desirous I should give them the results of
niv barometric observations, as also my views of the practicability of cutting a canal. As I
am not a civil engineer, I am unable to give accurate information upon the subject, but think
it probable that, by throwing the water of the Mendoza into the Tunuyan, this again into the
Quinto, by a detour to the southward to avoid the San Luis range, and finally the Quinto with
the Rio de la Laja into the Cuarto, a water communication could be made nearly all the year
from Mendoza to Rosario. But I do not believe it would materially benefit the coixntry if con-
structed. Increased facility for transportation would induce greater activity in agricultural
pursuits, and consequently more water for irrigating would be needed, and this coixld not well
be spared from the canal. As regards a railroad, nothing is wanted but timber and money,
the country being highly favorable. The best quality of timber is said to abound in Paraguay,
and I suppose the expense of rafting it down would be small ; but, with respect to money, the
country is entirely too thinly settled for such a woi’k to be accomplished by private enterprise,
and, to judge from pi-esent appearances, it will be long before the government of the Confedera-
tion will sufficiently recover from the effects of civil wars to enable it to undertake the woi'k.
The Mendocinos, however, are very sanguine about the matter.

Of animals, the most common, from Mendoza to Buenos Ayres, are the biscachas. These
are about the size and color of the badger, but stand higher from the ground. Their heads
are short, and formed like those of rats ; and on each side of the face there is a black streak,
which gives them the appearance of wearing regulation whiskers. Both upper and under jaws
have two very large gnawing teeth. They live in communities, in burrows, which consist of
one large apartment with chambers or nests running off from it, which are kept very clean:
One of their peculiar habits is to collect round the entrance to their holes all the bones
and skulls found near — with what object it is difficult to guess, if it be not to warn horses and
cattle, for in case a careless animal should knock down their edifice, they have the labor of
repairing it.

The first joint of the hind legs of the biscacha has a hard, callous sole on its under side, and
this serves him for the purpose of locomotion, which is effected by springing like the kangaroo —
the hind feet appearing to be of no service, except for throwing out dirt when he is digging.

A singular bond of union exists between this animal and the little owl of the pampa. One
or two of these birds are nearly always found sitting at the entrance to the biscachera, and,
when alarmed, give a harsh cry, and either fly off a short distance or take refuge in their holes,
which are just inside of the entrance to the biscacheras — the porter’s lodge, as it were.

The biscacha is seldom seen out of his hole in the day-time.*

Deer anti guanaco are very common on the pampa, and are generally found feeding near the
lagunas. Their flesh is rank and unsavory, and they are considered of very little value except for
thuir skins. The mode of capturing them is with what are called “bolas,” two or three round
stones covered with raw-hide, and connected together by braided or twisted hide-cords. Where
two stones are used, as among the Indians, the cord is about six feet long; but where there are
three, each cord is three feet long, and the three cords are connected at their ends. The
hunter, armed with bolas, depends on the fleetness of his horse to overtake the game; and on

1 Lis animal is distinct from the biscacha of the cordillera, which is smaller, and more nearly resembles the squirrel, having
a longer and more bushy tail than the former.

FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.

arriving at a convenient distance, takes one of the halls in his hand, swinging the others
swiftly round his head until they have acquired sufficient momentum to throw them. If they
strike their object, the halls wind around its legs, and trip it. Balls used for catching deer
or ostriches are about the size of a lien’s egg — those for horses as large as the fist; and I have
seen them thrown about a hundred yards from a horse at full speed — the speed of the horse
being, of course, an advantage, when the halls are thrown in the direction of his motion.

In the wooded country between Mendoza and San Luis, an animal called the liebre* is very
common. It stands about eight inches high, and has a body two feet long. It is nearly the
color of the biscacha, except that the lower part of its rump is white and the upper almost black.
Its tail is a very small affair without hair, and resembles the stump of a rat’s tail. In its wild
state the liebre is very timid and difficult of approach; but when taken young, is easily domes-
ticated and becomes very familiar, readily approaching the hand for offered food. One that I
saw in Mendoza had a vile habit of turning round suddenly, when annoyed, and ejecting its
urine. This, however, not being odoriferous, was not offensive, except as a mark of contempt.

Lions and tigers are said to be common among the marshes, but I saw none of them.

We saw one polecat and two or three iguanas, but whether they are common or not I do not
know.

Lastly, there are found armadillos, and a small animal called pichiciego, something between
the armadillo and the mole. There are at least three species of the armadillo; the most
common of which are the / eludo , or hairy, and the pelado , or bald — from the fact that one
kind is covered with thin hair, and the other is without it. The third species I only saw near
Mendoza ; it is smaller, and is covered completely, except on its belly, with a flexible shell
which the others have not. All of these, although common, are seldom seen, as they live in
burrows.

The pichiciego — so called from the Indian word picJii, meaning small, and the Spanish word
ciego, blind — has a coat of armor similar to that of the smaller species of armadillo over its
back and on the top of its head, and on its sides and belly very fine white fur. As you have
one of them in your possession, it is unnecessary to say anything more about it, except that
even in Mendoza it is considered a great curiosity, and is not found, I believe, except in the
wooded country near the base of the Andes.

Of birds, the ostrich is found throughout the country, but principally on the open pampa. It
is very shy, but its young are easily tamed.

The large partridge is also found entirely across the continent, but is most common in the
wooded country between Mendoza and San Luis; while the small partridge is moie common to
the pampa. Parrots and paroquets are also common to the wooded countij .

The mocking-bird (or calandria) and the scissor-bird (tijeras) are found wherever there are
trees. There are several kinds of small birds in the prairie grass, but they generally keep out
of sight. The principal of these is a black-bird and a kind of bastard canary.

Around some of the lagunas swans, flamingoes, ducks, waders from the largest to the smallest
size, and beach plover, are common. There are also very large birds of the buzzard kind, with
a good deal of white and black about them, but I never was near enough to examine them ; and
over all the plain the carrancha (or traro, as it is called in Chile) and the horn-plover are

common.

* Liebre literally means hare, but the animal is the Agouti of Patagonia.

CHAPTER Y II.

FEOM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK BY THE POETILLO PASS, AND EETUEN HOME.

LEAVE MENDOZA. LUJAN. SINGULAR PHENOMENON IN THE VALLEY. TAME OSTRICHES. PASSPORTS. ARENALES.

SINGULAR WATER-FOWL. VEGETATION. EASTERN PORTILLO. LA OLLA. FUEL. VALLEY OF THE TUNUYAN.

FATE OF A FAMILY CAUGHT IN THE VALLEY. WESTERN PORTILLO. PATH DOWN. SINGULAR APPEARANCE OF THE

HEAD OF THE VALLEY OF THE YESO. BARRIER RANGE. LADERA DE SAN FRANCISCO. RIO MAYPU. PROSPEROUS

CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY. CONTRAST WITH THE EASTERN SIDE. SAN JOSE. RIDE TO SANTIAGO. ANOTHER

CHARACTERISTIC OF CHILE. RETURN TO SAN JOSE. SNOW- STORM AT THE OLLA. LODGINGS IN THE MOUNTAINS.

PASS THE EASTERN PORTILLO IN A SNOW-STORM. PUNA. INVULNERABILITY OF ARRIEROS. ARRIVE AT MEN-
DOZA. DON SANTIAGO ARCOS. CONVENTION OF INDIANS. INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THEM. COLONEL

RIVAROLA. EXECUTION OF FIVE MEN. BOILING-POINT APPARATUS. SET OUT FOR SANTIAGO BY THE USPALLATA

PASS. OUR PARTY. VILLAVICENSIO. — USPALLATA. SPECIMENS OF NATURAL HISTORY. ALMOST A DISASTER.

CRUPPERS NOT USED. NATIVE MOUNTINGS. ADVENTURE WITH A SNAKE. GOITRE. EXPENSES OF THE TWO

TRIPS ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS. THE MAPS. RETURN HOME.

After completing all the work to he done in Mendoza before the arrival of my baggage, I
learned from a courier that he had passed, near the Rio Cuarto, the train of carts by which I had
shipped it; and, knowing it would not arrive under twelve or fourteen days, I determined to
occupy the spare time by going over the Portillo Pass. For this purpose I employed an arriero
to take myself and servant, with one load of baggage, to San Jose de Chile and hack; and to
remain there long enough for me to visit Santiago and make a set of observations for clock
error.

On our arrival at Mendoza the Frenchman took charge of the hotel, hut found that more
money went out than came in, and when he learned I was going, became so unhappy that
I consented to the arriero’s taking him, making such a bargain between themselves as they
could agree upon, for I was tired of paying his way. I do not know that I would have had so
much feeling against the man if it had not been that, in consequence of his wearing green
spectacles, and being idle when I was at work, he generally passed for the “patron,” while I
was considered his steward or assistant.

Before setting out on this journey I took the precaution to engage another arriero to take me
over the Uspallata Pass on my return, in order that he should have his animals in good
condition.

We left Mendoza on the evening of the 6th of December, and, passing through the village of
San Vicente, stopped for the night at a place called La Cruz de Piedra, three leagues south of
Mendoza.

December 7. — A league farther brought us to the outskirts of the town of Lujan, and thence
one league through it to the Rio de Mendoza. Crossed this stream where it is divided into
three parts, each about ten yards wide and one foot deep ; and two miles farther from there,
through cultivated land, we were in a thinly-wooded and uncultivated country. At the
nominal distance of eight leagues from Lujan we entered on a rocky range of low hills parallel
with the cordilleras, and, after travelling three leagues, crossed them ; then two leagues across
a valley to the skirt of the mountains, where we turned to the southward. From the skirt we
saw a singular phenomenon in the plain. At times there were in view as many as twenty col-
umns of dust carried up by whirlwinds to a considerable height, and moving about rapidly in
different directions.

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK.

07

The valley is crossed by a number of streamlets, and has bouses and farms scattered about it
pretty thickly — the presence of those in the distance being indicated by rows of Lombardy
poplars. Stopped for the night near one of these, and the next morning — December 8 — went
on six leagues farther, to a rancheria called La Arbolcda, where we stopped at a rancho owned
by relations of the arriero.

At the distance of five leagues from our last night’s stopping-place we crossed the Rio de las
Tunas, a tributary of the Tunuyan. Its bed is extensive, and the stream divided into six
streamlets, each about two yards wide. Country thinly wooded with jarillas, chanares, and an
abundance of cactus hearing the prickly pear, which is called tuna — hence the name of the river.

As it was snowing in the mountains, we employed the remainder of the day in preparing
charqui, killing and cleaning a sheep to take with us, smoking, and sleeping. During the
afternoon two of the men went off to look for nests, and returned at sunset; one of them, by
tracking an ostrich, having found a nest containing eighteen fresh eggs.

In a garden belonging to the rancho there were eleven tame ostriches, which laid their eggs
very regularly, hut did not breed.

December 9. — Set out early, and, after travelling seven miles in a southwesterly direction
across a thinly-wooded and stony plain, arrived at the point where the road enters the mount-
ains. Thence a ride of two miles farther brought us to the hanks of a rapid stream called the
Cc Arroyo Grande,” along which, sometimes on one side and then on the other, hut always
gradually ascending, we reached the “guardia” or custom-house, about eight miles from the
plain. The only other house on the road after entering the mountains is a small hut occupied
by men who cut out drip-stones from a quarry at the base of a white hill on the left. Crossed a
streamlet from the southward and a short ladera.

At the guardia it was necessary to show our passports, always a disagreeable business, but
which in this instance was particularly annoying. I had called on the chief of police before
leaving Mendoza and told him I was merely going across the mountains by the Portillo Pass
for the purpose of measuring their heights, hut would return immediately, and wished to know
if it was necessary to take out passports except for my final trip. To this question I received
the very abrupt answer, “ As many times as you leave the territory of Mendoza, just so many
you must pay for a passport” — or, in other words, give five dollars for myself and seventy-five
cents on account of my servant for the privilege of leaving such a miserable country ; and I am not
sorry to state, in this connexion, that I owe the government of Mendoza the sum of five dollars
and seventy-five cents, for the officer at the guardia was so drunk that he forgot to endoise
the document, and it served me on the next trip across the Uspallata Pass.

From La Guardia we proceeded eight miles farther along the south ba-nk of the Arroyo
Grande,” and as it was snowing in the portillo we stopped at a part of the road called •• Los
Arenales.” We passed a deserted hut, two streams from the southward, and one liom the
northward, after leaving the guardia.

This place is about eight thousand two hundred feet above the level of the sea, vith high
snow-capped mountains on each side; and as a strong bleak wind vas blowing fiom the east-
ward, we found it cold in the shade and too warm in the sunshine. When we attempted to
make it warm in the shade by building a fire, the wind blew the smoke into our eyes and drove
us out, so that there was no comfort.

Having nothing else to amuse me, I occupied myself observing some curious looking ducks
disporting themselves in the stream. They were about the size of teal. Those I supposed to
he males, because they were larger, were dark on the breast, had white heads and tails, chocolate-
color on the hack, and red about the roots of their hills. The females were slate-colored on the
hack, and brownish-red on the breast ; their bodies and tails were long, and, with the exception
of the short legs, their form resembled that of doves. They appeared to have power to fly but a
short distance, but had great facility in crossing, ascending, or descending the rapid stream.
The larger or male bird appeared to take more care of the young than the female, and it

58

FKOM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK

was curious to see tlieir mauoeuvres to get them out of danger when alarmed. One of the two
would go down stream a yard or so, apparently making a survey of its rapids and eddies ; then
perch itself on a rock and call the attention of its companion, upon which the latter would
leave with the young under convoy, go over the first waterfall, take refuge in an eddy, and
finally climb on the rock with the brood. As soon as the pioneer saw that all were safe, it
would proceed to examine the next fall, and in this way they moved off down stream very
rapidly, pitching at times over waterfalls of five or six feet.

December 10. — Set out at 5 A. m. for the portillo, and at the distance of half a mile crossed
a stream from the southward, whose hanks are both high and steep, the descent to and ascent
from it being difficult: hence its name of “ El Mai Paso” — the had pass. Crossed to the north
side of the Arroyo Grande, and about four miles farther on recrossed it and turned to the
southward at the base of a high hill. Wound to the southward of this for near two miles
over a mass of angular rocks from the size of a hogshead to that of the fist, the only
sign of a pathway being that the sharp edges of the rocks were a little travel-worn. We here
saw the last of vegetation. From the Mai Paso we had had only low thorny shrubs among the
rocks, and a beautiful green velvet-looking turf on the smooth spots of ground. This turf was
only velvety in appearance, for on the occasion of adjusting our saddles, some of us, invited by
its soft look, seated ourselves for a comfortable resting spell, hut were forced to spring up in all
haste, by finding that each particular twig carried a sharp thorn.

After tightening the saddle-girths we commenced the ascent of the first hack-hone in this part
of the mountains. This was slow work, for although the steepness of the road was overcome
by zigzags, the rarity of the atmosphere made it necessary to allow the mules to stop every fifty
yards and breathe. Fortunately, the sun had melted a great part of the snow, and the path
was easily kept, so that we arrived at the portillo about nine o’clock A. M.

This range, as well as the western, has a break in the pass over which the road leads,
which has the appearance of a gate-way ; hence the name Portillo — a gap or breach. Its
elevation is about fourteen thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea.

Although the snow had melted to a great extent on the eastern side, the western was com-
pletely covered two or three feet deep, and was withal much more steep, so that the prospect
to those of us who were uninitiated looked to he full of dangers and difficulties ; hut at length —
on foot, stumbling and wallowing in the snow-drifts — we reached the base without any damage.
From the foot of the “back-bone” our road was again over sharp, angular rocks and stones along
the south side of the stream flowing to the westward. At noon we stopped on its banks at a
part of it called La Olla. Vegetation here commences, and consists of very thin pasturage,
with occasional clumps of those thorny little shrubs I have spoken of as limiting vegetation on
the eastern side. This shrub is called, I think, “ Cuerno de vaca”— Cow’s horn — and is invalu-
able in the mountains for fire-wood ; its roots being large and easily torn up, and very combus-
tible. With the exception of mule’s dung, or the hack-bone and skull of an ox not long dead,
this is the only fuel to be found.

After dinner we crossed to the north side of the streamlet, and as its course is very precipitous,
coasted the southern skirt of the spnr bounding it for three miles, when we descended its
point to the valley of the river Tunuyan by a, steep path. This stream, which comes from the base
of Tupungato to the northeastward, here joins another from the west, and then turns to the south-
ward. At the ford, the Tunuyan is about twelve yards wide, two feet deep, and very rapid; the
other stream, from the westward, is eight yards wide. After crossing the Tunuyan we travelled
eight miles farther, and camped on the north bank of its tributary, nearly opposite a high and
singularly castellated mountain called the Palomares, at the base of which there is a square
jutting rock, hollowed out in such a manner as to present the exact appearance of a house.

Passed several streams entering the “tributary” from both sides. Hills not very steep, but
high enough to shut out the view of the lofty ranges back of them, so that it was difficult to
realize that we were in the middle of the cordillera. The valley is thinly covered with pasturage.

BY THE PORTILLO PASS, AND RETURN HOME.

59

and it is usual for drovers to stop there in order that their animals may recruit. It lias no
houses in it, hut there are several small “corrals,” or yards, built by arrieros and drovers.
We saw a party of French artisans bound to Chile camped here, who had organized themselves
for the journey before leaving Buenos Ayres, and, as a matter of economy and speculation, had
bought some eighty mules in Rosario and on the road, some of which they used and drove the
rest along. They had only two peons to aid them in the care of the animals, and performed all
other work themselves. Their intention was to remain there until the mules were in good con-
dition, and then cross the second range into Chile, where they expected to sell them at such a
price as to make their trip profitable rather than expensive.

It is very well to stop in the valley of the Tunuyan for this purpose, in the first part of the
season — for, although a snow-storm may come and block up the passes for a few days, the
summer’s sun is certain to open them again before long — but in the fall of the year it is highly
dangerous. One storm succeeds another so rapidly, that there is no escape till summer comes
again ; and as the passes are generally closed nine months of the year, even supposing the
traveller to have plenty of food, he could not exist such a length of time amid the snow. Some
few years ago a family, consisting of several gentlemen, ladies, and children, were caught here
by a snow-storm. At first, they supposed the detention would be temporary; but, as day after
day passed, their hopes gave place to fear, and at length the arriero — the only one of them all
who knew the road, or was, as they say, “vaqueano” — under pretence of examining the pass,
left them, and never returned. As he was never heard of, it was supposed that, in attempting
to escape alone, he was lost over some precipice. Their situation was now desperate; winter
had fairly set in, and their provisions were failing. They therefore determined, as a last resort,
to attempt to reach the plain by following the Tunuyan. Killing one of the mules, and pro-
viding themselves with as much of the meat as they could carry, they set out. I forget how
long it was, but think that some weeks afterwards two or three of the party reached the plain,
half starved, naked, and covered with sores; the others had perished. They were for a while as
badly off in the plain as they had been in the mountains. There were no habitations near, nor
any kind of food to be had ; but, by good fortune, they fell in with a flock of condors toasting
on a dead mule, from which they supplied themselves with a sufficient quantity to last them
to the nearest house, where they arrived looking so wretchedly that the people were irigh toned
and ran away. It was only by kneeling, and clasping their hands in the attitude of jirayer,
like Captain Riley and his men, that they could induce the residents to return and supply their
wants.

I wish I could tell this story as it was told to me ; but for a proper appreciation it is necessary
to be as I was when I heard it, in the valley of the Tunuyan, with a snow-storm raging abo\ e me.

December 11. — Passed an uncomfortably cold night. Thermometer at 5 A. M. 2'J .5, vet-
bulb, 24°.

Set out at 5.30 a. m., and travelled about four miles along the north bank of the tributary to a
point where it forks at the foot of the western portillo ; one branch entering from the westward
and the other from the southward; thence one mile to a stream issuing from beneath several
snow-bridges, where we arrived at the foot of +he second spine of the cordilleia. It is almost
unnecessary to say that the road ascends gradually after crossing the Tunuyan. B) iefeience
to the table it will be seen that the bottom of the valley is nine thousand five hundred leet
above the level of the sea, while the foot of the second portillo is near eleven thousand.

By nine o’clock we had accomplished the ascent to the western portillo, and were on a spot
where we could stand with one footm Chile and the other in Mendoza. The eastern side is not
very steep, nor are there any dangerous places on it; but the vestem appealed \en foimidable,
and experience proved that it did not belie its looks.

The elevation of this pass is thirteen thousand three hundred feet, and, like the other, there
is really no level ground on it. The first step of the mule, after reaching the summit of the
ridge, and passing between the high rocks forming the portillo, is downhill.

60

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK

Greatly to my surprise, tliere was very little snow on tire road, and that was lying in patches ;
the greater part of the mountain near being as dry as a desert.

After making a barometrical measurement for the elevation, we started down, and very soon
found the road so had that we had to dismount and descend on foot. Properly speaking there
is no road, hut the mere semblance of a mule-path, winding by zigzags down a spur whose
surface is covered with loose stones which roll from underfoot to its base, threatening at times
to end in a general avalanche of mules, men, and stones.

After about a league of zigzagging, we arrived at a little arroyo at the base of the steepest
part, where we stopped to drink and rest. We again mounted here; proceeded two miles
along the south side of this streamlet ; then crossed the head-waters of the Rio del Yeso,
which comes from the northeastward; and, a mile farther on, after crossing a spur from the
northward, we entered the valley of the Yeso. The appearance of the valley hereabouts is very
singular. It is covered with rocks of many kinds, decomposed and decomposing, and presents
the appearance of an immense bed of half-slacked lime — not so much from the color of the rocks,
although white predominates, as from their crumbling condition. Large masses of pudding-
stone are to he seen, so far decomposed as to require only a slight blow to split them in pieces.

The account given of this singular place by the inhabitants of San Jose is, that some years
ago, while the mountain-passes were closed by the winter’s snow, a shock was felt like that of
an earthquake, accompanied by a great noise from this direction ; and on the opening of the
spring the muleteers found the road blocked up.

The appearance of the surrounding hills does not warrant the belief that it was a land-slide ;
and unless due to volcanic eruption, it is difficult to conceive how such a state of things could
have been produced.

Besides these decomposed rocks, the flats near the stream are covered with a white efflores-
cence resembling soda.

Two or three miles in a direction north of west over this kind of ground, brought us to a
gorge on our right from which a streamlet issues. We here turned to the southwestward, and
travelled about nine miles down a flat valley covered with vegetation, to a barrier range running
from the high mountains on the north nearly across to those on the south, only separated from
the latter by the Yeso, which, with the waters of its tributaries, passes between it and the foot
of a high and rugged mountain, which I believe is the extinct volcano of Jan Jose. The road
generally leads between the Yeso and the streamlet to the northward, but crosses to the south
side of the former in front of a hill called the Cerro del Yeso, from which the stream takes its
name. We saw a party of men there loading mules with yeso (gypsum) for the Chilean market.

Fording this stream was rather a formidable business. It was about eight yards wide and
three feet deep, with a rapid current, and the loose and rounded stones of its bed made it very
difficult for the mules to keep their footing.

On the north side, and about half way down the valley, there is a steep hill, with quite a
plane front, crossed by several dikes nearly at right angles with each other, which give it the
appearance of a field divided into small, irregular lots. In the corner formed by the barrier
hill and the northern range there is a small laguna, around which were a great number of
birds, principally waders, about the size of curlewSj but with wings of a dark color, and white
bodies. They are called piuquens.

About three miles (including turns) over the barrier bill } and one more across a small valley,
brought us to the banks of a stream issuing from a deep ravine to the northward, where we
camped for the night.

I regret that I did not measure the height of this harrier. It must be near a thousand feet
above the valley, and in crossing appears to be almost interminable. The road is tolerably
good, but there is a dangerous-looking ladera on it — the valley, on the one hand, being several
hundred feet below, and the hill-side, on the other, uncomfortably studded with large boulders,
which appear to be on the point of tumbling down. I could not help feeling nervous when I

BY THE PORTILLO PASS, AND RETURN HOME.

6L

reflected that we were in an earthquake country, and a shock would, in all probability, send
such a shower of these from above as would sweep all before it. The arriero, to test how far a
man might roll before he could stop himself in the event of a fall, dislodged a loose rock from
the road-side, and from the antics it cut on its way down, concluded that he would walk in
preference to trusting himself on the mule.

December 12.— Started at daylight, and proceeded eight miles down a ridge separating the
Yeso from the Manzanito — the stream on whose hank we had camped. We here found thin
pasturage and shrubs, and at the end a low growth of Maiten and Quillai trees. In one or two
places on this ridge the road approaches within a foot of the precipitous hanks of the Yeso and
is dangerous.

Forded the Manzanito, and a hundred yards farther on, another stream, called the San Nich-
olas— both entering the Yeso from the northeastward. These streams are rapid, about ten
yards wide each, and from one to two feet deep, with rocky bottoms. My mule fell on his
knees in one of them, hut fortunately recovered himself without any harm being done. Thence
five miles along the hank of the river brought us to a ruined hut, called El Manzanito, after
passing which we crossed the ladera de San Francisco — without question, the -worst place in the
cordillera. There are two roads from the hut, hut we did not know it at the time, and instead
of taking the upper, which, although longer, is good, we followed the lower one over the ladera.
This is in very few places more than two feet wide, and in many not one — the hill sloping at an
angle of twenty degrees with the vertical, and the river rushing and roaring over the rocks at
the distance of near two hundred feet below. The descent from the ladera is very steep, and
the zig-zags so short, that the mules had hardly time to recover themselves in one stretch before
it was necessary to turn abruptly down another. At the end of this perilous pass the road leads
for a short distance along in the edge of the stream, and then ascends its hank to more level
country. About a mile and a half farther on is the junction of the rivers Maypu and Yeso,
where the latter, although the larger of the two streams, loses its name, and the whole, to its
mouth on the Pacific coast, is called the Maypu.

We were now at the beginning of settlements. Cultivated lands, fruit-trees, comfortable
huts, smiling faces, bright eyes, and every indication of industry and superior intelligence,
notified us that we were really in Chile. No contrast can he greater than the two sides of the
cordillera in nearly all these respects. Nature, in the first place, has been more bountiful to
the Chilean side. Where there is soil enough on the rocks to cultivate, there is water for irri-
gation; and an almost total absence of political strife or feeling among the inhabitants remote
from large towns, has left them nothing to think of but the improvement of their worldly con-
dition. A good market for their produce is at •hand, and good roads lead to it ; so that there is
no excuse, except laziness, to prevent them from availing themselves of its benefits — and the
Chileans are the least indolent of any of the Spanish race.

We passed a settlement of five or six houses called San Gabriel, crossed an arroyo, and
stopped for dinner at a rancho by the roadside. After dinner we started for San Jose, crossed
a hill to a gorge from the northeastward, and then a ladera to another from the southward, out
of which comes a stream. There is here a foot-bridge over the river. Crossed a stream about
twelve feet wide, by a bridge ; then passed behind a hill called the Divisadero ; and from there wo
had quite a long stretch to another point where there is a suspension bridge across the river.
Eanchos, farms, and orchards on both sides, of course, and hills high, but gradually decreasing.
About five o’clock we reached the resguardo or deputy custom-house ; had our baggage over-
hauled, and paid twenty-five cents for it ; and from there proceeded through the same nature of
country to San Jose, where we arrived at sunset, without causing any unusual stir among the
inhabitants, for the reason that they were run half mad by the discovery of some rich silver
mines in its vicinity.

We here turned the mules into a pasture-ground, in order that they might recuperate by the
time of my return from Santiago. For the sum of four dollars the keeper of the fonda was

62

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK

obliging enough to let me have two horses, one for myself and another for my servant, which
was a great favor, considering the rush for the mines ; and after these arrangements were made
I went to bed, with the happy thought that I should be in Santiago next day. Just as I
was getting into a doze the Frenchman came into the room, and, with the most lost-all-my-poor-
relationish look and tone, requested that I would allow Jose — my servant — to take charge of
his bundle, as it would be rather inconvenient for him to carry, walking. The poor fellow had
not eaten any dinner, and as I was in too good a humor to stand on trifles, I told him to get
a horse and dinner, and I would pay for them. This was done, and by four o’clock next morn-
ing the thr$e of us were off again ; slowly at first, but at a gallop as soon as daylight showed
us the nature of the ground over which we were travelling. About five miles from San Jose
we crosed the Rio Colorado by a bridge, and thence followed the Maypu through lanes bounding
farms and houses to the plain of Santiago. For further information regarding streams crossed
or passed, I refer to the map.

I have spoken of the prosperous appearance of the country as a distinctive feature of Chile :
before arriving at Santiago I saw another and very common characteristic in the person of a
sturdy beggar priest on horseback. This particular one was very familiar to me, for there
was seldom a day during our residence in Santiago that I did not see him, as then, riding along
in his blue dress of the order of San Francisco, with a blue umbrella over his head, and a saint
in a glass case under his arm.

All my efforts to prevent J ose from dismounting and having a kiss at the saint were ineffectual,
and when I saw him pay a real for the privilege I was disposed to discharge him on the spot.
However, it was the “costumbre del pais,” as they say, and so I let the matter pass.

On arrival at Santiago, I rode along the well-known street behind Cerro de Santa Lucia,
and stopped at the house of Don Carlos Moesta to make arrangements for making a set of ob-
servations in the observatory, but to my regret learned, from the lady of the house, that Moesta
was away, and the observatory closed; and afterwards ascertained that the object and eye glasses
of the telescope had been taken out for safe-keeping, and were u nobody knew where.” For-
tunately Mr. Mowatt, of Valparaiso, was in Santiago at the time, and had a pocket-sextant
and. an artificial horizon with him, with which I made the necessary observations.

The remainder of the day of our arrival and all the next were passed in a whirl of giving
salutations to and receiving them from old friends and acquaintances, who appeared as glad to
see me as I certainly was to meet them ; and on the following morning — the 15th of December —
we turned our backs on Santiago again. The twelve leagues to San Jose was accomplished at
a slashing pace, and on reaching there we found the arriero ready and anxious to be off ; so,
changing from horses to mules, we started for the portillo.

From the time of our first arrival in San J ose until daylight of the third day afterwards, when
my servant turned me out for the purpose of saddling up, everything had passed so rapidly as
to appear a dream, and I was at a loss for a while to determine whether I had been in Santiago
or not ; but when I felt my bleeding heart, and got the scent of French brandy from my pocket
handkerchief, I knew that all was reality, and that the confused images of Dona Cualquiera
and Don Antonio were tangible facts.

Nothing worthy of remark occurred on our return trip until we arrived at “ La Olla.” We
stopped there at three p. M. of the 17th for dinner ; but as it was evidently snowing in the
pass, I called a council of war to determine whether we should proceed or not. The arriero
thought we could cross before night; the peon — who was really the only one among us ac-
quainted with the road — was non-committal ; I myself, resting my judgment on notes of the
first trip, stated just how long it had taken us to accomplish the passage ; so that my servant
had the casting-vote. I told them, however, that if they thought it imprudent to attempt the
pass, they must go to work at once and collect fire-wood, as we were likely to have a cold night
of it, and very soon learned the result of their deliberations by seeing them busily engaged
rooting up the shrubs which serve for this purpose in the mountains. In a short time we were

BY THE BORTILLO PASS, AND RETURN HOME.

G3

all seated around a bright fire drinking tea, smoking cigars, and telling stories to enliven the
time.

By sunset the snow-storm, which before had only raged in the eastern portillo, became settled
and spiead over the whole valley of the Tunuyan. Our preparations for the night were neces-
sarily the same as usual ; hut for the benefit of the curious, it may he well to describe them.
The arrieros, in crossing the mountains, at convenient stopping-places have selected some rock,
or rocks, affording shelter from the wind, and on their lee sides have built out short walls of
loose stones, so as to make the shelter more perfect ; the rubbish being then cleared out, and the
surface made as smooth as possible, a bed-place was ready. Chileans have so many sheep-skins
on and under their saddles, that their beds made in such spots are not at all uncomfortable ; but
the Mendocinos have seldom more than two or three sheep-skins, and perhaps a pair of ponchos
or blankets; and yet with these they appear to be comfortable on the coldest night. I think
that was about the amount of bed furniture each of my party had ; and it was a matter of sur-
prise to me to find that they suffered less than I did. My own bedding consisted of an ox-hide
on the ground, two sheep-kins, a saddle-blanket, and one other spead upon it to make a soft
bed ; a thick blanket and a poncho for covering, and of course all my clothes, for these I never
took off. Yet with all this, I frequently suffered with cold.

December 18. — It turned out very well that we remained at the “ Olla,” for by sunset the
cordillera* looked so black and threatening that we congratulated ourselves on not having
attempted to pass. It snowed lightly all night; but this, instead of being an inconvenience,
was a comfort; my blankets were thick enough to turn water, and the coat of snow that fell on
them kept me as warm as I had ever been in the mountains. When we set out, it was not
snowing at the u Olla,” and appearances seemed to indicate that it would clear up; but before
long it commenced to snow again, and a northeast wind sprung up, which drove the drift into
our faces with such violence as almost to blind us. As we advanced, we found that the fall of
snow had been so great as to obliterate entirely the path, and we were obliged to feel our way with
great caution. At the foot of the portillo it lay from three to five feet deep in the road ; and
in going up, the peon — who kept ahead to open the track — found that his mule was too much
frightened to proceed. It was, therefore, necessary for him to dismount and open the way on
foot; through which we floundered along on a hill-side whose angle with the vertical is near
forty degrees, without knowing whether the next step would not take us into eternity; but
placing our trust, after Providence, in the sure-footedness of the mules, we succeeded in reach-
ing the portillo. The wind there was blowing violently, and the drift-snow swept around us to
such extent as at times to obstruct our view entirely ; but enough was seen to prove that the
descent was as perilous as the ascent had been, and therefore we concluded to go down on foot.
The delay necessary to make a barometric observation gave the party time to get half way
down before I started ; and I had not gone far before everything began to look green around
me, and a severe attack of th e puna rendered it impossible for me to proceed until the arriero,
who had seen me succumb, brought my mule back.

We found the place where we proposed to pass the night, if we had started the day previous,
covered two feet deep with snow ; and, indeed, from the “ Olla ” on the west side to the “ Mai
Paso” on the east — a distance of seventeen miles, or seven hours’ travel — the whole country
was covered with snow; so that if we had set out, in all probability we should have perished.

Kested and got dinner at u los arenales,” and afterwards proceeded to the rancheria of the
Arboleda, where we stopped for the night.

December 19. — I expected to be off for Mendoza this morning at daylight, but found that
both arriero and peon were nearly blind from the effects of travelling over the snow. At first
I supposed they were skulking; but on examining their eyes, I saw that they were really suffer-

* The arrieros call only tlie spine of the mountains the cordillera; so that although one may be near the summit, he is not yet
in the cordillera.

64

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND BACK

ing very much, and applied the only remedy at hand — diluted laudanum — and by noon we were
able to move on.

People of the country, and foreigners of little experience, are in the habit of speaking of the
arrieros and peons as invulnerable to disease, and capable of enduring any quantity of hard-
ship. To a certain extent this is true; but the secret of il consists in a constant and practical
application of the Spanish proverb, “Si hay remedio, remecliarlo; y si no hay, para que
llorarlo?” — “if there be a remedy, apply it; but if not, where is the use of crying over it?”
While out of reach of assistance, they bear up on this principle most manfully against all ills ;
but when aid can be obtained, they yield to a greater extent than an unaccustomed traveller
would. For instance, when we were among the snow of the mountains, the arriero and peon
were as brisk and lively as bees, whilst I was on the point of giving up entirely; but after our
arrival at the Arboleda, where their ailings could be attended to, they yielded to an extent I
should have been ashamed of.

At noon set out and travelled till night, and early the next morning commenced the last
stage towards Mendoza. Before arriving, we met the peon of my other arriero, who was on the
look out for me, and anxious to be olf.

Beached Mendoza at mid-day of the 20th, and found that my baggage had arrived three days
before. My friend Don Santiago Arcos had kindly taken charge of it, thus adding one more to
the many favors I already owed him.

As I have mentioned this gentleman’s name, it may be as well to state that he is one of the
most intelligent men I ever met in Chile, but unfortunately his constitution did not suit the
climate of that country ; and his uncles, “ Los Senores Yaras and Valdivieso,” had insisted on
his removing to the more genial one of Mendoza. He was thus torn from all his associations
and forced to live among strangers. This over-exertion of friendly compulsion may not be
understood among our people, but in Chile, where the authority of a parent or guardian is abso-
lute, it is looked upon as a matter of course.

Mendoza. — Between my first and second visits to this place, with a view of obtaining more
accurate knowledge of its territory, the government had induced upwards of twenty caciques of
the Indian tribes to the southward to come in and give information. My old friend Don Carlos
was charged with the business of interrogating them and collating their reports ; and attached
so much importance to the data furnished that he was engaged in making a map of that part of
South America, which he proposed selling to the British government or our own, and was evi-
dently so unwilling for me to copy it that I did not care to press the matter. Indeed, from
practical experience, I knew that information collected in this way was so little reliable that I
was not disappointed by his reluctance to have me forestall him in the work. Twenty Indians
all speaking different dialects, and with knowledge of neither north, south, east, nor west, except
by the rising and setting of the sun or other heavenly body, nor any idea of distance but that
which depends on the condition of their horses, could not be expected to give information suf-
ficiently exact to insert in a geographical map.

There were some things, however, that they all concurred in, and, as I was able to obtain
the pith of these, I will give them :

First : that the Tunuyan, besides receiving the Diamante and Atuel, also receives the waters
of a number of small streams from the cordillera ; but, notwithstanding this increase, termi-
nates in a salt lake, called on Parrish’s map “ Urre Llauquen,” but which they called “ Cur-
raca ;” that about one degree and a half north of this lake there is another, of fresh water,
on the west bank of the Tunuyan ; and that not far from latitude forty degrees south, nearly
opposite the port of Valdivia on the Pacific, there still exists the ruins of an old Spanish settle-
ment, where rich copper mines were formerly worked very successfully. On an invasion by
the Indians, all the men were killed and the women and children carried into captivity, and
from these has sprung a tribe with lighter complexion, more European features, and greater
intelligence, than the other Indians of the country. They also stated that there was a well of

BY THE FORTILLO PASS, AND RETURN HOME.

65

water thereabouts, to which it was necessary for them to make a pilgrimage once in their lives
for the welfare of their souls ; and a river, in which they were obliged to bathe whenever they
passed. On these occasions they have a grand frolic in honor of the deity they worship ; anil
when they have spirituous liquor, it ends by all getting drunk and having a free fight. This
is the Indians’ story, as furnished me by Rivarola, and I give it for what it is worth.

While I was in Mendoza, five men were shot for stealing cattle ; they were old offenders, and
the vice had become so general that the government found it necessary to make an impressive
example.

On settling accounts with the cartmen for the transport of my baggage from Rosario, I found
that the Frenchman, whose trunk was with mine, had made no arrangements to pay the
freight, and that I was considered responsible for it. Having made up my mind in Santiago
that I was finally done with the fellow, I felt so much annoyed at his conduct, that his trunk
would have been left at the disposition of his creditors ; but Arcos suggested that I should pay
it in memory of Lafayette, and accordingly it was done.

I am inclined to think this countryman of the illustrious Lafayette was rather more knave
than fool, for although he called several times after my last arrival in Santiago to see me, and
talked over arrangements of accounts, his cash was not forthcoming at the proper lime, and I
never heard more of him.

On making my last set of observations in Mendoza, I discovered the reason why the boiling-
point apparatus indicated a greater elevation than the barometer, viz: a portion of the mercury,
by the jarring of travel, had lodged in the cell at the top of the tube.

On the 23d of December I again set out for Santiago by the Uspallata Pass, and shortly after
leaving town found that my party, instead of consisting of myself and servant, with the
arriero and peon, was increased by the sister of the arriero — Dona Juana — and a young Italian,
a manufacturer of fideos, whom the arriero had contracted to carry over. As it was the last
stage of the journey I made no objection, and had no cause afterwards to regret it. Dona
Juana was a very good hand at making a stew or a cup of mate ; and the Italian, although
frequently of service to me, was so grateful for the little benefit I could render him that I can-
celled a resolution, made on parting from the Frenchman, of never doing another generous act
without a quid pro quo.

We stopped at nearly all my former stations, to repeat some of the observations, and finally
arrived in Santiago, early on the morning of the 2d day of January. In looking over my
notes of this journey, I find but few worth transcribing, and those I will throw in as odds and
ends, without order or connexion, to fill up the seams of my loosely-worded report.

We passed a part of Christmas day at Villavicensjo, and found that the place, under the
influence of a cheerful sun and a feast day, was more pleasant than at our former trip.

Accomplished the journey between Villavicensio and Uspallata on the 20th , and stopped there,
to give the peon a chance to recover from the effects of a kick from one of the mules.

Among the baggage left behind at Rosario was a chest, containing two tanks of alcohol,
which I had volunteered to bring from the United States for the purpose of preserving specimens
of natural history. When I found it necessary to leave my heavy baggage behind, T had made
up my mind to neglect entirely this part of my original intention; but having the tanks with,
me on this last trip, I felt disposed to add a mite to that science, and accordingly offered one of
the soldiers at Uspallata twenty-five cents each for every snake or animal lie should bring. He
was at first doubtful about my sincerity, but when I paid him fifty cents for a pair of mountain
rabbits, set himself to work in earnest; and before long I had specimens of crabs from the river
de Uspallata, several snakes, and at last near a peck of tadpoles, for each of which 1 was
expected to pay twenty-five cents.

This was like my experience in Rosario. I there commissioned three or tom men am "P*
to bring me specimens of snakes, fish, &c., but for two or three days got nothing. At length,
when I had given up all hope, I was called out one morning, and found two fishermen from the
9*

66

FROM MENDOZA TO SANTIAGO AND B A.CK

river, each one having ten or a dozen enormous catfish, which they had been instructed to bring
me. As any one of the fish was large enough to fill my tank, I had, of course, to decline pur-
chasing, very much to the annoyance of the fishermen and the indignation of my emissaries.

A short distance above the Puente del Inca there is another natural bridge, over the Eio de
las Cuevas, formed by two large boulder rocks, which have lodged against each other, leaving
enough space underneath for the water to pass. This bridge is made transitable, by having
sheets of the rock of which the Incas bridge is formed laid like a pavement over its inequalities,
and is frequently used by arrieros, in order to avoid the steep descent to and ascent from the
Eio de los Horcones. With this view we passed the Puente del Inca, followed the south hank
of the river, and recrossed at this bridge, where we were near having a serious accident. The
ascent from the bridge to the road is by a short ladera ; and as we were passing this, one of the
burden-mules struck his load against a jutting rock, which partially turned it. As usual, the
mule, on feeling all the weight on one side, became frightened, wheeled round, and came down
the ladera at full speed, to the imminent risk of the whole party. He passed me so suddenly —
the boxes grazing my knee — that I had no time to he alarmed for my own safety ; but the chance
for those below me — la Juana in particular, who was in a narrow part of the road, and so much
frightened as to be incapable of exertion — appeared to he very small. My man, Jose, dis-
mounted, and attempted to stop the mule, but was knocked over, and, in company with one of
the boxes of instruments, went heels over head down the steep hill for about a hundred feet,
both box and man bringing up at the river bank, without farther injury than a few bruises.
Fortunately, before the mule arrived at the place where the woman was, the load had worked
round under his belly, and prevented him from proceeding farther.

Notwithstanding the steepness of the path across the cordillera, cruppers are never used,
between Chile and Mendoza, for saddle or burden mules ; nor does this appear necessary, with
native mountings. These are furnished with wide double girths, working in large iron rings
at their connection with the saddle. One of these is placed under the breast, and the other
well back, near the flank, and both are girthed so tight that the poor animal’s belly is sorely
pinched between them. In this position the saddle or load is immovable, forward or backward,
until after a long march, when the animal becomes thinner by sweating. But, unless they
are nicely balanced, the loads are constantly working over sideways, and as soon as the mule
begins to feel the weight too heavy on one side it runs away, seldom stopping till the load gets
under its belly and impedes progress, when it vents its uneasiness in kicks. In such cases,
as also in loading, the first thing to be done is to blindfold the animal, without which it will
not stand still. The arriero’s poncho, or blanket, serves for this purpose, which is, indeed, one
of its principal uses.

With an English or American saddle, where the girths are so arranged as not to admit of
their being spread apart, there is frequent necessity, in going down hill, to halt and set the
saddle hack.

I find that no mention is made, in the first part of my narrative, of the existence of ruins of
Indian houses in the Uspallata Pass. There are ruins in at least two places — at the Eio de
Tambillos, on the eastern side, and near the Alto de la Laguna, on the western. Those at the
Eio de Tambillos are the most perfect, and resemble the foundations of a large house. The
walls are not more than three feet high, and it is difficult to understand what the nature of the
structure was. Their use was probably the same as that of the casuchas. In the Portillo Pass
there are several corrals or yards, that serve for a similar purpose ; but these are not as large
or of the same construction as the tambillos, and were probably built by drovers. These ruins
are called “tambillos,” which is the diminutive of the Peruvian word “tambo,” meaning
an inn.

Just before reaching the posada de Colina we discovered a snake, which my servant disabled
by a cut across the hack with the horse-whip, and it was afterwards choked until all signs of life
were ended. Wishing to preserve it, and not caring to stop and unload the mules then, I put it

BY THE PORTILLO PASS, AND RETURN HOME.

67

in my saddle-bags, intending to deposit it in the tanks at Colina. On our arrival I was aston-
ished to find that it was not only alive and hearty as ever, hut eagerly bent on biting me. Of
course I dropped the reptile ; and it soon made its way to a large party of women, who had
collected at the posada to celebrate the new-year’s day. The amount of squalling and fluttering
of petticoats that took place, and lasted till I got his snakcsliip by the throat, may he better
imagined than described.

I have said that it is the universal impression in Mendoza that goitre is caused by the use of
the water of the river; it is also a very common belief in Santiago that it is there produced by
the water of the Maypu. Indeed, many of the old inhabitants say it was not known before
that water was brought to the city by the Maypu canal. There is a peculiar feature about both
of these rivers which appears to justify this belief. Their banks are coated in many places
with a white deposit, or efflorescence, called salitre; whilst the Aconcagua and Tunuyan — the
one a companion of the Maypu, and the other of the Mendoza, which pass through settle-
ments free from the goitre — have very little or no salitre on their banks. I took pains to bring
home some of this efflorescence, and it is now in the hands of a chemist for analysis. There
are also with the principal part of my baggage and instruments — which were left in Val-
paraiso for shipment around Cape Horn — two bottles of the water of the Mendoza, and two from
the Tunuyan. On their arrival they will be analyzed, and, it is hoped, will give some informa-
tion on this subject.

A striking change had taken place in the appearance of the outlet at the Uspallata Pass, on
the Chilean side, between the time of my first and second journeys across it. On the former
occasion there were but two or three huts below the Guardia Vieja, and around it there was no
sign of cultivation; whereas, on the latter, instead of the one lonely hut at that place, there were
quite a number, and several small farms ; and from there to the valley of Santa Rosa there was
almost a continuous line of farms and houses.

My expenses from Mendoza to San Jose and back, by the Portillo Pass, were eighty dollars,
exclusive of food ; and from Mendoza to Santiago, by the Uspallata Pass, fifty-four dollars. In
the first case I had only two light trunks ; and in the last, two loads and a half of baggage.

It may be proper to remark, that the accompanying map (No. 9) is compiled from others,
except in the immediate vicinity of my road, where I have corrected it by observations. The
map of the two mountain passes (No. 8) is entirely from observations ; that of the Portillo
Pass having been planned from estimated distances uncorrected, but the Uspallata Pass having
the estimated distances corrected by positions astronomically determined.

I left Valparaiso by the English mail-steamer of the 15th of January, proceeded to Panama,
and, after an unusual and harassing detention on the isthmus, returned to the United States by
the first steamer.

Appended I give a table of the distances paid for on the post-road from Rosario to Mendoza.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARCH. MacRAE,

Lieutenant U. S. Navy.

Lieut. J. M. Gilliss,

Sv/pt. TJ. S. N. Astronomical Expedition.

68

TABLE OF DISTANCES, ETC.

TABLE OF DISTANCES, BY THE POST-ROAD, FROM ROSARIO TO MENDOZA.— ANALYSIS OF POWDER

COLLECTED ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER YESO.

PROVINCE OF SANTA FE.

From Rosario to the Saladillo de la Orqueta

1

leagues.

CC

Candelaria

-

-

5

CC

C C

Desmochados -

-

6

cc

cc

Arequito

-

-

4

cc

CC

Guardia de la Esquina

-

-

5

cc

PROVINCE OF CORDOVA,
to the Cruz Alta

4

leagues.

CC

Cabeza del Tigre

-

-

4

CC

CC

Esquina de Lovaton

-

-

5

cc

c c

Saladillo de Rui Diaz

-

-

5

cc

c c

Barrancas

-

-

4

cc

cc

Zanjon -

-

-

4

c c

c c

Fraile Muerto

-

4

cc

c c

Tres Cruces

-

-

4

cc

cc

Arroyo de San Jose

-

-

9

cc

c c

Canada de Luca

-

5

cc

cc

Tortoral -

-

-

4

cc

cc

Guanaco

-

-

6

cc

cc

Tambillo

-

-

6

cc

cc

Chucul -

-

-

8

cc

cc

Villa del Rio Cuarto

-

-

4

cc

cc

Ojo de Agua -

-

-

*7

cc

cc

Barranquitas -

-

-

5

cc

cc

Achiras - - -

-

-

5

c c

PROVINCE OF SAN LUIS.

to the Portezuelo

5 leagues.

CC

San Jose del Morro -

-

-

7

c c

cc

Rio Quinto

-

-

12

cc

cc

San Luis

-

12

c c

cc

Balde -

-

-

9

cc

cc

Desaguadero -

-

-

12

cc

PROVINCE OF MENDOZA,
to the Acorocorto

12

leagues.

CC

Santa Rosa

-

-

20

CC

cc

Retamo - - -

-

10

cc

cc

Mendoza -

_

12

cc

The efflorescent powder collected on the hank of the river Yeso has been analyzed by
Professor J. Lawrence Smith, and found to consist of —

Sulphate of magnesia - - - - - - - 40.10

Sulphate of soda - - - - - - - - 26.25

Chloride of sodium - ------- 33.65

100.00

PART II.

OBSERVATIONS.

Office of the United States Naval Astronomical Expedition,

Washington, 1). C., June 29, 1854.

Sir : I beg leave to submit herewith the results of my observations, made between Santiago
de Chile and Montevideo, for the determination of geographical positions, elevations above the
sea-level, and the magnetic elements; and, in connexion therewith, to present a statement of
the manner in which they were obtained, and the amount of reliability to be attached to them.

OF THE LATITUDE.

The altitudes were invariably measured with a sextant and artificial horizon, and, as the
sun’s meridian altitude was too great for the sextant, the latitude has been generally derived
from double altitudes — there being two or more determinations for each place.

In the months of November and December, during which these observations were generally
made, the sun passes too near the zenith in the parallel to which my work was confined for
very accurate determinations ; but, from the close agreement of the results, I consider them
sufficiently reliable for all practical purposes.

Mendoza, for example, was found to be in 32° 50' 51" by two altitudes.

51 18 “

51 21 “ “

50 45 “

51 07 by meridian altitude of moon.

Mean

32

51

04

latitude of hotel.

+

11

South

32

51

15

latitude of Plaza.

These results, however, agree more closely than the generality of them.

OF THE LONGITUDE.

On my first trip across the country I had three pocket-chronometers, only one of which was
of the least value for the determination of longitudes ; and on two occasions, although I wound
the others, I neglected to wind that particular one. Having no known position from which to
determine its error, and not time enough to ascertain definitively a position, I, of course, could
not rely on it. Moreover, I made the mistake of marking time by it at all observations, and,
by the necessary shifting from hand to pocket, vitiated its rate. I have, therefore, rejected all
chronometric determinations of the first journey, except that at the Casucha de la Cumbre, at
which place I did not stop on my second expedition. In this instance, taking the rate from the
Alto de la Laguna to the Casucha de los Puquios, according to their positions as determined on
the second journey, there is only to be considered a rate for about fifty hours, and, consequently,
no probability of great error.

On the return to South America, I was better provided, and had more experience. In addi-

70

OBSERVATIONS.

tion to the best of my former chronometers, P. & F. No. 1915, belonging to the government, I
had Barraud No. g§3, also belonging to government, and P. & F. No. 2683, of my own.

Taking Rosario, on the Parana, as my initial point, and assuming its longitude as determined
by Captain Sullivan, R. N., in H. B. M.’s brig “Philomel,” to be correct, I made as little
delay as possible in reaching Mendoza, my first terminal point, making observations at several
places on the road. The longitude of Mendoza was then determined by chronometric differences
with Santiago, in the following manner:

The day of my departure from Mendoza, (December 6, 1853), and again on my return from
Santiago, (December 21, 1853), I made observations for clock error. This gave me one rate. I
also obtained observations in Santiago, on my first arrival from Mendoza (December 14, 1853),
and again on my last arrival (January 3, 1854), which gave me another rate. The longitude
of Santiago having been accurately determined by the observations of the “Expedition,” I
worked back from December 14 and January 3, to Mendoza, December 6 and 21, with both
rates, and obtained the following results :

Barraud.

P. & F. 1915.

P. & F.2683.

Means.

h. m. s.

4 35 56.6
42.1

48.8

29.8 (a)

h. m. s.

4 36 05.7
35 39.0
35 51.2
35 45.2

h. m. s.

4 35 53.9
49.0
48.9
42.6

h. m. s.

4 35 49.2
4 35 50.3
4 35 48.6

4 35 44.3

4 35 50.3

4 35 48.6

4 35 49.4

Or, rejecting (a), Ah. 35 m. 49.2s.

The last determination by Barraud is rejected; because, at the Estero de las Cruces this
chronometer slipped from my pocket, and, although it fell on the sand, the jar was sufficient to
alter its rate.

The longitude of Mendoza being thus determined to my satisfaction, I adopted the rate
between that place and Rosario for all intermediate places ; and between Mendoza and Santiago
for stations in the mountains.

In order to judge of the amount of probable error in these determinations, I append the
Greenwich mean time as shown by each chronometer, (with errors applied) at those points on
the road where the greatest discrepancies existed :

Villa de la Concepcion, November 16, 1853 —

h . m. s.

Barraud . . . 7 55 13.0

1915 . . . . 7 55 96.4

9683 . ... 7 55 39.4

Uspallata, December 26, 1853 —

h. m. a.

Barraud . . . 7 23 91.0

1915 . . . . 7 93 26.4
2683 . . . 7 23 26.8

It may be as well to remark, that I carried all three chronometers in a belt strapped around
my waist, and under my clothes. In this way they were kept at as near the same temperature
during the journey as was possible.

As an additional proof of the accuracy of determinations of longitude by means of pocket-
chronometers, I beg leave to recall to your memory the fact that Mr. Mowatt, of Valparaiso,
determined the difference of longitude between Santiago and Valparaiso by this means in Jan-
uary, 1852, and that this difference was found to agree, within a very small fraction of a second,
with our determination by electric telegraph in September, 1852.

Besides the chronometric determinations, I had also determinations deduced from the begin-
ning and end of the solar eclipse of November 30, 1853; the observation of the end being very

OBSERVATIONS.

71

good. I was disappointed, however, from not having any observations at other stations, with
which to compare my own. The only place from which proper observations could have been
expected was Santiago; and you are aware Dr. Moesta, the chief of the observatory at that
city, was away for the purpose of making observations in Peru, where the eclipse was central.
Moreover, the eclipse was very partial in Mendoza; and the result differs so much from the
determination by chronometer, that I have not hesitated to reject it.

I have also rejected the observations of lunar distances in Mendoza and elsewhere. So far
as my experience goes, they are, at best, only approximations; and where, as in this case, it

was necessary to calculate the altitudes — thereby introducing another source of error less

dependence is to he placed on them.

I was unable to observe any occultations on either journey. When the star to he occulted
was of sufficient magnitude to he observed with my ship’s spy-glass, clouds intervened.

The positions of Santiago, Rosario, Buenos Ayres, and Montevideo, are not by mv determina-
tions; the first being by the “Expedition,” and the rest from the best English authorities.

The longitude of Mendoza, by the observation of the end of the eclipse, is 4/t. 35 m. 04*.

ELEVATION ABOVE THE SEA-LEVEL.

In these calculations, which have been made by tho formula published by the Smithsonian
Institute, it was necessary to assume a base; and for want of better I adopted Santiago, taking
the mean of all observations at 9 a. m., noon, and 3 p. m., for the months of November and
December, during which two months my journeys were made. Supposing the mean height of
the barometer at the level of the sea, in Valparaiso, to be 30 inches, and the temperature the
same as in Santiago, the corresponding difference of level is 1,703 feet; which I have applied to
the calculated elevations above Santiago to obtain elevations above the sea-level. The only
exceptions to this in the table are at Rosario, Acorocorto, and Tupungato. The difference of
level between Rosario and Buenos Ayres is given by a comparison of all observations made in
each place.

Acorocorto is so near the level of Santiago that there is doubt whether one of the temperature
corrections is positive or negative; and I have, therefore, worked from assumed readings at
Valparaiso. The height of Tupungato is calculated from a vertical angle measured from la
Punta de las Vacas.

A glance at the table of heights will show the amount of reliability to be placed on them.
In all places near the level of the sea the ordinary fluctuation of the barometer renders deter-
minations of but little value. At the Villa de la Concepcion, for instance, the observations of
the 16th of November give an elevation of 1,696 feet, and that at noon of the 17th gives 1,369
feet. For a proper understanding of the records in the column marked aneroid, it is necessary
to state that on my departure from Santiago, in November, 1852, I had an aneroid, which I
broke accidentally on mounting my horse the first day out. On the second trip I had anotlu-r,
which was compared daily, at Rosario and Buenos Ayres, with the mercurial barometer, and
was not altered till I reached San Luis, where, from dampness or other cause, the dial, which
was of pasteboard, had expanded so as to impede the motion of the index. It was necessary,
therefore, to cut out the central part to allow free motion to the index, and probably in so doing
the reading was altered. After obtaining careful comparisons in Mendoza, I left for Santiago
by the Portillo Pass, and made corresponding observations with the syphon barometer as far as
the eastern Portillo, where the final lever, b, (see figure,) had reached a horizontal position ; and
as it was not possible to wind up the chain, of course the barometer ceased to act. On the see md
trip from Mendoza I turned one of the screws cl of the leverage apparatus e, until the lever was
thrown back as far as possible. Though this gave it greater range for diminished atmospheric
pressure, and I passed over the Uspallata Pass without having it cease to act, it was also without
accurate measures; and, moreover, when I descended to near the level of the sea the lever was
resting against the side of the case, and the barometer could rise no farther.

72

OBSERVATIONS.

The difference between the reading of the aneroid and mercurial barometers in passing the

cordillera, was as follows:

Mendoza 2.82 inches.

Villavicensio 2.53 “

Uspallata 2.38 u

Casucha de los Puquios 2.26 “

Casucha de la Cumhre 2.15 “

Alto de la Laguna 2.05 “

Estero de las Cruces 2.39 u

Chacra de Montumas 2.57 “

Showing a regular decrease of difference in going up, and, with the exception of the difference
at the Alto de la Laguna, which may he a false record, a regular increase coming down. This
proves that the aneroid, or at least the one I had, is not adapted for measuring heights.

It has been objected to the aneroid that it does not remain constant; that is, a comparison
made to-day will not agree with one six months hence. I think the difficulty may he obviated
in this manner:

Under the end A of the first lever A F F there is a spiral spring S, which rests on a washer
connected with a screw in the hack of the barometer, and intended to adjust the instrument by.

OBSERVATIONS.

73

When this is screwed up enough to raise the washer off the base of the instrument, the hand
may he regulated backwards or forwards by turning the screw, but at the same time the con-
stant action of the spiral is against the washer, and will in time force it down, particularly
when there is any jarring, as there is in travelling. I found that the comparisons remained
constant when the washer was resting on the base of the instrument. It is to be remarked,
however, that I made hut a short series of observations.

MAGNETIC DETERMINATIONS.

The declination and inclination were determined in the usual mode, with a portable decli-
nometer and Barrow’s dip-circle. It is therefore unnecessary to say anything respecting them
in this place, except that the observations for inclination are the least reliable of all. The
axis of the needle has a shoulder on each side, of such short proportions that, in raising the
needle between readings, if great care has not been taken to re-place it, the Y’s only take hold
on one side, and therefore, in returning it to its place on the agate supports, it is apt to lodge
diagonally. I did not discover that this was the cause of the discrepancies until I had finished
the work.

The horizontal force was determined from the usual data, by the formulae of Riddell.

The moment of inertia of the magnet found, by vibrating it with two different rings, and
also without weight between the two sets of ring vibrations, to be equal to 2.G6092, by the fol-
lowing formula :

K=*(*F?)

Where K1 is equal to the moment of inertia of the ring, and T and TL — the times of vibra-
tion with and without weight, T and Tx were corrected by the formula —

T*_ S T (i r a_a]\ P (1 + ?\

1—£iV 86400 16 /1 V F )

in which T — the recorded time of one vibration in seconds.

— the rate of the chronometer per second; -f- when gaining; — when losing.

86400

— — a? d d1 X .0000727222.

16

d and dx denoting the semi-arcs of vibration in divisions of scale, and a the angular
value of one division.

5 — the ratio of the torsion and magnetic forces.

F

K1 = i (r2 — r?) iv, where w is the weight (in grains) of the ring used, and r and /\
the exterior and interior radii, in decimals of a foot.

The value so found is corrected for the difference of temperature between what it was vlicn
K was determined and the actual temperature at the time of observation, by multiplying it by
1 _|_ 2 e (tl — t), where t1 denotes the actual temperature of the magnet, t the temperature at
the time of the original observations, and e the coefficient of dilatation of steel for 1° Falrenlnit :
the numerical value of e being 0.0000068.

The change of magnetic moment for a difference of 1° of temperature w«s iound to be
0.000394, by the formula—

1

x a n, co tan u;

q denoting the temperature coefficient.

a denoting the arc value of one division of the scale in terms of radius.
n denoting the difference of scale readings, corrected for change of declination.
t and t0 denoting the corresponding differences of temperature.

le of deflection at the lowest mean temperature.

10*

u denoting the an6

74

OBSERVATIONS.

With these constants, the horizontal force = X, and the magnetic moment = to, were found
as follows :

to

X

where r and the distance between the centres of the deflecting and suspended magnets
in decimals of a foot, u and u1 — the corresponding angles of deflection

p r2 rf sin w1 — r2 r5 sin u

rx5 sin ul — r5 sin u.

P was determined by the above formula, by taking a mean of twenty sets of observations at
1 foot and 1.3, including those made during the trip, and found to be equal to — 0.0022001.
And this value was used as a constant.

to X =

5T2 K
r£2

where v — Circumference of circle to diameter 1 ;

K = Moment of inertia of suspended magnet and stirrup ;

T = the time of one vibration given by the formula,

These symbols being the same as those used in determing the value of K. And

t -=i temperature of deflecting magnet during the experiments of
deflection.

t 1 = temperature of deflecting magnet during the experiments of
vibration.

q — the temperature coefficient.

And finally, calling ^ = A

to X — B

and to — V AB

While in Buenos Ayres I made observations, from early daylight till dark, for change of
horizontal force, by taking the time of 300 vibrations every hour, but I neglected to observe the
angle of deflection except at the beginning, middle, and end. At these times, viz :

At 6.30 A. m. X= 6.19309
At 1.30 p. M. X — .19886
At 6.30 p. m. X= .22289

At Santiago, the value given of X and to is the mean of several sets of observations imme-
diately preceding my departure. At the Chacra de Montumas the observations were made
about mid-day; at the Estero de las Cruces about 11 a. m. ; at the Alto de la Laguna about 3
p. m. ; at the Cumbre about 6 A. M. ; at the Casucha de los Puquios about 6 a. m. ; at Uspallata
7 A. m. ; and at Mendoza about noon.

The total force was found by multiplying the horizontal force into the secant of the inclination.

In conclusion, I beg leave to state that from several causes it is difficult to make accurate
observations in a mountain pass; the principal obstacles are, local attraction and strong winds.
In the case of my observations, there was the additional difficulty of being obliged to make
them in the sun, because the tent I had was of such construction that it was useless as a shelter
to the instruments.

OBSERVATIONS,

75

I think, however, the observations are sufficiently accurate to establish the fact that the
magnetic force decreases with the altitude, but in what ratio I am unable to say.

I have the honor to he, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARCH. MacRAE,

Lieutenant TJ. S. Navy.

Lieut. J. M. G-illiss,

TJ. S. Navy, Chief of Expedition.

TABLE SHOWING THE LATITUDES, LONGITUDES, ELEVATION ABOVE SEA-LEVEL, AND MAGNETIC ELEMENTS AT THE
SEVERAL STATIONS BETWEEN SANTIAGO AND MONTEVIDEO.

From Santiago de Chile to Mendoza and lack by the Uspallata Pass.

Place.

South lati-
tude.

West longi-
tude.

Elevation

above

sea-level.

East decli-
nation.

Inclination.

Horizontal

force.

X.

Mag. mom-t
of magnet,
m.

Total force

° / II

o 1 II

Feet.

o 1 II

o / n

Santiago

33 26 25

70 38 24

1,793

16 27 29

36 36 40

6.451385

0.42105

7.93540

Posada de Chaeabueo .

2, 173

Cuesta de Chaeabueo .

4,225

Santa Rosa de los Andes

32 48 14

70 40 09

2,564

Chacra de Monturuas .

32 46 17

70 40 33

2,584

16 22 14

35 10 30

6.49090

0.42375

7.94094

Do do

2,649

Mouth of Rio Colorado

3,454

Estero de las Cruces .

32 55 43

70 24 43

4,388

15 55 54

34 54 30

6.47505

0.42255

7.89574

Do do ,

4,426

Rio del Pefion . . .

6,608

Alto de la Laguna . .

32 50 56

70 12 39

9,207

15 43 17

34 51 00

6.44369

0.42447

7.85192

Do do . .

9,267

Casucha de la Cumbre

32 49 06

70 09 45

12,135

15 39 27

34 52 30

6.41623

0.42666

7.82243

Cumbre Pass, North Road

12,656

Cumbre Pass, South Road

12,488

Casucha de los Puquios

32 50 29

69 57 51

8,869

15 14 24

34 44 00

6.42626

0.42605

7.81960

Do do

8,961

Punta de las Vacas

32 53 00

69 50 51

7,97 9

Tupungato, (Peak)

33 21 40

69 50 43

22,450

0.42363

7.73538

Uspallata ....

32 34 24

69 27 19

6,426

15 08 26

34 05 30

6.40651

Do . . - .

6,350

El Paramillo . . .

9,395

Villavicensio . . .

32 29 37

69 05 01

5,501

Do ...

Mendoza

32 51 15

68 57 15

5,567

2,497

15 05 02

34 22 42

6.40731

0.41970

7.76337

Do

2,469

From Mendoza to Santiago and lack ly the Portillo Pass.

Rio de Mendoza

La Arboleda

La Guardia

Los Arenales

Root of steep ascent of Eastern Portillo,
east side.

Eastern Portillo Pass .

Do do

La Olla

Valley of the Tunuyan
Do do

Western Portillo Pass .

Do do

Foot of steep part of descent, west side
San Jose de Chile

2,948

3,778

6,677

8,193

13,331

14,311

14,319

10,350

9,521

9,442

13,189

13,475

11,184

3,176

76

OBSERVATIONS,

From Mendoza to Montevideo and back across the Pampa.

Place.

South lati-
tude.

West longi-
tude.

Elevation

above

sea-level.

East decli-
nation.

Inclination.

Horizontal

force.

X.

Mag. mom’t
of magnet.
in.

Total force.

Los Barriales

° / II

0 1 II

Feet.

1,954

° / //

° / u

Acoroeorto .........

33 25 36

67 41 44

1,726

14 55 48

34 26 30

6.37344

0.42019

7.72818

El Desaguadero

1,648

El Balde

1,565

San Luis de la Punta

33 16 57

66 27 13

2,548

14 39 45

33 24 30

6.36979

0.42085

7.63060

Rio Quinto

2,434

San Jose del Morro

3,193

Villa de la Concepcion

33 06 37

64 22 46

1,532

13 29 22

32 38 30

6.31460

0.42121

7.49900

El Tortoral

798

Esquina de Medrano

509

Fraile Muerto

32 36 24

62 38 37

305?

Peje Tree Station

32 58 00

62 32 09

13 00 00

31 50 30

6.28374

0.41860

7.39690

Saladillo de Rui Diaz

32 56 09

62 18 49

541?

Cabeza del Tigre

339?

Los Desmochados

477?

Saladillo de la Horqueta

261?

El Rosario

32 56 15

60 32 19

*234

12 01 13

30 57 00

6.23680

0.41971

7.27225

Buenos Ayres

34 35 30

58 22 00

11 45 17

32 11 30

6.19705

0.41814

7.32278

Montevideo „ . .

34 53 18

56 13 30

10 12 41

32 07 30

6.15906

0.41616

7.27255

* Above Buenos Ayres.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS MADE BETWEEN SANTIAGO AND BUENOS AYRES.

Place.

Year, Cay and
month.

Hour.

1 Syphon barom-
eter.

Aneroid barom-
eter.

Attached ther-
mometer.

Wet bulb ther-
mometer.

Dry-bulb ther-
mometer.

Sky.

Winds.

Remarks.

Direction.

Force

Incha .

Inches.

O

0

0

Santiago

Nov. 14, 1852

M.

28.324

31.252

65

Clear . .

Do

Nov. 15, 1852

8

A. M.

.316

.270

63.5

Clear . .

Set out at 9.30 A. M.

San Ignacio ....

Nov. 15, 1852

11

A. M.

.525

86

Clear . .

Posada de Colina . .

Nov. 15, 1852

3

P. M.

.125

86

Clear . .

Broke the aneroid.

Posada de Chacabuco .

Nov. 15, 1852

8

P. M.

27.753

59

Clear .

Cuesta de Chacabuco .

Nov. 16, 1852

7

A. M.

25.843

68

Clear . .

Chacra deMontumas .

Nov. 16, 1852

M.

27.170

72.5

60

73

Clear .

Do do

Nov. 16, 1852

3

P. M.

.357

73

60.5

77

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 16, 1852

9

P. M.

.403

56.3

51.5

57

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 17, 1852

6

A. M.

.462

53.6

51

55

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 17, 1852

9

A. M.

.477

62.6

55

64

Clear. .

Do do .

Nov. 17, 1852

M.

.458

70.2

55.5

70.5

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 17, 1852

3

P. M.

.466

71.6

56.7

72.3

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 17, 1852

6

P. M.

.454

63

55 .‘5

67,5

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 18, 1852

6

A. M.

.434

49

45.5

49

Clear . .

Santa Rosa ....

Nov. 18, 1852

9

A. M.

.387

64.4

54.3

64

Clear . .

Chacra de Montumas .

Nov. 18, 1852

M.

.450

74.7

61.5

75

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 18, 1852

4

P. M.

.410

73.4

57.5

73

Clear .

Do do

Dec. 31, 1853

M.

27.364

29.937

82

64

83

Clear , .

Southwest-

3

Different instrum’ts.

ward.

Mouth of Rio Colorado

Nov. 19, 1852

M.

26.564

70.7

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 19, 1852

2

P. M.

.509

82.4

Clear .

Estero de las Cruces .

Nov. 19, 1852

6

P. M.

25.710

69.3

51

70

Clear . .

Do do ,

Nov. 20, 1852

5

A. M.

.658

48.2

42

47.5

Clear . ,

Do do

Nov. 20, 1852

8

A. M.

.698

63.8

50.2

64.5

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 20, 1852

9

A. M.

.694

70.7

53.5

71

Clear . .

Do do

Nov. 20, 1852

1

P. M.

.658

75.2

50.5

75.5

Clear . .

Do do

Dec. 30, 1853

M.

.708

28.100

78

55.5

78.5

Clear . .

Westward

4

Rio del PeHon . . .

Nov. 20, 1852

7

P. M.

24.044

61.2

Clear . .

Do . . . • . .

Nov. 21, 1852

5

A. M.

.017

51.8

36

52.5

Clear .

Alto de la Laguna , ,

Nov. 21, 1852

M.

21.591

62.6

40

60

K. 3 . .

Southwest-

5

ward.

OBSERVATIONS.

77

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

a

a

£ *

iL

o

o

H

H £

e ^

, 1 u

Winds.

Place.

fear, day and
month.

Hour.

Ja c

pCS U.

a z

Sky.

Remarks.

C o

■5

0/ 5

*§ 5

li

O'

0

Direction.

^orcc

m

<

<

£

Q

Inches

Inches.

0

0

0

Alto de la Laguna . .

Nov. 21, 1852

3

P. M.

21.552

57.7

43.5

58

K. 3 . . .

Southwest

5

ward.

Do do

Nov. 21, 1852

6

P. M.

.568

48.7

38

48

K. 2 . . .

Southwest

1

Snow on hills tinged

ward.

roae-eolor from the 1
rays of netting sun. .

Do do

Nov. 22, 1852

6

A. M.

.524

40

30

41.2

Clear . . .

0

Do do

Doc. 29, 1853

2

P. M.

.632

23.687

64

45

68

Clear . . .

Southwest-

5

ward.

Casucha de la Cumbre

Nov. 22, 1852

M.

19.312

40

28.3

37.5

Clear . . .

Southwest-

5

ward.

Do do

Nov. 22, 1852

3

P. M.

.280

41.9

30.5

41.7

Clear . . .

Southwest-

5

ward.

Do do

Nov. 22, 1852

6

P. M.

.284

40.6

30.7

40

Clear . . .

Southwest-

1

ward.

Do do

Nov. 23, 1852

6

A. M.

.308

38.8

23.5

36.5

Clear . . .

0

Do do

Nov. 23, 1852

9

A. M.

.304

55.4

32

47.5

Clear . . .

Southwest-

3

Barometer in tlic sun.

ward.

Cumbre S. road . . .

Nov. 23, 1852

9.30

A. M.

.162

50.9

Clear . . .

Southwest-

6

ward.

Cumbre N. road . .

Dec. 29, 1853

M.

19.114

21.262

59

39

58

Clear . . .

Westward

6

Casucha de los Puquios

Nov. 23, 1852

3

P. M.

21.966

71.4

45.3

68.5

Clear . . .

Sou th west-
ward.

5

Do do

Nov. 23, 1852

6

P. M.

.954

62.6

43

63

Clear . . .

Southwest-

2

ward.

Do do

Nov. 24, 1852

6

A. M.

.903

51.8

31.5

47.5

Clear . . .

0

Do do

Nov. 24, 1852

9

A. M.

.867

64.4

43.5

65

Clear . . .

Southwest-

3

v\ a r d .

Do do

Nov. 24, 1852

M.

.839

68.0

44.0

68.8

Clear . . .

Southwest-

5

ward.

Do do

Dec. 28, 1853

6

P. M.

.880

24.137

68.0

45

69

Clear . . .

Westward

5

Punta de las Vacas

Dec. 28, 1853

9.30

A. M.

22.658

75

50

68

Clear . . .

Eastward .

2

Uspallata ....

Nov. 26, 1852

6

A. M.

23.859

51

48

51

K. to eastw’d

Eastward .

3

Do do

Nov. 26, 1852

9

A. M.

.816

60.8

50

62.5

IC. toeastw’d

Eastward .

4

Do do

Nov. 26, 1852

M.

.835

64

51.7

65.7

K. to eastw’d

Eastward .

4

Do do

Nov. 26, 1852

3

P. M.

.855

63

51

64.5

K. to eastw’d

Eastward .

4

Do do

Nov. 26, 1852

9

P. M.

.902

55.4

45.7

55.5

Do do

Dec. 26, 1853

M.

24.016

26.400

72

58

75

K. to eastw’d

Eastward

2

El Paramillo . . .

Dec. 25, 1853

5

P. M.

21.576

79

Clear . . .

Villavicensio . .

Nov. 27, 1852

3

P. M.

24.615

52.3

44

51

K. S. 1 . .

0

Do

Dec. 25, 1853

11

A. M.

24.690

76

57

75

Clear . . .

Eastward .

3

Mendoza ....

Nov. 28, 1852

6

A. M.

27.584

60.8

53.5

64

Clear . . .

Observations in Men
doza all made in a

draught of air in a 1
room of hotel.

Do

Nov. 30, 1852

9

A. M.

.568

71.6

62.5

72.7

Clear . . .

Do

Nov. 30, 1852

M.

.540

75.2

63.8

75.5

Clear . . .

Do

Nov. 30, 1852

3

P. M.

.495

76

63.5

77.5

Clear . . .

Do

Dec. 1, 1852

Midnight. .

.560

72

61.5

72.5

Clear . . •

Do

Dec. 1, 1852

9

A. M.

.678

67

55

69

Clear . . .

Do

Dec. 1, 1852

M.

.694

71.6

60.5

73.2

C. K. S. 8 .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 1, 1852

3

P. M.

.631

73.4

62

75

C. K. 5 . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Dec. 1,1852

7

P. M.

.587

73

63

74

C. K. 4 . .

Calm . .

Do

Dec. 2, 1852

9

A. M.

27.627

73.4

62.5

73.3

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 2,1852

M.

.525

76

64

76.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Do ..... .

Dec. 2,1852

3

P. M.

.501

79

65

79

K. S. 2 . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do,

Dec. 3, 1852

9

A. M.

.690

73.4

64

75

K. S. 1 . .

Southward

4

Do

Dec. 3, 1852

M.

.670

75.2

66

77.5

K. S. on mts.

Northeast-

ward.

4

Do

Dec. 3, 1852

4

P. M.

.560

79

66.2

79.2

K. S.2 . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 4, 1852

10

A. M.

.477

78.8

67.7

78.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

1

Do .... .

Dec. 5, 1852

M.

.458

81

66.8

81

K. 2 . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 5, 1852

3

P. M.

.280

82.4

68.5

83

tv. S. on mts

East-north
j cast.

3

Temperature in sun.
wet, 73° ; dry, 100®. j

78

OBSERVATIONS.

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

Place.

Year, day and
month.

Hour.

s

o

rt .
& u

s

o

e3 .
-a

a>

6 *
rs a>

V

,q m

•5

Sky.

Winds.

Remarks.

C ~
o «

jia

p<

>>

02

■3 s

N

V

G

<

J= 5
0 E
2 s

<

= £
0

« £
&

1 s
i

>> C

O

Direction.

Force.

Mendoza

Dec. 6, 1852

9

A. M.

Inches.

27.231

Inches.

78.8

70.5

80

A storm brewing.

Do

Dec. 6, 1852

M.

.178

84.2

69.3

82.7

A storm brewing.

Do

Dec. 6, 1852

6

P. M.

.245

81

A squall of wind and
rain from the south-
ward.

Do

Dec. 6, 1852

10

P. M.

.497

76

Raining.

Do

Dec. 7, 1852

5

A. M.

.634

68

Cloudy.

Do

Nov. 27, 1853

9

A. M.

.560

27.325

80

71

82.5

C. K. 3 . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Different instruments.

Do

Nov. 27, 1853

M.

.492

.275

81

70

80.5

K. 3 . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Nov. 27, 1853

3

P. M.

.374

.175

82

71.5

82.5

Do

Nov. 28, 1853

9

A. M.

.638

.362

79.5

69.5

79

K. S. 7 . .

Southward

3

Do

Nov. 28, 1853

M.

.560

.837

81.5

69.5

81.5

K. 9 . . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

At 2 P. M. a light
shower of rain.

Do

Nov. 28, 1853

3

P. M.

.532

.325

80.5

70

81.5

K. S. 6 . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Nov. 29, 1853

9

A. M.

.610

.395

80

71

80

K. 2 . . .

Eastward .

1

Do . . ...

Nov. 29, 1853

M.

.540

.325

81

70.5

82.5

K. S. 7 . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Nov. 29, 1853

3

P. M.

.420

,225

80.5

70

82

K. S. 1 . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Nov. 30, 1853

9

A. M.

.380

.170

79

68.5

80

Clear . . .

0

Do

Nov. 30, 1853

M.

.346

.150

81

68.5

77.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Nov. 30, 1853

3

P. M.

Clear . . ,

0

Occupied with eclipse.

Do

Dec. 1, 1853

9

A. M.

.700

475

77.5

64

78

Clear . . .

Eastward .

3

Do

Dec. 1, 1853

M.

.670

.437

79

62

79

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 1, 1853

3

P. M.

.600

.375

79

63.5

80.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 2, 1853

9

A. M.

.648

.425

78

62.5

78.0

Clear . . .

0

Do

Dec. 2, 1853

M.

.592

.370

79

63

79

C. 1 .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 2, 1853

3

P. M.

.492

.275

80

63.5

81

C. 2 . . .

North-north-

eastward.

2

Do

Dec. 3, 1853

9

A. M.

.602

.375

79

65.5

78.3

K. S. 6 . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 3, 1853

M.

.544

.325

82

64.5

80

K. S. 9 . .

Southeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 3, 1853

3

P. M.

.454

.237

80

64.5

80

K. S. 2 . ,

Eastward .

1

Do

Dec. 4, 1853

9

A. M.

.576

.337

74.3

60.5

75.5

Clear . . .

Eastward .

3

Do

Dec. 4, 1853

M.

.556

.325

80

60.5

77

Clear . . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Dec. 4, 1853

3

P. M.

.512

.300

78.5

63.5

79.3

Clear . . .

Eastward .*

2

Do

Dec. 5, 1853

9

A. M.

.630

.400

76.5

61

77

Clear . . .

0

Do

Dec. 5, 1853

M.

.526

.300

79.2

60

78.7

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 5, 1853

6

P. M.

.386

.170

79

61

78.5

Clear . . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Dec. 6, 1853

M.

.424

.200

80.5

65.5

80.5

Clear . . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Do

Dec. 21, 1853
Dec. 23, 1853

9

1

A. M.
P. M.

.460

.550

30.375

79

77.5

65.5

60.5

79

79

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Altered one of the
springs of aneroid
for greater range.

Dec. 7, 1853
Dec. 8, 1853

7

A. M.
M.

26.800

26.160

Clear . . .

K. S. 10 . .

Rancheria called La Ar-
boleda.

26.262

71

Snowing in the moun-
tains.

La Guardia ....

Dec. 9, 1853

10

A. M.

23.768

24.120

80

53.5

67.5

Clear . . .

Eastward .

3

Los Arenales . .

Dec. 9, 1853

M.

22.530

23.000

75

45

57

K. 5 . . .

Eastward .

4

Foot of E. Portillo, (E.
side.)

Dec. 10, 1853

8

A. M.

18.534

21.737

56

36

42.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Eastern Portillo . . .

Dec. 10, 1853

10

A. M.

17.814

Don’t

work.

60

26.5

33

K. 1 . . .

Westward

3

Do

Dec. 18, 1853

9

A. M.

17.774

30

27

Snowing and wind
blowing in squalls.

La Olla

Dec. 17, 1853

6

P. M.

20.586

39

39

Snowing; wind light
and variable.

Valley of the Tunuyan .

Dec. 10, 1853

4

P. M.

21.448

68

44.5

66.5

Clear . . .

Westward

5

Do do

Dec. 17, 1853

2

P. M.

21.396

54

54

It. s. 1 . .

South-south-

eastward.

6

Base of W. Portillo, (E.
side.)

Dec. 11,1853

5

A. M.

24

29.5

Clear .

0

OBSERVATIONS.

79

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

a

a

Ih

>!<

o

o

•5

•5 ^

Winds

Place.

Year, day and

Hour.

JS £

O

£. <S

.o S

Sky.

Remarks.

month.

f.

0Q

c «
a»
q
<

© §
5 £
<

3 £
“? °
S s

V -

Dry-bul

mom

Direction.

Force.

Western Portillo . .

Dec. 11, 1853

9

A. M.

Inches.

18.616

Inches.

68

32

45

Clear . .

Westward

3

Do

Dec. 17, 1853

10

A. M.

.400

46

32

40

Clear . .

Northwest-

ward.

5

Cloudy over E. Por-
tillo.

Foot of W. Portillo, (W.
side.)

Dec. 11, 1853

10

A. M.

20.166

63

At foot of steep part
of descent.

Dec. 15, 1853

3

P. M.

26.864

81

61

81

Clear . .

o

Broke the wet and
dry thermometers.

Loa Barriales . . .

Dec. 7,1852

M.

28.016

68.4

K. S. 10 .

Do

Dec. 8, 1852

6

A. M.

27.965

60.8

N. S. 10 .

Light rain, occasion-
ally.

En Camino ....

Dec. 8, 1852

9

A. M.

Broke my barometer.

Acorocorto ....

Dec. 10, 1852

7

A. M.

58

64

Clear . .

Northward

2

Do

Dec. 10, 1852

M.

82

Clear . .

Northward

3

Do

Nov. 24, 1853

9

A. M.

28.230

85

72

84.5

Clear . .

0

Different instruments.

Do

Nov. 24, 1853

M.

.168

27.950

87.3

72

92.5

K. 1 . .

0

Do

Nov. 24, 1853

3

P. M.

.106

92.5

70.3

94.5

K. S. 9 .

Eastward .

2

Appearances of a
storm.

La Represa ....

Dec. 12, 1852

2

P. M.

66.5

93

Clear . .

In the shade & draught.

Do

Dec. 12, 1852

2

P. M.

70

100.1

Clear . .

In the sun it draught.

El Desaguadero . .

Nov. 23, 1853

M.

.358

86

69

85.5

Clear . .

Southeast-

ward.

2

In the sun: wet, 72°;
dry, 97°.

El Balde

Nov. 22, 1853

11

A. M.

.524

96

88

Clear . .

West-north-

westward.

2

Do

Nov. 22, 1853

3

P. M.

.380

89

89

K.2 . .

Southwest-

ward.

2

San Luis de la Punta .

Dec. 13, 1852

9

A. M.

64.5

83

Do

Dec. 13, 1852

3

P. M.

66

85

Do

Dec. 13, 1852

6

P. M.

66

82

Do

Dec. 14,1852

6

A. M.

54.5

66.5

Do

Dec. 14, 1852

9

A. M.

57

78

Do

Dec. 14, 1852

M.

Do

Dec. 14, 1852

3

P. M.

63.5

84

Do

Dec. 15, 1852

6

A. M.

62.5

73

C. K. S. 8

Rained during night.

Do

Dec. 15, 1852

9

A. M.

64.5

76

C. K. 2 .

•

Northeast-

ward.

5

Do

Dec. 15, 1852

M.

64

82

0 . .

Northeast-

ward.

6

Do

Dec. 15, 1852

P. M.

63.5

79.5

0 . ,

Northeast-

ward.

4

Do

Dec. 16, 1852

6

A. M.

68

74

K. 8 . .

Northeast-

ward.

1

Do

Dec. 16, 1852

9

A. M.

70.5

73

K. 10 . .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Do ..... .

Dec. 16, 1852

M.

67.5

72.5

Raining .

Northeast-

ward.

2

Do

Dec. 17, 1852

6

A. M.

64

67

Heavy rain

Southwest-

ward.

5

Thunder it lightning.

Do

Dec. 17, 1852

9

A. M.

58

62

Heavy rain

Southwest-

ward.

Southward

Southward

8

Do do.

Do

Do .... .

Dec. 17, 1852
Dec. 17, 1852

3

M.
P. M.

56.5

55.5

60.5

62.3

Light rain
K. S. 1 .

6

of

This blow was felt for
1 two or three days
at Buenos Ayres;

Do

Dec. 17, 1852

6

P. M.

54.5

61.5

K. S. 9 .

South-south

westward.

7

strongest at M. ot
18th.

Do

Dec. 18, 1852

At work.

Do

Dec. 19, 1852

6

A. M.

53.5

62.5

Clear . .

0

Do

Dec. 19, 1852

9

A. M.

58.5

70.5

♦

Clear . .

North-north-

westward.

3

In the sun : wet,64° ;
dry, 74°.

Do

Dec. 19, 1852

M.

65.5

73.5

Clear . .

North-north-

westward.

2

In the sun: wet, 66°;
dry, 84°.5.

Do

Nov. 21, 1853

9

A. M.

27.496

76.5

62

73

Clear . .

Northwest-

ward.

2

Do

Nov. 21, 1853

M.

.484

80

64

75

Clear . .

Northwest-

ward.

2

Adjusted aneroid.

Do ... ,

Nov. 21, 1853

3

P. M.

.384

27.150

82.3

60.5

86

Clear . .

Northwest-

ward.

1

Do

Nov. 21, 1853

6

P. M.

67

95

Clear . .

In the sun.

Rio Quinto ....

Nov. 20, 1853

2

P. M.

.576

83

83

Clear . .

Eastward .

2

San Jose del Morro

Nov. 19, 1853

2

P. M.

26.796

65

65 ?

Clear . •

0

Do

Nov. 19, 1853

6

P. M.

.770

59

59?

Clear . .

0

80

OBSERVATIONS.

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

Place.

Year, day and

Hour.

s

o

rf -

c

o

a .
X £

0>

Xi ^
— O)
T3 CD

•o 2

£

<D

"5

a

Sky.

Winds.

Remarks.

month.

'H,

>>

m

’5 V

M

CD

a

C

2 S

o °
“ S

<

2 s
« s
£

IS

Direction.

Force.

San Josd del Morro

Nov. 20, 1853

6

A. M.

Inches.

26.754

Inches.

56

•

56?

Clear . . .

0

Villa de la Conception

Dec. 24, 1852

7

A. M.

57

61.5

K. S. 10 . .

Southward

5

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

8

A. M.

56

64.5

K.2 . . .

South-south

eastward.

5

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

9

A. M.

55.5

67

C. K. 1 . .

South-south

eastward.

5

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

11

A. M.

56

71.2

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

4

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

M.

55.8

71.2

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

4

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

1

P. M.

56.5

73

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

4

Do

Dec. 24, 1854

3

P. M.

56.5

73

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

4

P. M.

57

73.5

C. 1 . . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

5

P. M.

56

72.5

C. S. 1 . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 24, 1852

6

P. M.

57.5

65

Clear . . .

Southeast-

ward.

1

Do

Dec. 25, 1852

9

A. M.

58.5

71

C. K. 8 . .

North-north-

eastward.

3

Do

Dec. 25, 1852

M.

63

77.3

C. K. 2 . .

Northward

2

Do

Dec. 25, 1852

3

P. M.

63

77.5

Clear . . .

Northward

2

Do

Dec. 25, 1852

6

P. M.

*

63

75.5

Clear . . .

Northward

2

Do

Nov. 16, 1853

9

A. M.

28.260

74

67.5

73.5

C. S 10 . .

Eastward .

2

Do

Nov. 16, 1853

M.

.296

28.255

76

71

74.5

C. K. 9 . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Nov. 16, 1853

3

P. M.

.258

77

69

76.5

C. K. 5 . .

Southeast-

ward.

3

Do

Nov. 17, 1853

M.

.552

56.5

56.5

Raining . .

Southeast-

ward.

4

Bank of Rio Cuarto .

Dec. 26, 1852

M.

66

86

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

4

Near a laguna on tlie
Pampa.

Dec. 27,1852

1

P. M.

71.5

91.5

K. S. 2 . .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 27, 1852

2

P. M.

72

92

K. S. 3 . .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Do

Dec. 27, 1852

2

P. M.

74

94

In the sun.

El Tortoral ....

Nov. 14, 1853

M.

29.216

85.5

65

85

C. 2 . . .

Eastward .

3

Do

Nov. 14, 1853

M.

66

92

In the sun.

Esquina de Medrano .

Nov. 13, 1853

M.

29.488

84.5

65.5

83.5

Clear . . .

Northward

4

Fraile Muerto . . .

Nov. 12, 1853

9

A. M.

29.704

71.5

59

73

Clear . . .

Southward

2

Do ....

Nov. 12, 1853

12

M.

27.710

29.590

76

61.5

77

Clear . . .

Southward

2

Do .... .

Nov. 12, 1853

3

P. M.

27.642

29.605

80

65.5

80.5

Clear . . .

Southward

3

Los Torsales . . .

Dec. 28, 1852

3

P. M.

63.5

84.5

Clear . . .

Northeast-

ward.

3

Peje Tree Station

Dec. 29, 1852

11

A. M.

67.5

80.0

Clear . . .

Northward

3

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

M.

67.5

81

Clear . . .

Northward

3

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

1

P. M.

67

81

Clear .

Northward

3

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

2

P. M.

68

83

Clear . . .

Northward

3

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

3

P. M.

67.5

84

Clear . . .

Northward

3

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

5

P. M.

68

86

Clear . . .

Northward

2

Do do

Dec. 29, 1852

6.30

P. M.

67

77.5

Clear . . .

Northward

1

Saladillo de Rui Diaz .

Nov. 10, 1853

M.

29.488

81

81

Do do

Nov. 10, 1853

6

P. M.

.404

29.325

77

81

C. K.3 . .

Northward

2

Do do

Dec. 30, 1852

5

A. M.

55.5

56

Clear . . .

0

Heavy dew.

Cabeza del Tigre . .

Dec. 30, 1852

2

P. M.

71

93

Clear . . .

East-south-

eastward.

Do do

Nov. 9, 1853

6

P. M.

.646

71

71

C. K.9 . .

Westward

1

Do do

Nov. 10, 1853

6

A. M.

.622

58

58

K. S. 9 . .

Northward

1

La Cruz Alta . . .

Nov. 9, 1853

M.

.808

74

74

C. S. 1 . .

Westward

2

Guardia de la Esqukia

Nov. 9, 1853

10

A.M.

30.330

68

68?

C. K. 2 . .

Westward

3

Arequitas ....

Nov. 9, 1853

6

A.M.

29.748

62

62

K. 2 . . .

0

Los Desmochados . .

Nov. 8, 1853

M.

.598

64

64

Raining .

Eastward .

Saladillo de la Orqueta

Nov. 8, 1853

6

A.M.

708

64

64

El Rosario ....

Jan. 3, 1853

6

A.M.

67

69

Clear . , .

Do

Jan. 3, 1853

9

A.M.

75

82

C. 6 . . .

Northward

4

OBSERVATIONS,

81

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

g

S

o

M

js c.

CJ

53 O)

. . U*

Winds.

Place.

Year, day and

Hour.

'C ai

5 S

Sky

Remarks.

month.

§S

'H.

O a

h

0>

- C
O 2
ce p

|
<D S

E o

Direction.

Force

m

C

<

&

ft

Inches.

Inches.

0

0

o

El Rosario ....

Jan. 3, 1853

M.

75

87

C. 3 .

Northward

4

Do .....

Jan. 3, 1853

3

P. M.

75

86

C.3 .

Northward

3

Do

Jan. 3,1853

6

P. M.

74.5

84

C. 8 .

Northeast-

1

ward.

Do

Jan. 3, 1853

11

P.M.

77

80

Clear .

0

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

6

A.M.

69.2

75.5

C. 3. 1

Northeast-

5

ward.

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

9

A.M.

72

80.7

K. 9 .

Northeast-

5

ward.

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

M.

75

85

K. S. 8

Northeast-

4

ward.

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

1

P. M.

74.5

82

C. S. 1

0

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

1.30

P. M.

A violent squall of

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

5

P. M.

69

73

Nimbus 10

Southeast-

6

wind and rain with

ward.

thunder and light-
ning, during which
a house near by

Do

Jan. 4, 1853

9

P. M.

71

75

N. S. 10

0

was struck.

Do

Jan. 4,1853

11

P. M.

68.5

72

S. 10 .

0

Do

Oct. 29,1853

9

A.M.

29.988

29.848

77

69.5

76.3

K. S. 10

Eastward .

2

Do

Oct. 29, 1853

M.

.996

.855

80.5

72

75

K. 2 .

Eastward .

i

Do

Oct. 29, 1853

3

P. M.

.954

.837

82

73.5

80

K. S. 7

Eastward .

3

Do

Oct. 30, 1853

9

A.M.

.954

.850

72

69

71

N. 10 .

Southeast-

6

Raining during the

ward.

East-south-

night. Heavy thun-
der and lightning.

Do

Oct. 30, 1853

M.

.934

.805

70

67.7

70

N. 10 .

6

Rain occasionally.

eastward.

Do

Oct. 30, 1853

3

P. M.

.948

.800

69

67.5

68

N. 10 .

Eastward .

6

Heavy rain.

Do

Oct. 31, 1853

9

A.M.

30.088

.945

66

62

66.5

S. 10 .

Northeast-

3

ward.

Do

Oct. 31, 1853

M.

.028

.900

66

63.5

67

S. 10 .

Eastward .

3

Water boils at 100°. 1

Eastward .

centig.

Do

Oct. 31, 1853

3

P. M.

.000

.870

66.7

64.3

67.5

S.10 .

3

Do .....

Nov. 1, 1853

9

A.M

29.868

.748

65.5

64.5

65

N. 10 .

North-north

2

Rain, thunder and

eastward.

lightning.

Do

Nov. 1,1853

M.

.800

.680

68

66

67.5

K. S. 10

Northward

2

Do

Nov. 1, 1853

3

P. M.

.766

.655

69.3

67

69

S. 10 .

Northward

2

Appearances of rain.

Do

Nov. 1, 1853

4

P. M.

N. 10 .

Southeast-

2

Raining.

eastward.

Do

Nov. 2, 1853

9

A.M.

.966

.830

72

68

71

K.2 .

Southward

3

Do

Nov. 2, 1853

M.

.976

.840

74

68.5

74

Clear .

Southeast-

3

ward.

Do

Nov. 2,1853

3

P. M.

.984

.845

75.7

67

76.5

K.2 .

Southward

1

Do

Nov. 3, 1853

9

A. M.

30.108

.970

75

68

74

Clear .

Southeast-

ward.

2

Do

Nov. 3, 1853

M.

.082

.937

78.5

68

76

Clear .

0

Do

Nov. 3, 1853

3

P. M.

.022

.880

79.3

67

77

Clear .

Northward

2

Do

Nov. 4, 1853

9 '

A.M.

.004

.875

77.7

69.5

78.5

C. S. 1

North-north

eastward.

3

Air feels dry and dis-
agreeable.

Do

Nov. 4, 1853

M.

29.956

.825

80

70.3

80

Clear .

Northward

3

Air feels dry and dis-
agreeable.

Do

Nov. 4, 1853

3

P. M.

.840

.730

81

70

80.5

Clear .

Northward

2

Do

Nov. 5, 1853

9

A. M.

.756

.637

82.3

73

83

K.2 .

Northwest-

ward.

3

Atmosphere smoky.

Do

Nov. 5, 1853

M.

.712

.595

87

78.5

88

K.2 .

North-north

westward.

3

Atmosphere smoky.

Do

Nov. 5, 1853

3

P. M.

.678

.570

88.5

79.5

89.5

K. 1 .

North-north

westward.

3

Atmosphere smoky.

Do

Nov. 6,1853

9

A.M.

.898

.775

70

68

70.5

N. S. 10

South-south

eastward.

3

Do

Nov. 6, 1853

M.

.898

.775

75.5

72

75

K. S. 9

Southward

2

Do

Nov. 6, 1853

3

P. M.

.846

.725

75.3

72.5

75

N. S. 1.0

Southward

2

Raining.

Do . . .

Nov. 7, 1853

M.

.750

74

73

73.5

N. 10 .

Northward

1

Scotch mist.

Buenos Ayres . . .

Jan. 16, 1853

9

A. M.

60.7

67.3

(71 ear .

Do

Jan. 16, 1853

M.

64

72

K. 2 .

Do

Jan. 16,1853

3

P. M.

64.5

72

K. 1 .

Do

Jan. 17, 1853

M.

68.8

76

Clear .

Do

Jan. 17,1853

3

P. M.

68

77

Clear .

A hard squall of wind

Do

Jan. 17,1853

10 & 11D.M.

and rain. with thun- j

der and lightning.

11*

82

OBSERVATIONS,

Meteorological Observations — Continued.

Hour.

s

o

>-■

s

o

0)

o>

a>

.C xl

<v

a>

+3

Winds.

Place.

Year

day and

JZ >-<

rz a>

•£. a>

Sky.

Remarks.

month.

gs

o “

* a

a o

1

3g

'H,

V

s s

qj E

■l,S

Direction.

Force.

GQ

c

c

<

£

5

Inches.

Inches.

a

o

o

Buenos Ayres

Jan.

18, 1853

9

A. M.

65.5

69.3

Do . . .

Jan.

18, 1853

M.

67

71

C. K. S. 7

Southward

2

Do . . .

Jan.

18, 1853

3

P. M.

68

73

C. K.6 .

Southeast-

4

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

19, 1853

9

A. M.

72.5

78

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

SO, 1853

6

A. M.

68

71

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

SO, 1853

9

A. M.

72

77.5

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

SO, 1853

M.

76

82

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

SO, 1853

3

P. M.

75

84

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

SO, 1853

6

P. M.

74

83

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

91, 1853

9

A. M.

73

82.5

C. K. 3 .

Do . .

Jan.

SI, 1853

M.

74.5

83

C. K. S. 8

Do . . .

Jan.

91, 1853

3

P. M.

73.5

83

C. K. S. 10

Do . . .

Jan.

SS, 1853

Midnight.

74

80

C. K. 6 .

Heavy rain during the

night.

Do . . .

Jan.

99, 1853

9

A. M.

74.5

79

C. S. 6 .

Do . . .

Jan.

99, 1853

M.

74,5

80.5

C. 5 . .

Northwest-

4

ward.

Do. . .

Jan.

SS, 1853

1

P. M.

74.3

81.2

C. 2 . .

Northwest

4

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

9S, 1853

2

P. M.

75

82

C. 2 . .

Northwest-

4

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

92, 1853

3

P. M.

75

83

C. 2 . .

Northwest-

3

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

4

P. M.

75.5

83.7

C. K. S. 2

Northwest-

3

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

5

P. M.

73.8

82.3

C. K. S. 2

Northwest-

3

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

6

P. M.

73.5

81.5

Clear . .

Northwest-

3

ward.

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

7

P. M.

74

80.5

Clear . .

Northwest-

2

ward.

Do. . .

Jan.

22, 1853

8

P. M.

75

80

Clear . .

0

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

9

P. M.

73

79

Clear . .

0

Do . . ,

Jan.

22, 1853

10

P. M.

70.5

78

Clear . .

0

These observations

Do . . .

Jan.

22, 1853

11

P. M.

69

77

Clear . .

were made in
connexion with

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

Midnight.

68

76.3

Clear . .

observations for

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

1

A. M.

65.5

72

Clear . .

change of declina-
tion, &c.

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

2

A. M.

64.5

71

Clear .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

3

A. M.

64.5

71

Clear . .

Do. . .

Jan.

23, 1853

4

A. M.

64

70

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

5

A. M.

63

69.3

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

6

A. M.

63.5

69

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

7

A. M.

65

71

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

8

A. M.

67.5

73.5

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

9

A. M.

70

72.7

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

10

A. M.

70.7

75 5

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

11

A. M.

71.5

78.3

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

M.

71.8

78.5

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

3

P. M.

74.5

77.8

Clear . .

Do. . .

Jan.

23, 1853

4

P. M.

71.0

77.5

Clear . .

Do . . .

Jan.

23, 1853

7

P. M.

70

77

Clear . .

.

Do . . .

Oct.

14, 1853

M.

30.174

30.075

71

63.3

70

K. 8 . .

Northeast-

4

Do . . .

ward.

Oct.

15, 1853

M.

.226

.125

69

64.5

68.5

K. S. 10 .

Northeast-

4

Do . . .

ward.

Oct.

16, 1853

M.

.054

29.955

67

61.5

67.5

K. S. 10 .

Northeast-

5

Do. . .

ward.

Oct.

17, 1853

M.

.900

K. S. 9 .

Eastward .

4

Do . . .

Oct.

18, 1853

No observations; nre-

Do . . .

paring to depart.

Oct.

19, 1853

M.

.182

30.080

63

56.8

63.3

K. S. 8 .

Southward

4

Do . . .

Oct.

20, 1853

M.

.060

29.975

63

56.5

64

K. 3 . .

Eastward .

4

Symbols. — C, cirrus; K, cumuli; S, stratus; N, nimbus. — 10, entirely clouded over. — Strength of wind

0, calm ; 1, light air ; 10, strong gale.

Comparison with the standard barometer in Santiago.

December 14. 1853. 1 P. M. — Syphon, 28.264 ; standard, 28.268 ; attached thermometer, 79° ; external, 73.4°.

January 3, 1854, M. — Syphon, 28.156 ; standard, 28.254 ; attached thermometer, 70°.

No attached thermometer to standard. In the calculation of elevations I have not taken into account this last comparison.

APPENDIX D.

REPORT

MINERALS AND MINERAL MATERS OF CHILE :

BY

J. LAWRENCE SMITH,

PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE.

REPORT ON THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

BY J. LAWRENCE SMITH,

PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE.

The minerals collected by the United States naval astronomical expedition were almost
exclusively those of silver and copper. The specimens of the ores of these two metals, taken
in connexion with all authentic accounts, would lead one to believe that Chile hardly has a
parallel in any region in the globe for the abundance as well as purity of these ores. Were it
not for the physical difficulties connected with the surface of the country, and the scarcity of
water and fuel, the wealth accruing to Chile from the working of these mines would be far
greater than it is now.

Although the expedition furnishes no geological report of the country, it is thought proper,
before describing the minerals in detail, to give some general idea of the geology of the coun-
try, more especially as connected with the minerals collected; and, for this purpose, recourse
is had to the labors of M. Domeyko and M. L. Crosnier, as published in the u Annales des
Mines.”

A general idea of the geological structure of Chile is readily formed, although we might be
led to suppose otherwise from the great disturbing forces that have operated in that part of
the world, in the form of injected masses of igneous rock, as well as from the present changes
produced by existing volcanic action, and the gradual elevation of the whole country, with daily
reourrence of earthquake action. These disturbing forces do not, however, in any way interfere
with our study of the general geology of the country, while, of course, it renders the investiga-
tion of the geology of any particular region exceedingly embarrassing.

The great chain of the Andes extends parallel to the coast of Chile, at a distance of from 90 to
100 miles. On the eastern side it descends by gradual slopes towards the immense plains of the
Argentine republic. On the western side, where the upheaving force appears to have concen-
trated all its energy, the slopes are abrupt, and transformed frequently into vertical precipices
of considerable height. The mountains appear heaped confusedly one on top of the other, and
the first impression is, that, in the midst of so much confusion, it is vain to seek for the primi-
tive condition of the surface of Chile. Stratified rocks disappear entirely from north to south
for the mean width of 45 miles — from the desert of Atacama to Valdivia. These rocks,
although they once existed, are now profoundly altered or entirely melted by contact with
the enormous masses of granite. The clay shales, which doubtless constituted the mass of
the original stratified rocks, are now transformed into porphyries of every shade and of the
most varied composition, alternating, in some parts, with beds of compact quartz. Even when
the rocks are seen stratified, far removed from the masses of granite, and in beds sensibly
horizontal or little inclined, still the numerous injected veins which traverse them, and ramify
in all directions, prove that hardly anywhere have the rocks escaped the modifying force of
igneous action.

86

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Two immense granite elevations appear to have disturbed Chile in its entire length, parallel to
the coast. One is immediately on the coast, with an average breadth of 45 miles, while the
other is 100 miles east, in the midst of stratified rocks. The first range plunges into the sea,
having valleys in various parts of it filled with tertiary deposits. As regards the respective
ages of these two ranges, there appears to be a difference of opinion; some supposing that the
range on the coast was first upheaved, and at a subsequent period the inner range, while others
suppose them to have originated at the same time. But whichever one of these suppositions
is true, the general characters of the rock of the two ranges are the same, as well as the
metalliferous veins and accompanying vein rocks. Associated with the granite of these ranges,
are hornblende rocks of the greatest variety, porphyries of all shades, containing crystals of
feldspar, sometimes of considerable size. Besides these, there are other compact rocks, which
cannot be properly classified.

The principal masses of secondary rocks that lay between the two ranges of mountains are com-
posed of metamorphic porphyry, of a great variety of shades of color. Sometimes the porphyry
is entirely altered ; it then contains well-formed crystals of feldspar, and appears to have been
melted where it now rests ; and at other times it is earthy, as if the transformation has been
incomplete. Large masses of reddish, yellow, and violet quartz, alternate with the porphyry,
in certain points; also, calcareous beds, sometimes fossiliferous. These stratified rocks are
elevated on the flanks of the Andes, and form some of the most prominent peaks of this
range. These strata are so completely pierced and elevated in every direction by the masses
of granite, as to modify in every possible manner their direction, inclination, and mineralogical
character.

Besides the secondary stratified rocks just made mention of, there are other stratified rocks,
which are horizontal, having been deposited .since the elevation of the mountain chains. They
are all, however, of recent origin and of small extent, disseminated along the coast, with the
exception of the sandy plain that extends between Huasco and Copiapo, having a length of from
120 to 130 miles, with a variable width. This plain has, however, been elevated since its form-
ation ; in fact, M. Domeyko has determined three distinct terraces of successive and gentle
elevation.

There are also alluvial deposits now going on in some of the valleys of the elevated portions
of the mountains, consisting of a fine clay, transported there by the mountain streams.

According to the observation of M. Crosnier, he has encountered but one formation that
appears to be of lacustrine origin, and this is situated in the cordilleras of Chilian, 45 miles
north of Lavaderos.

The tertiary deposits subsequent to the elevation of the Andes contain, in many parts,
lignite. Some of these places are worked. The principal mines are situated to the south of
Biobio, some 20 miles distant from the mouth of this river, on the sea-shore. The mines are
called Lota and Lotilla.

Some of the departments of Chile have been examined with minuteness by M. Domeyko,
more especially that of Copiapo ; which, although little else than a vast desert, is the richest
department of Chile in mines of every description, there not being a single mountain where
the veins are not of sufficient importance to be worked. And it is worthy of remark, that no
mines are found higher than 4,500 feet above the level of the sea; and this peculiarity, I
believe, pertains to all parts of Chile.

Taking the Bay of Copiapo as a starting point, and going east, we find the underlying rock
of the country granite, the surface being covered with tertiary deposits of very modern origin,
the same that is found at the mouth of all the Chilean rivers. These deposits form two and
three terraces, and consist principally of sand, mixed with shell and gravel. At about six miles
from the sea, solid calcareous beds show themselves, containing species of crustaceze, now found
living on the shore. The granite of this coast is fine grained, having the same aspect as that
in the neighborhood of Coquimbo, and is the same as that of the mountains of Carrisal, San

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

87

Juan, and La Higuera, celebrated for tbeir copper mines. Granite hills project freq ucntl v above
the tertiary planes that extend to and rest on the first chain of granite rocks, which are low and
rounded. It is in these rocks, wherever seen, whether on the coast or projecting above the
tertiary planes, or, when still further east, projecting through secondary strata, that the copper
and gold are found. A good example of this is the Cerro del Cobre mountain, which elevafc s
itself at the bottom of the valley of Copiapo. This mountain is composed of an elevated mass
of porphyritic dionte, traversed by veins of iron and copper ores, containing considerable
quantities of magnetic iron and ferruginous oxide of copper, copper pyrites, &c. It forms a
species of gianitic island in the midst of stratified porphyritic and other compact rocks,
more or less calcareous, and preserves all the characters of the coast rocks, even to the nature
of the veins that it contains.

Fui ther east, overlying tire granite and dioritic rocks, are stratified porphyries; and here,
at a height of 2,250 feet above the level of the sea, as at Ladrillos, commence the indications of
silver, disseminated in extremely fine particles of chloro-bromide ; but, on excavating, this
indication soon disappears, and it is not until we reach a more elevated point that silver is
found very abundantly, and where the stratification becomes more perfect.

Above the stratified porphyries there are calcareous and schistose rocks, more or less disturbed
from their original position.

What is here said of the geological structure of the country east of Copiapo is true of many
other parts of Chile, from the coast eastward. From these general views of the geologv of
Chile, I next pass to the consideration of the minerals collected by the expedition, accompanying
the mineralogical description of them with an account of the manner of their occurrence.
For the latter, I am also indebted to the geologists already made mention of.

GOLD.

Native Gold. — The specimens of this metal were contained in quartz rock, exhibiting all flic
usual characteristics of auriferous quartz. The gold contains silver, with but a trace of copper.
In Chile, this metal is found in veins as well as in the drift ; the whole granite of the country
is traversed by quartz containing more or less gold, associated with the peroxide of iron; and,
at some depth from the surface, with iron pyrites; sometimes with cupreous pyrites, arsenical
pyrites, blende, galena, and sulphuret of antimony. These veins, by their decomposition, fur-
nish auriferous deposits of considerable extent that are now worked.

Mention is made by M. Crosnier of a number of gold deposits, irregularly disseminated in
the midst of decomposed granite and red clay, which contains a large quantity of peroxide of
iron, and which appears not to have originated from the decomposition of regularly formed
veins. This fact is apparent in the neighborhood of Valparaiso. It is also stated that gold is
found in clay, more or less ferruginous, arising from the decomposition of the granite in the
most elevated portions of certain mountains, and consequently in a situation where it could not
have been carried by water.

It is supposed that the gold came up with the mass of granite at the time of the elevation of
the latter, and not by subsequent injection of veins; and, in most instances, iron pyrites is
regarded as its original associate. This character of auriferous formation is, of course, the
exception, as, in most instances, the gold is traceable to regular veins, or to the decomposition
of these veins. Although gold seems to be quite generally distributed through Chile, but few
of the deposits remunerate exploration ; the most extensive are on the flanks of the Andes,
about 40 miles east of Chilian, where it exists to the depth of 35 feet in a very fine yellow clay,
mixed with black sand ; the yield of gold is not very great.

COPPER.

Native Copper. — This is very commonly found in all the copper mines of Chile. In one
specimen, from Andacollo, (Coquimbo,) it was found crystallized in modified octahedrons ; it is

88

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

very commonly associated with the red oxide of copper, as beautifully shown by a specimen
from Illapel, (Coquimbo.) It is also found with copper in quartz at Andacollo, (Coquimbo.)
Others of the specimens came from San Jose, San Pedro Nolasco, Hinchado, Higuera, and
Aconcagua.

Red Copper. — This mineral is found beautifully crystallized in octahedrons, more or less
modified. The most beautiful specimens of this description are from Coquimbo ; other speci-
mens are massive and granular.

Its hardness is 3.5; specific gravity, 5.9. Its color is various shades of bright red, and
the crystals are transparent, although, from the exceeding intensity of their color, they must
he examined by a strong light.

This mineral is quite brittle, and is composed of—

Copper ------- 88.88

Oxygen - - - - - - - 11.12

100.00

Formula is Cu2 0.

It sometimes forms veins, coated with green and blue silicates of copper, in the mines of
Camarona and Cortadera, in the province of Coquimbo. In the Andacollo mine it is found pure
and abundant, below the oxy-sulphuret, resting on metallic copper, with which it is very com-
monly mixed. Aconcagua also afforded specimens. At Illapel it is found, containing native
silver.

Capillary Red Copper. — This beautiful form of the oxide of copper is found in fine delicate
rhombohedral crystals. It wras found in the cavities of massive specimens of the red copper,
from Aconcagua. The crystals are as small as the finest hair, and sometimes half an inch in
length. Its color is crimson red; specific gravity, 5.8. Its composition is the same as the last
described mineral.

Tenorite or Black Oxide of Copper. — This is found massive, almost always mixed with
other minerals of copper. It has a black metallic lustre, and when pure contains —

Copper ------- 79.86

Oxygen ------- 20.14

100.00

Its formula is Cu O.

Atacamite. — This mineral was first discovered in the sands of the desert of Atacama, and
hence its name. It is crystallized in modified rectangular prisms, and rectangular octahedrons.
Its color is of a dark emerald green, almost black at times. It is translucent; has a hardness
of from 3 to 3.5, and a specific gravity of about 4.00. It consists of water, chloride and
oxide of copper, and contains, according to analysis of Ulex —

Chlorine

-

-

-

-

16.12

Oxide of copper -

-

-

-

-

56.23

Water

-

-

-

-

11.99

Copper

-

-

-

|

14.56

Silica - - -

1.10

100.00

Corresponding to the formula Cu Cl + 3 Cu + 3 H.

This mineral is also found in the district of Tarapaca. It is ground up in Chile, and is used
as powder for letters, under the name of arsenillo.

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

89

Copper Glance. — The specimens of this mineral examined were all massive, of a hlack metallic
lustre, soft, and easily cut with a knife, having a specific gravity of 5.7. It commonly has
green and blue carbonate disseminated through the mass. It is composed of —

Copper ------- >79.8

Sulphur ------- 20.2

• ■ ■

100.0

Having for its formula Cu2 S.

It is most abundant in those mines furthest from the coast, existing in secondary stratific
porphyry, and sometimes containing a notable amount of silver. It is also found abundantly
in the mines of Chile that are near the coast, and are in dioritic and porphyritic rocks ; but
in them it is rarely found pure, being almost always mixed with the black oxide of copper
or the oxy-chloride. The specimens examined were from Copiapo, although there are numerous
localities. It is remarkable that, at San Antonio, this mineral is associated with native silver,
and yet often contains hardly more than one thousandth of this latter metal. Specimens of pure
sulphuret of copper are found, in which metallic silver is imbedded in the form of grains or
little plates ; and the same sulphuret contains grains and plates of native copper, entirely
separate from the silver.

Erubescite or Purple Copper. — This is one of the most abundant of the minerals of copper
found in Chile. It is procured in large quantities at the mines of Tamaya in Coquimbo,
Los Sapos, and Higuera. No crystals were seen. It is massive, of a purplish, variegated
color, with a metallic lustre. It is brittle, and not very hard. When the surface is freshly
broken, it is of a brass color, that very often tarnishes, acquiring a purplish hue. The massive
varieties of this mineral always vary more or less in their composition. The specimens exam-
ined contained from 55 to 65 per cent, of copper. Three specimens, that have been thoroughly
analyzed by M. Domeyko, gave —

Copper

-

_

Tamaya.

- 66.7

Los Sapos.

56.1

Higuera.

59.5

Iron -

-

-

8.9

17.7

18.2

Sulphur

-

-

22.8

23.1

20.5

Quartz

-

-■

1.6

3.1

1.8

99.8

100.0

100.0

The formula is Fe S -f- 2 Cu2 S.

This mineral furnishes a great deal of the copper produced in Chile.

Copper Pyrites. — This is the most abundant copper ere of Chile, and is found in immense
quantities in the province of Coquimbo ; some of it, as that irom lamaya, contains .0025
per cent, of silver, while that of another mine contains gold. All the specimens were massive,
of a brass yellow color, metallic lustre, fresh fractured surfaces tarnishing readily. In fact, it
possesses all the known characteristics of this mineral as found elsewhere. Its composition,
when perfectly pure, is —

Sulphur - - - - " " " 35.05

Copper ------- 34.47

100.00

12*

90

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Several specimens examined gave —

Sulphur

i.

- 33.05

2.

37.22

3.

4.

Copper

- 36.60

33.67

31.02

35.01

Iron

- 29.33

28.56

98.98 99.45

Its formula is Cu2 S + Fe2 S3.

This mineral is rarely found in granite, hut often in hornblendic and porphyritic transition
rocks, accompanied hy iron pyrites, magnetic iron, asbestos, quartz, and various species of
clay; very rarely with carbonate of lime. The most important mines yielding the copper
pyrites are Carrisal, Atacama, and Higuera, Brillador, Tambillos, &c., in Coquimbo.

Arsenical Gray Copper. — Gray copper appears not to he found very abundantly in Chile; there
are, however, three varieties of it, one of which contains quite an amount of mercury, another
having the composition of ordinary gray copper, while a third abounds in arsenic. They all
three possess the ordinary physical characters of gray copper ; namely, a steel-gray and iron-
black color, with metallic lustre, rather brittle : hardness 3 to 4, with specific gravity varying
from 4.5 to 5. No specimen of this variety was obtained. It is found at San Pedro Nolasco,
and its composition, as made out by M. Domeyko, is —

Copper - - - - - - - 48.5

Iron - -- -- -- - 4.8

Zinc - -- -- -- - 2.3

Silver ------- - 0.3

Arsenic ------- 11.4

Antimony ------- 6.4

Sulphur 26.1

99.8

Mercurial Gray Copper. — This is found in some of the mercurial mines of Chile in small
amorphous masses, disseminated in a quarter gangue, accompanied hy the blue carbonate of
copper and a red earthy substance of deep red color, apparently an antimoniate of mercury.
This also has been analyzed by Domeyko, with the following result —

Antimony ------- 20.7

Iron - -- -- -- - 1.5

Zinc - -- -- -- - trace.

Copper ------- - 33.6

Mercury - - - - - - - 24.0

Sulphur - - - - - - - 20.2

100.0

Antimonial Gray Gop'per. — This is the common form of gray copper, and several specimens
were brought home hy the expedition ; it contained but a small amount of silver, as seen by
the following analysis —

THE MINERALS OP CHILE.

91

Sulphur

-

-

-

-

_

26.83

Antimony -

y

-

-

-

-

-

23.21

Arsenic

-

-

_

-

-

3.05

Copper

-

_

-

-

_

36.02

Iron

-

y

_

-

-

-

2.36

Zinc

-

-

-

-

-

4.52

Silver

'

—

3.41

99.40

The formula of gray copper is represented by —

(4 Cu,2 Ag, Fe, Zn) S + (Sb As) S3.

Besides the above species of gray copper, others are found, which, whether arsenical or anti-
monial, contain only a few thousands of mercury; these varieties are almost invariably destitute
of silver.

DomeyJcite, Arsenical Copper. — This mineral is massive, of a tin- white color, with a metal lie
lustre, and specific gravity of 4.5. It is about the hardness of copper pyrites. The specimen
examined was not a* pure one ; it furnished —

Arsenic ------- 22.08

Copper ------- 72.41

Iron _______ 322

Sulphur 2.01

99.72

Perfectly pure specimens, according to Domeyko, contain —

Arsenic - - - - _ _ _ 28.36

Copper 71.64

100.00

Which give the formula Cu3 As.

It is found pure without any admixture of sulphuret near Illapel, in the same veins which,
near the surface, yield red copper with native silver ; it is also found in some of the silver mines
of Atacama, particularly in those of San Antonio.

It is almost always mixed with copper pyrites in varying proportions, and sometimes with
the oxide and amorphous green arseniate of copper.

Besides this species, there is found in the cordilleras a kind of white native copper, contain-
ing from 3 to 5 per cent, of arseniuret of copper and resembling native silver.

Olivenite, Arseniate of Copper. — It always accompanies the arseniurets and is amorphous,
with a compact earthy structure, green color, with varying shades, and is always mixed with
carbonate and silicates of copper. This mineral it appears is never found perfectly pure in
Chile ; hut when pure, as found elsewhere, it contains —

Arsenic acid

-

_

-

31.78

Phosphoric acid

-

-

6.57

Oxide of copper

-

-

-

58.34

Water

-

-

-

3.31

100.00

and the formula is —

Cu4 (As, ?) 4 fi

92

THE MINERALS OP CHILE.

Clirysocolla, Silicate of Copper. — This is very commonly found in all the copper veins of
Chile, always massive, sometimes in the form of mamillary coatings and concretions. It is of
various shades of green and blue, sometimes of a dark and almost black color. Its specific
gravity is 2.2 ; it is easily crushed. It is not an easy matter to find the chrysocolla perfectly
pure. The specimen that furnished the material analyzed was a mass of copper pyrites, covered
with a mamillary coating of the silicate, which was detached with much care. It furnished —

Oxide of copper - - - - - - 42.51

Silica ------- 31.35

Water _______ 21.62

Oxide of iron ------ 1.97

Alumina ------- 2.83

100.28

Corresponding very nearly to the formula —

Cu3 Si2 6 ;

other specimens were found to contain oxide of copper varying from 20 to 50 per cent.

The name Llanca is given by miners to a silicate of different shades of green and blue, which
very often accompanies the copper minerals, especially the oxy-sulphurets, forming the envelope
of some veins, constituting masses in which native copper, red oxide, carbonate, and at times
sulphurets of copper, are found. Most of the copper veins in Chile abound in these silicates near
the surface. The basic silicate found in many of the copper mines of Coquimbo are always in
the upper parts of the veins, forming narrow seams, between red oxide and green and blue
Llanca ; it is frequently mixed with the black silicate — La Higuera and San Lorenzo furnished
the specimens examined.

Azurite, Blue Carbonate of Copper. — This occurs both crystallized and massive. Among the
specimens was one crystallized on copper pyrites, from Andacollo. It possesses all the common
characteristics of this mineral, as found elsewhere, and is composed of —

Oxide of copper -

-

-

-

-

69.09

Carbonic acid

-

-

-

-

25.69

Water

“

**

5.22

100.00

The formula representing it is —

2 Cu + Cu H.

It is found in many localities, associated with the ores of copper.

Malachite , Green Carbonate of Copper. — This mineral exists abundantly in Chile, hut is
not found in those large compact masses, (such as are procured from Siberia and some other
places,) out of which ornaments are made. It has no peculiar properties in which it differs from
the malachite of other localities. Crystallized specimens were procured from Tor tolas and
Tamaya. Other specimens came from Tarienta, San Jose, &c. Its composition is —

Carbonic acid - - - - - - 20.

Oxide of copper ------ 71.82

Water 8.18

100.00

Formula is Cu3 C -f- S.

93

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Blue Vitriol, Sulphate of Copper.- This salt is found associated with the sulphate of iron
and alumina, at Tierra Amarilla, in the valley of Copiapo. It arises from the StmliZ
of copper pyrites. It is constituted of— 1 1

Oxide of copper
Sulphuric acid
Water

100,00

Its formula is Cu S + 5 fl.

Vdborthite, Vanadate of Copper and Lead. — This rare mineral was first noticed in Chile hv
M. Domeyko, in the Mina Grande, about 6 miles from the silver mines of Arqueros. It is an
amorphous substance, porous, heavy, and of a dark brown color. It lines the cavities of an
arsenio-phosphate of lead. At first view, it would be confounded with the hydrated oxide of
iron, from which it differs, however, by its great fusibility and ready solubility in nitric acid.
There were no specimens sufficiently pure for analysis. Those examined by M. Domeyko gave—

1. 2.

Oxide of lead -

54.9

51.97

Oxide of copper -

14.6

16.97

Yanadic acid -

13.5

13.33

Arsenic acid -

4.6

4.68

Phosphoric acid -

.6

.68

Chloride of lead -

.3

.37

Silica (?) -

1.0

1.33

Lime -

.5

.58

Oxide of iron and alumina

3.5

3.42

Earthy residue -

1.0

1.52

Loss by heat -

2.7

2.70

97.20

97.55

32.14
31.72

36.14

Giving for its formula Pb6 V -j- Cu6 V-

This differs somewhat from the formula furnished by the analysis of the volborthite, as found
in the copper mines between Miash and Katherinenberg, Russia; but, as the Chile variety
has not yet been found crystallized, the differences may be due to impurities.

Remarks on the Copper Minerals. — The minerals of copper have been described after gold,
from the fact that the great mass of them occur in Chile in the same geological formation as the
gold. It is the granite that is most commonly traversed by copper veins, sometimes of a
considerable size. Along the coast it is found in the form of copper pyrites alone, or associated
with two varieties of iron pyrites, and also as peacock or purple copper. Galena and blende
are rarely found with them, and scarcely ever gray copper. Native copper, red oxide, oxy-
chloride, oxy-sulphuret, green carbonate, and hydrous and an-hydrous silicates of copper, of a
great variety of colors, are also abundant, especially at the upper part of the veins. The
silicates sometimes line the walls of the veins, and penetrate to some distance in the enclosing
rock, which becomes unequally colored blue or green. The numerous veins of copper are dis-
seminated very irregularly in the granite, and their value is equally variable ; sometimes the
veins have a breadth of from 6 to 9 feet, as at Tamaya, near Coquimbo, where, at the depth
of 600 feet, there is a daily yield of from 8 to 10 tons of an ore yielding seldom less than 50,
and oftentimes as much as 75, per cent, of copper.

94

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

SILVER.

Native Silver. — This is found, in more or less abundance, in the various silver mines ol
Chile. Most frequently it is associated with dolomite, calcareous spar, sulphate of baryta, and
some of the minerals of cobalt. Much of it is found in the form of thin sheets, as at San Pedro
Nolasco ; at CalabaQO (Illapel) it is in small irregular grains ; and at various mines in Copiapo
it exists in the form of threads, along with native arsenic and other arsenical minerals. At
Chanarcillo it occurs associated with the chloro-bromides, in dendritic forms ; and at San
Antonio, and some other mines, it is found in both small and large grains, in arseniuret of
copper and arseniuret of cobalt. At Illapel it is found in red oxide of copper.

Silver Glance, Sulphur et of Silver. — This mineral occurs in all the mines of silver, although
in no considerable quantity, and is rarely if ever crystallized. It is of a black lead color, of a
metallic lustre, having a specific gravity of l7. 3, and is readily reduced, on a piece of charcoal,
by the action of the blow-pipe. Its composition is —

Silver - - - -- -- -85

Sulphur - -- -- -- 15

100

Its formula is Ag S.

Sulphuret of Silver and Copper. — This compound is made mention of by M. Domeyko as exist-
ing in the mines of San Pedro Nolasco and Catemo. His analysis gave the following, as its
constitution :

San Pedro Nolasco.

Catemo.

1. 2.

3. 4.

Silver -

- - - - 28.8

24.1

16.6

12.1

Copper -

- - - - 53.4

53.9

60.6

64.0

Iron

- - - - 0.0

2.1

2.3

2.5

Sulphur

- - - - 19.8

19.9

20.5

21.4

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

From the variable nature of its composition I should consider it merely a mixture of silver
and copper glance.

Buby Silver .■ — It occurs both crystallized and massive, possessing a very dark crimson red
color ; the color is commonly so intense that the mass appears black except when examined by
transmitted light in thin pieces ; it is easily cut with the knife, and furnishes silver under the
blow-pipe, when heated on charcoal. Its most constant companions are native arsenic, arseniuret
and sulpho-arseniuret of iron, arsenical cobalt, blende, calcareous spar, silver glance. It is
sometimes found crystallized in metastatic dodecahedrons ; at other times it is in masses dis-
seminated in the midst of different spars and argillaceous gangues. It is found in microscopic
crystals in the cavities and crevices of native arsenic and of arseniuret and sulpho-arseniuret of
iron. The principal sources of it are at Chanarcillo in the lower part of the veins, and in other
mines in the province of Atacama.

There are two distinct compositions to the dark and light ruby silver ; the former being a sul-
phuret of antimony and silver, and the latter a sulphuret of arsenic and silver.

Dark Ruby Silver.

Silver ------ 58.98

Antimony ------- 23.46

Sulphur - 17.56

100.00

The formula of this is —

3 Ag S + Sb S3

THE MINERALS OP CHILE.

95

Light Rub}' Silver.

Silver ------- 65.38

Arsenic ------- 19.46

Sulphur - 15.16

100.00

The formula being —

3 Ag S -f As S3

The latter is the most common variety in Chile ; one specimen, analyzed by M. Domeyko,
furnished —

Silver 63.85

Iron .96

Cobalt .19

Arsenic ------- 13.85

Antimony ------ - .70

Sulphur - - - - - - - 18.00

Gangue - 1.60

99.15

Antimonial Silver.— It is found both massive and crystallized near Coquimbo; it does not
exist abundantly, is of a tin- white color with metallic lustre, having specific gravity of 9.5.
This mineral is frequently mixed with arsenical and native silver ; when pure it contains —

Silver -------- 77

Antimony ------ - 23

100

Having for its formula Ag4 Sb.

Polybasite. — Hound in considerable quantity in the province of Atacama, massive, of an iron

black color, and a specific gravity of 6.2 ; it is composed of —

Silver - - - - - - - 66.25

Copper ------- 4.08

Arsenic ------- 5.22

Antimony ------- 2.56

Iron - - - - - - - - 2.34

Sulphur - - - - - - - 18.68

99.13

Its formula is considered to be —

9 (Ag Cu2) S + (Sb As) S3

Bismuth Silver— In the mines of San Antonio, in the province of Copiapo,
and bismuth is found ; its color is tin-white, high metallic lustre. The
have of this variety of bismuth silver is one by M. Domeyko ; the following
Silver - -- -- -- 60.1

Bismuth - -- -- -- 10.1

Copper ------- v.S

Arsenic - " 2-8

Gangue - - - - - ~ " 79-2

an alloy of silver
only analysis we
are the results —

100.0

96

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Horn Silver, Chloride of Silver. — This is one of the most abundant silver minerals in Chile,
as it is found there in quantities far exceeding anything that is elsewhere known. It is com-
monly massive, resembling wax of a grayish color, when the surface is freshly broken ; but soon
tarnishes on the exposure to light, acquiring a purplish tint. Sometimes it is of a greenish
tint. Its lustre is resinous; easily cut with a knife; sp. gravity 5.4. It possesses all the
properties of the artificial chloride. Its composition is —

Silver ------- 75.33

Chlorine - - - - - - - 24.67

100.00

Formula, Ag Cl.

Several very fine specimens were brought by the expedition from the Chanarcillo, Valenciana
mines, in Atacama, and other localities.

Bromic Silver. — This compound of silver is likewise found in Chanarcillo, and in many
respects resembles the chloride ; its color is greener, and it never occurs in such masses as the
chloride. It is equally soft, having a little higher specific gravity — 5.8. Composition when
pure —

Silver _______ 58

Bromine - -- -- -- 42

100

Formula, Ag Br.

Embolite, Chloro-bromide of Silver. — This mineral is found both crystallized and massive in
several of the mines of Chile, in the provinces of Atacama and Coquimbo. It is less abundant
than the chloride, although more so than the bromide. Externally it is greenish, internally a
sulphur-yellow ; it has the same lustre as the chloride ; it is, however, harder than the latter ; its
specific gravity is the same as the bromide. The composition of it is —

Silver ------- 66.96

Chlorine ------- 13.20

Bromine ------- 19.84

100.00

Formula is, Ag (Cl Br.)

Iodic Silver. — This beautiful and rare mineral has been found in some little quantity in the
silver mines of Algodones, province of Coquimbo. The mineral is of a pale, sulphur -yellow
color, very fragile and soft, having a specific gravity of 5.5. One specimen that I saw had
crystalline faces, indicative of a rhombic dodecahedron. It is commonly lamellar, and M.
Domeyko has recognised in some small pieces three rhomboidal cleavages ; two of the cleavages
appear quite perfect, having a pearly lustre. It is more brittle and more fusible than either
the chloride or the chloro-bromide. The presence of iodine and silver are readily recognised
by the ordinary tests. Its gangue is composed partly of carbonate of lime and partly of a brick-
red fine clay. In the Carmen mine, a considerable amount of iodide was found in the first
part of the vein; at the depth of twelve varas (33 feet) it disappeared, and chloro-bromide
made its appearance in identically the same gangue ; and at a still greater depth the latter
mineral disappeared, and was replaced by tbe chloride, accompanied with the sulphuret of
silver. It has also been found in small quantities at one of the mines of the Chanarcillo district.

This interesting mineral has the same atomic constitution as the other natural haloid salts of
silver, as originally shown by M. Domeyko ; although, in referring to certain works on miner-
alogy, Domeyko is quoted as giving for its composition one atom of silver and two of iodine,
while the chloride and bromide of silver are alluded to as constituted of atom and atom, forget-

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

97

ting that the I2 used (as is frequently done) corresponds to I commonly used by American and
English chemists, making the formula, as given by Domeyko, Ag I, which, formula is sustained
by my analyses, as well as those made by M. Domeyko.

The results I obtained are as follows :

Iodine -
Silver - -

Chlorine -

Copper -

1.

- 52.834

2.

53.109

-

- 46.521

46.380

-

- trace.

trace.

-

- trace.

trace.

The formula Ag. I gives as per-centage —
Iodine -
Silver -

99.455 99.489

- 53.85

- 46.15

100.00

Arquerite. — This mineral is found in great abundance at the mines of Arqueros, near Coquim-
bo; in fact, it is the ore of those mines. It is quite like native silver in appearance, with,
however, a little more greasy lustre. It is disseminated through a calcareous rock. Several
specimens examined furnished different proportions of silver and mercury, the proportions of
silver varying from 83 to 92 per cent. Mr. Domeyko, who has had opportunity of examining
a greater variety of specimens, gives it the following fixed composition :

Silver ------- - 86.49

Mercury ------- 13.51

100.00

The formula is Ag.6 Hg.

In all likelihood there is a definitely constituted silver amalgam at Arqueros, hut in most
instances is altered by admixture with native silver.

Remarks on the Geology of the Silver Ores. — In speaking of the copper and gold veins, it
was remarked, that they traversed the granite and other old unstratified rocks. M. Domeyko
thinks that he has established a law in the distribution of the metalliferous veins of Chile. It
is, that gold and copper veins, exempt from arsenic, antimony, and silver, abound in the granite
rock ; while all the silver veins, without reference to the associates of the silver, belong to the
stratified rocks ; and also, that the copper veins found in stratified rocks are very frequently
argentiferous. M. Crosnier, however, points out two exceptions to this rule in the province of
Copiapo — namely, the Pampa Larga and Garin mines. The Pampa Larga veins traverse com-
pact feldspar, a portion of which, near the surface, is transformed into kaolin. The upper
portion of the vein contains chloride, and sometimes native silver ; hut at a certain distance from
the .surface the entire mass of the vein is composed of compact native arsenic; in which we
find, occasionally, sulphuret of antimony, realgar, arsenio-sulphuret of silver, (sometimes in
very beautiful transparent crystals;) arsenical pyrites and calcareous spar are also found.

The Garin and Pampa Larga mines are the only two exceptions pointed out to the general
law first mentioned.

The best method of furnishing a correct idea of the mineralogical and geological relations of
the different kinds of silver ores, is to give an account of how they occur in one or two of the
principal mines.

Some of the most remarkable mines are those in the Chanareillo mountain, which is from
25 to 30 miles, in a direct line, from the coast. This mountain is composed of calcareous

13*

98

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

rocks, more or less argillaceous ; some of the calcareous rocks are dolomitic, while others are
without magnesia. The stratification is regular, and almost horizontal. The argillaceous
matter in the rocks are of two kinds — a white clay, and another composed of a silicate of alumina
and iron.

This locality has been thoroughly examined by M. Domeyko, and he finds no organic remains
in those parts of the mountain where the metal veins are found. The same geologist has, how-
ever, been informed that an ammonite was found in the rock of Reventon Colorado, at
some distance beneath the surface. In other parts of this mountain organic remains are abun-
dant in the calcareous rocks, especially the Turritella Andii and Terebratulm.

From the summit of the Chanarcillo mountain to the lowest workings of the mines is a little
less than 1,000 feet, and in that space there can be distinguished something like three distinct
divisions in the formation of the rocks.

The plane at the summit of the mountain is composed of a dolomitic rock, having in some
places a thickness of 100 feet; it consists of about one-tliird clay. The rock is split in all
directions, and the surface of the fissures covered with small crystals of calcareous spar. In
some places it is so much split that it looks more like a mass of broken rocks piled together,
the interstices being filled with an earthy matter, as pulverulent as chalk, and composed of
one-third carbonate of lime and two-thirds clay. It is in these fissures of the upper layer that
very considerable masses of chloro-bromide of silver have been found.

The second division of the rocks differs but little in character from the last, being an argil-
laceous limestone; it is, however, more regular, and not so much fissured; at the same time the
metalliferous veins traversing it are much poorer. The thickness of this division is over 320
feet; and here commences the third division, where the limestone contains less clay and but a
little trace of magnesia. The color of the rock is a bluish gray, mottled with yellow; of a
compact structure, and conchoidal fracture. This rock contains the principal wealth of the
Chanarcillo mines, and in it seems to be the principal deposit of chloro-bromide of silver; the
thickness of this bed is estimated at nearly 400 feet. Below this again lies another bed,
Avhere the calcareous rock is again more argillaceous, and the veins poorer. In this portion of
the mountain porphyritic rocks are found at the lowest depths to which the workings have
gone.

Numerous metalliferous veins traverse this mountain in every direction. The materials con-
stituting these veins (and mixed with which the silver ores are found) are the carbonates of
lime, iron, and magnesia ; zinc and manganese, and the sulphate of baryta, which, however,
exists in less quantity in these mines than in those in other parts of Chile. The metalliferous
portions of these veins are composed principally of chloro-bromide of silver, mixed with native
silver, and a small portion of sulphuret and sulpho-arseniuret of silver. The chloro-bromide does
not show itself in equal abundance at all depths of the productive calcareous bed, already
mentioned: it is, particularly in the upper, one or two hundred feet; below this depth the
gangue becomes less and less calcareous, and the mineral changes its nature. At first it is the
pure chloride, or little mixed with sulphuret ; then the proportion of sulphur, antimony, native
arsenic, and ruby silver commence to increase ; so that, at 300 feet depth, hardly a trace of
chloro-bromide is found, the silver being associated with sulphur, arsenic, and antimony.

These are the general features of these famous silver mines, and, as here described, some
idea can doubtless be formed of their geological character. Although the general character of
the mines resembles those just described, still the minerals and the containing rock frequently
differ ; thus, in the San Antonio mine, in the valley of Potrero Grande, the rock of the country
is porphyry, regularly stratified, and the gangue rock of the veins a dark, ashy gray, argillaceous
rock, of an earthy fracture. It is oftener found impregnated with calcareous and pearl spars,
which form veins and nodules in the midst of the gangue. The iron found in these veins is in
the form of protoxide, while that at Chanarcillo is in the form of hydrated peroxide. Again,
the mines of this latter locality abound in chloride and chloro-bromide of silver, while on the

THE MINERALS OP CHILE.

99

sulphuret of the San Antonio mine there is arseniuret and native silver. Taking the chloride
and chloro-bromide as a distinguishing mark between the mines, they may he divided into two
classes; those like Chanarcillo and Agua Amarga abounding in these two minerals, and those
like San Antonio, San Lorenzo, San Pedro Nolasco, &c., the prominent minerals of which are
the sulphuret and arseniuret of silver, with barely traces of the chloride.

MERCURY.

Cinnabar. — This mineral of mercury occurs in no great masses in Chile. It is usually found
in the granite formation near veins of gold and copper, as in Coquimbo and Aconcagua ; also
in a vein of quartz, in some stratified porphyry, near the gold mines of Andacollo. The
gangue accompanying cinnabar is quartz, with micaceous and hydrated oxide of iron. The
composition of the cinnabar is —

Mercury _______ 86.2

Sulphur 13.8

* 100.0

The formula is Hg S.

LEAD.

Galena. — It is found in some parts of Chile, commonly associated with the sulphurets of
other metals. Composition —

Lead - - - - - - - - 86.66

Sulphur - - - - - - - 13.3-1

Formula, Pb S.

Mimetene, Cliloro- Arsenate of Lead. — This compound of lead has been found, in an impure
state, at Mina Gfrande, east of Arqueros, mixed with the vanadates of lead and copper. The

analysis of a specimen by Domeyko gives —

Chloride of lead - 9.05

Oxide of lead ------ 58.31

Oxide of copper ------ 0.92

Arsenic acid ------ 11.55

Phosphoric acid - - - - - - 5.13

Yanadic acid - - - - - - 1-86

Lime ------- 7.96

Alumina and peroxide of iron - - - 1-10

Clay ------- - 2.00

Ignition - - - - - - - 1-12

99.00

Mimetene, when pure, has for its formula —

3 (Pb, Ca) 3 (As £) -f Pb Cl.

Vanadinite.— This is found at the same locality as the last mineral, and mixed with it and
vanadate of copper and lead. It has not been discovered crystallized, nor has it been separated
in a state of purity from the accompanying minerals.

Wulfenite, Molybdenate of Lead.— It is found in the province of Coqnimbo, in orange colored
octahedral crystals ; also, in lemon-yellow plates, with the usual composition—

Oxide of lead ------ 60.81

Molybdic acid - - - - “ “ 39.10

Having for its formula Pb Mo.

100

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Domeyko gives the analysis of a specimen where lime appears to replace part of the lead. It
is as follows —

Oxide of lead

-

-

-

-

-

43.00

Molybdic acid

-

-

-

-

42.20

Lime - - -

-

-

-

-

-

6.3

Peroxide of iron -

-

-

-

-

-

8.5

100.00

IRON.

Meteoric Iron. — This is found scattered in some parts of the desert of Atacama, in pieces from
the size of a small nut to lumps weighing fifty pounds, and more. It is of a porous nature,
the pores being filled by a yellowish and greenish olivine, sometimes the olivine constituting
one-fifth the mass. We have no account of the falling of these meteoric masses. One speci-
men that was examined gave —

Iron - 90.08

Nickel ------- - 9.12

Cohalt ------- - 0.39

Copper ------- - 0.03

Phosphorus - - - - - - - 0.13

99.15

The olivine accompanying was also analyzed —

Pulverulent olivine. Compact olivine.

Silica ----- 40.50 39.51

Peroxide of iron - 11.54 13.38

Magnesia - - - - 46.41 41. 37

Manganese - - - - .35 .16

„ Lime ----- trace. trace.

98.80 100.42

Magnetic Oxide of Iron. — Found in veins of copper at Higuera and various other parts
the provinces of Coquimbo, Copiapo, and Chilian. Its constitution is —

Iron - -- -- -- - 72.40

Oxygen ------ 27.60

of

100,00

Formula, J e.

Micaceous Oxide of Iron. — It is abundant in Higuera and Punitaque, where it accompanies
minerals of copper, gold, and mercury. Its most constant companion is gold. Small veins of
carbonate or silicate of copper are frequently contained between the scales, and occasionally
red oxide of copper. Its composition is—

Iron - - - - - - - - - 70

Oxygen --------30

100

The formula is F.

Gothite. — Commonly found in scales or plates, disseminated or grouped, and is sometimes
mistaken for cinnabar. It is also found in the form of geodes, particularly in Topocalma and

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

101

Yalclivia; in the geodes, marine shells (Turritella) are frequently found of very modern alluvial
formation, like that in which the lignites of Conception and Colcura are found. Breithaupt
called a prismatic crystalline variety of this mineral from Chile Chileite, without, however,
any just grounds of separating it from the gothite proper. The analysis of the Chileite, as
given by Breithaupt, is —

Peroxide of iron ______ 83.5

Water - -- -- -- - 10.3

Copper - - - - - - - -1.9

Silica - - - - - - - -4.3

100.0

Formula, Fe 11.

Pyrites. — The different varieties of iron pyrites are found in all parts of Chile. They some-
times contain an appreciable amount of gold.

Coquimbite — White Copperas. — The Tierra Amarilla, near Copiapo, is a seam of pyrites that
crosses compact feldspathic rocks, and from its decomposition several minerals result. The one
in question occurs in regular hexagonal plates of a yellowish-white color and pearly lustre.
It has a strong, astringent taste, and is quite soluble in water. It is a neutral sulphate of ir-on,
as shown by Eose’s analysis —

Peroxide of iron ------ 24.11

Sulphuric acid - - - - - - 43.55

Alumina ------- 0.92

Lime - - - - - - - -0.73

^Magnesia ------- 0.32

Silica - -- -- -- - 0.31

Water ------- - 30.10

100.04

Its formula is IP §3 9 S.

Copiapite — Yellow Copperas. — This occurs associated with the last, and is most commonly
found in fibrous masses, of a beautiful silky lustre when the fracture is fresh ; it, however, soon
becomes of a rusty color. It is not so soluble as the last, and is a basic salt.

Its specific gravity is 1.84. On analysis it furnished —

Sulphuric acid

-

-

- 30.25

30.42

Peroxide of iron

-

-

- 31.75

30.98

Water - - -

-

-

- 38.20 i

| not estimated.

Undissolved -

0.54 !
100.74

The analyses correspond to the formula 3Pe S' -f- 11 fl.

Arseniuret of Iron. — This mineral is of metallic lustre, of a silver-white color. Specific gravity,
7.3. It is found in several of the silver mines of Chile, especially those of Carriso, where it is
accompanied by mispickel, iron pyrites, blende, native antimony, ruby sik er, and native silver.
A specimen analyzed by M. Domeyko furnished —

Arsenic -
Iron

Sulphur -
Silver

70.3

27.6

1.1

.2

99.2

The formula is Fe As.

102

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Mispickel. — Is found with copper and cohalt minerals near Coquimho, with copper and
tungsten near Illapel, and with ruby silver, antimonial silver, and native silver in the mines of
Chanarcillo, in the lower part of the veins ; also near to Carriso. A specimen examined gave —
Arsenic ------- 44.30

Sulphur - - - - - - - 20.25

Iron - 30.21

Cohalt - - - - - - - - 5.84

100.60

The formula of mispickel is Fe As -f- Fe S2, with cohalt replacing the iron to a greater or
less extent.

Carbonate of Iron and Manganese. — This is described as a distinct mineral by M. Domeyko;
hut, in all likelihood, it is merely a mixture. It accompanies the sulpliuret of copper and gray
copper, in the silver mines of San Pedro Nolasco, in a formation of secondary stratified porphyry.
This species is of a dark blackish gray and semi-metallic lustre ; its structure is foliated in their
laminae diverging and grouped together in such a manner that the whole forms globular concre-
tions, covered with small crystals of pearl spar. The mineral is soft ; the powder is attracted
by the magnet. It dissolves readily in cold acids, and, according to M. Domeyko’s analysis,
consists of —

Oxide of iron
Oxide of manganese
Lime

Magnesia -
Carbonic acid
Not dissolved

32.10

30.50

2.15

trace.

32.80

.35

98.50

MANGANESE.

Oxide of Manganese. — This is found at Arqueros, near the silver veins in secondary porphyry.
The varieties that appear to exist there are psilomelane and pyrolusite.

COBALT.

Smaltene — Arsenical Cobalt. — This mineral of cohalt is found in Atacama, in transition and
secondary formation, often accompanying ruby silver, native arsenic, and arsenical nickel. It
occurs both crystallized and massive, possessing all the properties peculiar to this mineral. The
composition of the specimen examined was —

Arsenic ------- 10.85

Cobalt ------- 24.13

Iron -- _____ 4,05

Copper ------- .41

Nickel ------- 1.23

Sulphur ------- .08

100.15

The formula of the mineral is Co As, part of the cohalt being frequently replaced by other
metals.

Cobaltene — Svlpho- Arsenical Cobalt.— This is found in Coquimho, in small, brilliant, octa-
hedral crystals, with truncated corners. It is also found granular and massive, in pieces of

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

103

considerable size. The specimens from the mines of Yolcan and San Simon are of a steel-gray-
color, imperfect foliated structure, metallic lustre, hard, amorphous, accompanied with arseniuret
of copper. It is also found associated with copper pyrites ; and there is one vein of it running
parallel to a vein of coppei pyrites. Its composition is —

Arsenic

-

-

-

-

-

44.23

Sulphur

-

-

-

-

-

19.82

Cobalt

-

-

-

-

-

34.12

Iron -

“

“

3.01

101.18

The formula is Co1 S2 -J- Co As.

Cobalt Bloom — Arsemate of Cobalt. — It is found in all the veins containing the arscniurets
of cohalt, and also in most of the silver veins, hut never in any considerable quantity. At
Arqueros it is found with the native amalgam, and with native and horn silver, in the mines
of Argua Amarga, Chanarcillo, Punta Brava, Tunas, &c. It is crystallized iii radiating crys-

tals of a peach-blossom color, and consists of —

Arsenic acid - - - - - - 38.21

Oxide of cobalt ------ 35.92

Oxide of nickel ------ .08

Oxide of iron ------ 2.13

Lime _______ .32

Water - - - - - - - 23.16

99.82

The formula is Co3 As + 8 S.
NICKEL.

Nickel Glance — Arsenical Nickel. — This is found in Atacama. It is of a steel-gray color ;
freshly broken surfaces soon tarnish. No analysis was made of this mineral from the above
locality ; and we know of none that has been made. When pure, its constitution should be —

Arsenic ------- 45.16

Sulphur ------- 19.33

Nickel ------- 35.51

100.00

Its formula is Ni S2 -f Ni As. Other metals, especially iron, frequently replace the nickel
to some extent.

BISMUTH.

Native Bismuth. — This is found, alloyed with silver, in the San Antonio mine, Atacama.
The mineral has already been described, under the head of the silver minerals. It commonly
contains from 14 to 15 per cent, of bismuth,

ANTIMONY.

Native Antimony. — This is found in considerable quantity in the silver veins in the mines
of Carriso. It is disseminated in small irregular veins, and in lamina?, like galena. The most
constant companions of it are native silver, ruby silver, gray antimony, gray copper, &c.
The gangue is carbonate of lime and heavy spar.

104

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

White Antimony accompanies the last-mentioned mineral in several of its localities. It has
been found massive ; is of a snow-white color, with sometimes a reddish hue. We have no
analysis of this mineral from any of the localities in Chile. It is an oxide of antimony, and,
when pure, should consist of —

Antimony ------- 84.32

Oxygen - - - - - - - 15.68

100.00

Its formula is Sb O 3 .

Antimony Glance. — This is also found in the localities furnishing native antimony, with all
the ordinary projierties of this well known mineral. Its composition is —

Antimony ------- *72.89

Sulphur ------- 2*7.12

100.00

Its formula is Sb S3.

ARSENIC.

Native Arsenic. — This substance occurs abundantly in the provinces of Atacama and Co-
quimbo. It is of a tin-white color that soon tarnishes; it is volatilized completely by the
action of heat, and possesses all the other peculiarities of this metal. It often contains a little
antimony and iron. It accompanies ores of silver, particularly ruby silver, antimonial and sul-
phuret of silver, native silver, arsenical cohalt, arseniuret and sulpho-arseniuret of iron. I am
hot informed of the existence of any other arsenical minerals in Chile, hut presume the oxide
and sulphur et must also he found.

ZINC.

Blende — Sulphuret of Zinc. — This ore of zinc is found near the Leona mine in Eancagua.
Specimens examined by M. Domeyko contained a notable amount of iron ; one of his analyses
is as follows —

Zinc - -- -- -- - 43.0

Iron - -- -- -- - 12.4

Sulphur ------- 28.6

Gangue -r- 14.7

97.7

Its formula is Zn S, with iron, sometimes replacing a portion of the zinc.

MISCELLANEOUS MINERALS.

Besides these minerals described, there were a few others of a non-metallic character collected
by the expedition, which will he simply enumerated.

Lapis Lazuli. — This beautiful mineral occurs in no inconsiderable quantities in the province
of Coquimbo. Carbonate of lime runs through the mass, in small veins, and iron pyrites is
intimately mixed with it in small crystals. It being impossible to separate the two last
mentioned minerals from the lapis lazuli, no analysis was made of it. A specimen of the
mineral from the Andes was analyzed by Mr. T. Field, with the following results:

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

105

Silica -

-e

-

-

| - t1

- 37.60

Alumina

. -

-

/ -

-

-

- 11.21

Sulphur

-

-

-

1.65

Iron

1' f

-

' -

-

-

0.08

Magnesia

-

-

-

- |

-

0.36

Soda

4

BjRjM

. *■ .

| '

-

9.66

Lime -

1

-

-

-

' - "

- 24.10

Carbonic acid

-

-

-

15.05

99.71

Although, this analysis differs somewhat from the mineral procured trom other localities,
still the difference may he accounted for by the unavoidable impurities.

Calcareous Spar. — This is found in all parts of Chile, and is one of the most common gangue
rocks of the silver ores.

Dolomite. — This is also a common mineral in Chile, forming in many places beds of immense
thickness.

Heavy Spar — Sulphate of Baryta. — Exists in the silver veins forming ore of the gangue
rocks.

Asbestos (green.) — A specimen was brought from the copper mines of Coquimbo, and another
from Tambillos.

Tungstate of Lime. — This mineral is found in the copper mines of Llamaco, near to Chuapa,
and contains about three per cent, of oxide of copper in its constitution.

Lignite. — This variety of coal has been found in some little abundance at Concepcion, and is
worked to some extent. These lignites ordinarily form but one seam that is thick enough to
repay exploration ; it is often accompanied by a second thin seam and one more irregular. It
is seldom that the seams are found more than 6 or 9 feet above the level of the sea, and most
always dip to the west beneath the ocean. It has been found on the shores of Concepcion, of
Valdivia, and on the shores of the island of Chiloe. The mines that have been worked are, one
near Penco, another near Lirquen, the mines of Talcahuana, of Las Tierras Coloradas, of Lota
and of Lotilla ; the two last mines are considered those of most importance.

M. Crosnier gives the analysis of several of these lignites, as follows —

Lota. Lotilla. Penco.

Coke -------- 52.3 42.7 39.9

Volatile matter ----- 44.6 54.3 51.8

Ash -------- - 3.1 3.0 8.3

100.0 100.0 100.0

The coke is light and porous ; it is sufficiently solid when well burnt.

MINERAL WATERS.

Five specimens of mineral waters were submitted to examination j but as there was onl\ about
one pint of each, the analysis cannot be considered as satisfactory as it is dcsiiable that they
should be.

No. 1. From the baths of Apoquindo, east of and about 500 feet above Santiago, in the first
range of the Andes. When the water was collected its temperature was 74°, the air being 57 .

The specific gravity of it is 1.00226.

14*

10G

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

Solid contents in one litre 2 . 743 grammes, composed of —

Chloride of calcium

- 1

_

_

_

Gram.

1.665

“ “ sodium

-

-

1.008

cc “ magnesium

-

’ - '

-

-

trace.

Sulphate of lime

-

-

•r.

-

.032

Oxide of iron

-

-

, - '

-

.018

Organic matter -

-

-

-

-

trace.

Silica -

-

-

-

_

.020

No. 2. From tlie baths of Colina. The temperature of the water at the source is 89^°
Faht. ; sp. gray. 1.00053. The amount of solid contents in one litre are 0.428 gramme, com-
posed of —

Sulphate of lime -
“ “ soda -

Chloride of calcium
“■ “ sodium

Oxide of iron
Organic matter
Silica -

.120

.089

.077

.142

- trace.

- trace,
trace.

No. 3. This is also from the baths of Colina, and when collected was VO0 Faht. ; sp. grav.
1.00045. The composition of the water is the same as the last. Solid contents in one litre
0.435 gramme, composed of —

.118
.094
.087
.136

- trace.

- trace,
trace.

Sulphate of lime -
“ “ soda -

Chloride of calcium
“ “ sodium

Oxide of iron
Organic matter
Silica -

No. 4. From Cauquenes Tibia bath; sp. gray. 1.00270; solid contents in one litre 3.3032
gramme, composed of —

Sulphate of lime

-

.0600

“ “ soda

-

-

.0320

Chloride of calcium -

-

-

- 2.1682

“ u sodium

1 , - 0

-

- 1.0310

“ “ magnesium

-

-

trace.

Oxide of iron -

B - '

-

.0020

Organic matter -

-

-

trace.

Silica -

1 J 1

-

.0100

No. 5. Cauquenes Pelambre bath; sp. gray. 1.00283. It is constituted the same as the last.
Solid contents in one litre 3.3923 gramme, composed of —

Sulphate of lime

-

H S

.0630

u “ soda

-

-

.0410

Chloride of calcium

-

-

- 2.1751

£< “ sodium

‘4 „

-

- 1.1012

“ “ magnesium

-

trace.

Oxide of iron -

-

-

trace.

Organic matter -

-

-

trace.

Silica -

-

-

.0120

THE MINERALS OF CHILE.

107

Analysis of loader brought from the Rio de Mendoza , by Lieut. MacRae
The bottle contained a large amount of mud sediment. The clear water, on

gave 540 grammes of solid matter to the litre, composed of —

Carbonate of lime ----- .no

Carbonate of magnesia - - - - .072

Sulphate of lime .792

Sulphate of magnesia .108

Sulphate of soda ------ .192

Sulphate of iron .036

Chloride of sodium .228

Silica .112

Organic matter ------ .150

evaporation,

APPENDIX E.

A DESCRIPTION OF . THE INDIAN ANTIQUITIES

BROUGHT FROM

CHILE AID PERU,

BY THE

UNITED STATES NAYAL ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION.

BY

THOMAS EWBANK.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIAN ANTIQUITIES BROUGHT FROM CHILE AND TERU,
BY THE U. S. NAYAL ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION.

BY THOMAS EWBANK.

Surprising as are the mutations which the earth has undergone in her internal and external
features, they are not greater than those to which man is subject. With him, as with it, noth-
ing is intended to he stationary. An upheaving power is always at work on the deep strata of
human influences, and hence the ancient elements of his existence arc here and there breaking
up and arranging themselves in new forms. Usages and institutions adapted to his infancy are
becoming obsolescent. Instead of prostrating his intellect to tradition, and yielding passive
submission to puerile errors and old organized wrongs, he is beginning to he agitated by a dif-
ferent order of wonders. Miracles are emanating from the workshop, and marvels of science
taking the place of legends and legerdemain. A spirit of keen and comprehensive research is
inaugurated. Besides contemplating the present and anticipating the future, he looks to the
past, and longs to know what his species have been doing on the earth, what parts of it have
been occupied, and how long.

At present we have little more knowledge of the past career of mankind than of that of the
planet; not even as much, for history, such as it is, is limited to a fraction of the earth’s popu-
lation, goes hack hut a little way, and is then lost in the void beyond. It is at best like a
turbulent geological epoch — a broken record of successive paroxysms of mental darkness and
of physical commotions. It is not four centuries since the existence of the red race and of the
Western Continent were announced, and not half that time since the Australian and Polynesian
regions were made known. Of the early inhabitants of this hemisphere nothing is known.
Their origin, epoch, and deeds, are alike shrouded in silence and gloom — in darkness so dense
that not a ray of light has been found to penetrate it. Even of their successors or descendants,
so late as three centuries hack, we have learned hut little, and still less of their arts ; much less
than ought to he known, considering the opportunities for collecting information that have
occurred. But a better feeling is becoming manifest, and numerous and systematic efforts are
being made to recover, as far as possible, the history of a people we have superseded, and one
apparently on the eve of disappearing forever.

But can anything he now ascertained of remotely extinct peoples whom history does not
mention? Certainly. Except unreclaimed savages, few people have passed away without
leaving their marks in pottery and in some of the metals, if in nothing else. The earth is
more or less charged with such remains, and they are unimpeachable witnesses of the condition
of the people who owned them. Since the discovery they have been dug up both in South and
North America, and will assuredly abound more and more as civilization sweeps over the forests;
nor is it at all improbable that specimens of a higher order than any yet found of these medal-
lions of aboriginal arts will be disinterred, and such as may equal in interest those recently
found in the debris of Babylon, Nineveh, Sidon, and other oriental cities.

To gather together the scattered fragments of Indian art is neither useless nor profitless.
Could we obtain a knowledge of the means by which the old race of artisans and engineers of

112

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

Mexico, Central America, and Pern achieved their hest works, there is little doubt that not a
few of their devices would he found n<ew, and consequently more or less valuable to us. What-
ever may he said or thought of the barbaric splendor of Montezuma’s and the Incas’ establish-
ments, there was genuine ingenuity in the native mechanics of those days. Indeed, semi-
civilized manners and tastes have little to do with efficient devices and processes for working
metals and other materials, whatever they may have to do with the forms into which these are
wrought or the purposes to which they are applied. But there is no information on aboriginal
arts, however trifling, that is valueless; did it only reflect light on the workings of the Indian
mind, it would be of service, throwing practical suggestions out of the question.

The following articles were brought up from various depths beneath the surface, and in soil
that probably was equally calculated to preserve them as the catacombs of Egypt.

Plate VIII. — Metallic Implements.

The principal object represented on this plate is a copper axe, found in a great quebrada, in
the province of Atacama, Chile, not far from where the Camino de los Incas diverges round a
hill called Tres Puntas, in latitude 26° 42'. This road commences near the city of Copiapo,
proceeds in nearly a straight line in a north by east direction until it reaches the base of Tres
Puntas, passes round the hill — 7,000 feet high — and resumes its former direction. It being one
of the great avenues opened by the Incas into their conquered provinces, remains of Peruvian
manufactures have frequently been found on it as on others. This axe is an example. It is
believed to be Peruvian, as the old Chilenos had no knowledge of working the metals. ISTo
such implements as those figured on the plate have been found in their burial-places.

The metal of this axe has not been artificially alloyed. It has been cast , weighs three and
a quarter pounds, and has seen much service, as appears from its battered appearance and from
smoothly-worn grooves at the sides and edges where the handle was lashed to it. It was prob-
ably used, as we believe most such tools were, more in the manner of an adze than of an axe ;
that is, the handle seems to have been placed at right angles to the face of the blade, not
parallel to it. To the slight movement of the end of the handle that butted against the blade
the indentations at the sides may possibly be due, while the polished grooves at the edges are
obviously the effect of the play of the thongs that bound both together. The studs cast on the
edges below the T-like extension at the top constitute the most interesting feature in this axe,
because they inform us of a previous existing difficulty. They were designed to prevent, and
they effectually did prevent, the lashings, and with them the handle, from slipping down below
their proper place. The cutting edge was kept in order hy hammering. For an inch above
it, where the thickness of the blade begins to diminish, the whole is covered on both sides by
rough marks of rounded hammers, which were probably of stone. The effect of this is seen in
the metal being forced over the general surface at the sides ; and a further result is, that the
width of the cutting edge has been considerably increased from what it originally was. After
bringing down an edge with hammers, a finish was given by rubbing it on coarse and fine-
grained stones. A narrow border on each side of the extreme edge shows where the marks of
the hammer were thus obliterated. To a limited extent the cutting parts of these ancient tools
were rendered harder than the rest, an effect of their constant condensation by the hammer.
The surface is black almost as ink, but it appears to have suffered little or nothing from
corrosion.

As the Peruvians had, long before the Conquest, bronze maces and axes into which handles
were inserted as in our hammers — specimens are preserved in several collections — it may be
inferred that this instrument belongs to a remoter period of their history. That it, and such
as it, were preserved from generation to generation by tribes remote from the capital after better
ones had been introduced there, is not simply probable — it is certain ; and hence the date of such
things cannot be determined by that of the huaca, or grave, from which they are taken, even if

O’ S .IT. AsTr^ Exp? Chili

Full size.

Plate Vin

J. M. Startle/ . usi •

f i «oH k i% u»^z ..li piu rtai •

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

113

that could he made out. This axe was doubtless a costly one at the time it was made, and the
families successively owning it may never have had the opportunity or means to obtain a better.
The durability of such a tool, it should be remembered, is almost eternal. Five thousand years
could make little impression upon it. If not lost, there is nothing to prevent its appearance in
a museum after the lapse of fifty centuries, and without any sensible change from its present
appearance.

The studs for confining the cord fastenings to their places, show that it does not belong to
the primitive class of metallic axes, since they had no such useful feature. These projections, .
too, are interesting in another point : they make us acquainted with a device that was inter-
mediate between the first rude contrivance and the final one for securing the handle to the
blade by insertion.

As the ancient Peruvians discovered tin, and employed it somewhat extensively to harden
copper, this axe probably dates from a period anterior to that when bronze ones were first made.
It is difficult to suppose that such a people would continue to make blades of soft copper when
they had tin in abundance to render them so much more efficient.

Stone and copper axes are medallions of the arts in the first and second cycles of human
progress — the very best that we could have, for they furnish more definite ideas of the early
condition of our species than volumes of printed speculations. The stone axe is erroneously
associated in the popular mind with the felling of timber ; but certainly a tree was never cut
down by it. The thing is evidently impossible, when the material of the tool, its thickness, and
blunted edge are considered. When not used as a weapon, the chief employment of the stone
axe was as a wedge to split wood, and as a scraper to- dig into and remove the charred parts of
trees and timber. It made no impression on the forest, and hence the log-hut was unknown in
the age of stone. When it was desired to prostrate a trunk, or to scoop it out for a canoe, fire
was the chief operating agent. All the cutting of wood before metals were introduced was con-
fined to carving and whittling by obsidian knives, flints, and shells.

The revolution that began with the introduction of axes of copper was only less than that
caused by those of iron. Wood could then be cut and chopped, though but rudely and feebly.
The superiority of the new instrument was, however, palpable : it was smaller and heavier
than its predecessor, and hardly one third as thick in the blade; while the cutting edge, when-
ever blunted or bent, was readily sharpened and made straight. It was not liable to fracture ;
while a gap in a stone one, if not fatal, required weeks of labor to bring up a new edge by
abrasion. But, after all, it is difficult for us correctly to imagine how vast an amount of labor
was expended in wielding copper axes, and with what slender results. A stone axe tells us at
once the condition of peoples who had none other, and one of copper is a true index of the arts
wherever iron is not known. It is, then, no wonder that, from the day this half of the globe
was opened to the other half, the eager demand of the aborigines for cutting-instruments of
steel has not ceased.

The remaining articles figured on this plate were found near the village of San Jose, on the
river Maypu, ija Chile, by a party of laborers engaged in digging a canal. Human remains,
which crumbled to dust on exposure to the air, were disinterred with them. They are of
unusual interest.

At the right of the axe is another copper implement nearly 3^ inches long, one quarter of an
inch thick at the thickest part, three quarters of an inch wide at one end, and 1$ inch at the
other. It is of pure copper ; it has been cast, and the cutting end drawn out with the hammer.
Although called a chisel, on account of its shape, it has never been used as one ; there are no
marks of blows on its upper end. It was undoubtedly used as a knife, and so were all, or
nearly all, stone and metal implements of the kind. Their resemblance to our chisels has
naturally led many to consider them such.

Adjoining the axe on the left, is a long and tapered tool seven inches in length, and one
eighth of an inch in thickness ; it is half an inch wide at one end, and one sixth of an inch
15*

114

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

at the other ; both ends are sharpened into cutting-blades. The metal, of a dull yellow color,
is hard, liglit, rings well, and weighs an ounce and a quarter. The proportion of tin probably
approaches six per cent. The surface is corroded, and the sharp, cutting edges are jagged.

Alongside of the last figure is a similar tool, but larger, being nearly nine inches long, half
an inch wide at one extremity, and three fourths of an inch at the other. The cutting edges
are rounded like- tlio^e of the smaller one, and the thickness varies but little from one eighth
of an inch; weight, two ounces. The metal is a perceptible shade darker, and, as might be
inferred from that circumstance, not quite so hard. It contains, perhaps, about five per cent,
of tin. The surfaces are corroded, but not so much as those of the preceding figure. A number
of slight depressions mark both sides, as if it had been stretched lengthwise by the pin of a
hammer, though the composition would seem hardly tough enough to bear that.

Grasped by the middle, these two instruments would even now be no bad substitutes for steel
ones for cutting leather, cloth, skins, and other thin materials stretched upon a table, and even
for entering soft woods, either in the direction of or across the grain. As drills, they would
be quite sufficient for boring into numerous substances. There are, in Boturini’s Collection of
Mexican MSS., (Sec. Ill, No. 3, of his Catalogue,) figures of artisans carving with and other-
wise using such tools. Simple as they seem, there are good points about them, and even in
their forms and proportions. Being tapered in width, every instrument presented two blades,
and two different sized ones ; while, from the limited and uniform thickness given to the body
of each, the least amount of labor was required to restore the cutting-edge when blunted or
broken. No forging was wanted ; nothing but simple abrasion or grinding. Another capital
feature which we, in the midst of iron and steel and the facilities for working them, can hardly
appreciate, was, the tool was never worn out until used up. While an inch remained, it could
be used by sticking one end into a handle. It is very probable that the form and proportions
of these instruments were given to all hard cutting-tools ; while such as were malleable were,
like our stone-cutters’ chisels, and like the two copper tools, made thicker in the body, and
thinned down towards the edges by the hammer.

A Peruvian knife proper, witli a curved blade, is represented in full size below, interesting from
its resemblance to those used by modern glovers and saddlers, and by Egyptian harness-makers
under the Pharaohs. They have been found variously modified in form and hardness. I met
with others more elaborately worked in the handles, in collections of South American antiquities.
Yery plain ones, as if hammered out of sheet metal, occasionally occur. Like the preceding
figures, this instrument was cast, and cast whole. There is an appearance, where the handle
joins the blade, of something like welding or soldering, but which is, I believe, due to the
junction in the model. The application of nitric acid did not detect any solder. The blade
measures 4f inches along the back, which is rather over one eighth of an inch thick, except
towards the ends, where it tapers down to the sharpened edge. The handle is cylindrical,
three eighths of an inch thick, and moulded in imitation of an inverted bird’s leg and foot.
When used, the right hand grasped the shank, while the ball of the thumb rested between the
open claws. In this way a firm hold and control of the blade was secured. The metal is
slightly softer than that of the two other bronze tools. The instrument has obviously gone
through much work. The widest part of the blade is 1-| inch across, which was probably about
the original width of the segment. The ornamental marks cast round the shank are nearly
worn out.

With the proprietor of these tools was also buried his whetstone — an indispensable article to
every workman in wood and metal with us, but of much more frequent necessity to artisans
whose edge-tools were of bronze. It is represented by the remaining figure on this plate — a
compact piece of slate 2-| inches long, three eighths of an inch thick, and varying from three
quarters of an inch to an inch in width. A small hole is drilled through one end, most likely
for a cord to suspend it by. A deep, angular depression has been worn on one side by sharp-
ening tools on it, and a shallower one on the other. So similar is it to such things in modern

One third natural size

M. Stardey del!

P. S Duval & Co: steam hth. pres s.Plul

U.S . N Astr : Exp T

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES. 115

workshops, and so little change has time wrought in it, that it might readily he taken for a piece
of a carpenter’s hone.

Peruvian cutting-tools of bronze which I have met with have been comparatively little har-
dened, the proportions of tin not exceeding from two to three per cent. Now, why was this?
Because old workmen preferred keeping them so far malleable that they might be readily
thinned by the hammer, and have only the finishing-edge to put on by the hone, to making
them brittle and hard, when nothing but tedious abrasion could restore or bring up a jagged
or broken blade. From these small amounts of tin, some writers have surmised that the
knowledge of giving different degrees of hardness to copper by varying the proportion of tin
put in was not known, and that the alloys were natural ones. There are too many facts to
overthrow and too few to sustain this hypothesis. The instruments described in this paper are
of different degrees of hardness, and are certainly artificial compounds. They have by far the
hardest cutting-edges of any I have ever seen, and show clear enough to my mind that the
knowledge that copper is hardened in proportion to the quantity of tin mixed with it was pos-
sessed in ancient Chile and Peru, in Mexico and Central America; that it could be made as
hard as bell-metal that resists the file; and that brittleness kept pace with the hardness. Bells,
we know, were made before the conquest in Peru, Mexico, and Mechoacan, and of alloys of gold
as well as of copper.

I think these tools go far to explain some matters relating to remote American civilization
that have hitherto been sore puzzles, though they may be insufficient Avliolly to account for the
dressed stone, the porphyritic and other sculptures of Cuzco, Uxmal, Palenque, &c.

Plate IX — Pottery.

With the exception of figures 10, 11, 12, the pottery represented on this plate was taken
from a family tomb near Arica, in Peru. Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Avere intended to heat as well as
to hold liquids. None of them has ever been glazed; nor have the slightest efforts at ornament
been expended on them. In texture, hardness, materials, and rough feeling to the touch, they
resemble our sand crucibles, and Avere possibly as well adapted to endure heat. Their capacities
are, respectively, three quarts, one quart, one quart, a pint and a quarter, tAvo pints and a half.
These measures are not minutely accurate, but quite sufficient for the purpose of this description.

The bottoms of all are convex externally, and somewhat conical. There was a reason for
this. The scarcity of fuel led the ancient Peruvians to a device for economizing it identical in
principle with that of the classical ancients, and of most of the peoples of the eastern world —
one still common to all the Latin nations, and the application of which has become a standing
feature in our cooking-stoves and ranges. They confined the fire betAveen two Ioav Avails, (Avhich
formed, in fact, a shallow, horizontal flue,) and placed upon them a plate of .stone, having cut
in it a roAv of two, three, or more openings suited to receive the pots and caldrons, and allow
their lower halves to descend into and interrupt the passing flame. Thus, the heat not taken
up by the bottom of the first vessel passed on to the second, &c., so that, Avhen the smoke
escaped at the end of the flue, the greater part of the heat had been absorbed by the pots. •

Figures 6, 7, 8, 9. Four stoppers or covers. The vessel to Avhich No. 9 belonged was prob-
ably broken in opening the tomb, as it has not been received with the rest. All are hollow, of
the same hard material as the vessels, and pretty uniform in thickness — from one eighth of an-
inch to three sixteenths. Each has a hole at the smallest end, as represented. These covers
are in some respects superior to our close-fitting pot-lids, since a Amse could neATer be exploded
by an accumulation of steam. Ordinarily, the vapor would escape between the stopper and the
cavity in which it rested ; Avhile a sudden evolution of steam would partially, and for a moment
only, raise the stopper. It could never be blown out of its seat during the absence or in the
presence of the cook.

The vessels 1 and 5 shoAv marks of having been much used; while the appearance of 2, 3, and
4 indicates that they were new, or nearly new, when interred. The loops moulded on 1, 2, and

116

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

5 answered to tlie studs on No. 3: they were substitutes for handles. Their interior surfaces
are ragged in the extreme. No strings by which to suspend them could have been used without
being quickly cut through.

But the most interesting feature in these pots is one which shows they were not exclusively
formed by hand. It has long been and still is conceded that nothing like the potter’s wheel
was employed on aboriginal wares ; a proof, strong as that afforded by the native modes of
spinning thread and grinding corn, that the elements of American civilization were inde-
pendently developed. In every instance the lower portion has been formed on a mould, (and
most likely between two moulds,) while the upper halves were gathered in, and the necks
modelled by the hands ; the marks and irregularities of which are apparent, and singularly
contrast with the interior surface below, which is so perfectly uniform that nothing hut a mould
could produce the like. Nos. 2 and 3 seem to have been formed on one mould.

Figures 11 and 12 are from the same tomb, in Chile, out of which the bronze implements
figured on Plate 1 were taken. They are of a softer material and of a finer grain than the
preceding, and, being glazed, are quite smooth to the touch. They belonged to what may be
called the fancy pottery of old, being intended for show as well as for use. The saucer-like
vessels, Nos. 10 and 11, have handles formed after birds’ heads: one resembles that of a duck
or goose.' No. 10 is from Cuzco; it is 5f inches in diameter, and three quarters of an inch at
the centre. No. 11 is 6^ inches across, and 1^ inch deep. Each has a couple of studs on the
edge opposite the handle, on which to rest it on the shelf. This is a common feature in all
Peruvian pateras ; I do not remember to have seen one without it. Thus ancient American
housewives, like housewives everywhere, took a pride in setting off to advantage their hand-
some crockery.

Plate X. — IFooden-ivare, dc.

With the five cooking vases, figured in the preceding plate, were found various articles of
domestic economy in wood ; of these, figure 1 is the most conspicuous. This neat little pipkin
has been cut out of a solid piece of moderately-hard and red-colored wood. The sides and bottom
are of proportionate thickness, and the former thinned towards the spreading rim. But the
design is better than the execution ; the vessel bears marks of the tedious process bjr which the
interior matter was scooped out, morsel by morsel, and the exterior dressed down. The bust
which forms the handle is characteristic of the ancient head-dress, and of the gathering of the
hair behind into a thick queue — a custom still pursued among the Pueblo Indians and those of
the Gila river. The diameter of the bottom is inches, across the rim 6^, and the depth 4|.
The broad band beneath the rim, and the narrow one near the bottom, are calculated to convey
the impression that they were carved in imitation of hoops pixt around vessels made of staves.
If such was the fact, the date would have, perhaps, to be brought down below the Conquest :
that is, supposing vessels constructed of staves were not known to the natives during the Inca
dynasties. The probability, however, is, that the projecting parts were carved for ornament,
without reference to hooped pails and casks, as analogous bands are found on some of the oldest
of their gold and silver cups and vases.

Figure 2 is a rude wooden spoon, probably used with the vessel figure 1. It forms a perfect
contrast to the exuberantly ornamented ones by modern Indians of Peru. The edges of the
bowl are worn, the front part thinned away, and the natural red tint of the wood reduced
nearly to white, most likely by stirring corn-mush or cassava in the pipkin, and transferring it
thence to the family mouths.

Figure 3. A dipper or drinking bowl made out of a calabash.

Figure 4. A small and nearly globular gourd, probably used for a similar purpose.

Another example of minute toil in carving is shown at figure 5, apparently in imitation of a
small gourd.

Plate X

' ^ XVVi I

USJ'T. Ast.Exp.

— ‘ — — E S.Luvai& Co's Steamliui.Presi , Phil*

J. M! Stagey del*

INDIAN ANTIQU I T I E S.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

117

In figure 6 are four irregularly-formed receptacles made in a piece of wood, only 1^ inch
wide, not quite 2 inches long, and only five eighths of an inch thick. Unless the cavities were
for rare condiments or pigments, I cannot imagine their use.

The most laborious efforts at carving which the tomb has revealed are displayed in three
sharply elliptical vessels — all of the same material, form, and, as nearly as maybe, dimensions.

Figure 7 represents one of them. Of a pale-yellow colored wood, its longest diameter at top
is 6 inches, its shorter one ; the depth is 3| inches, and the bottom measures 3^ by 2|
inches. See A and B. Both sides, the inside especially, are covered with innumerable fresh-
looking marks of the imperfect tools employed, clearly indicating that the vessels had been
little used since made. Their design is a perfect enigma ; and the puzzle is made still more
perplexing by two holes, nearly half an inch square, cut through the bottom of each (see A
and B ;) in addition to which, there are two minute perforations, about one tenth of an inch in
diameter, drilled through the ends just above the bottom, as if for tbe purpose of passing a wire
or small cord from end to end through the interior. One of these holes is shown in figure B.

Figure 8 is a coarsely-plaited basket, 6^ inches long by \\ broad, and 4| inches deep. It is
made of rushes, whose ends retain tlleir cylindrical form ; they slightly exceed one eighth of
an inch in thickness.

In this basket were some ears of Indian corn, much shorter than any variety cultivated with
us. They are from four to five inches in length, the cobs being three quarters of an inch in
diameter. The grain is narrow and deep, and resembles the gourd-seed corn of the southern
States. The rows vary from twelve to sixteen.

There were also some sweet potatoes in the tomb ; but they crumbled on exposure to the air,
and could not be preserved.

Figure 9 is a neatly and closely woven basket, or bowl, 5| inches in diameter, used for
holding liquids, and which it would still retain, although a portion of it has disappeared from
dampness. It contained some small matters — as several rods, inches long, perforated
lengthwise through the centre, and leaving two notches near one end, opposite each other, and
communicating by a transverse hole. (See figures 10.) There were smoothly-shaped slips of a
hard and cocoa-colored wood, whose purpose it is difficult to determine. (See figures 11.) They
would have made excellent teeth for native combs.

There were also six sticks, varying in length from 14 inches to 6. (See figures 12.) Three
of these have holes worked out at one end. All have been colored red, and one with red bands.
Their use is not known.

There were found with these things two metallic objects, which are, therefore, figured with
them. Figure 13 is one : it is a nodule of ironstone, which G-arcilasso, the Inca historian, says
his countrymen occasionally used as a material for tools, and which they named quilley. This
may have been the upper part of a chisel or punch, for which it seems to have been well enough
adapted. From the fracture, a considerable part appears to have been broken off. The figure
is of the natural size.

Figures 14 and 15. A bronze bodkin, which the finders mistook for gold. The alloy is similar to
that of the third figure described on Plate VIII. It has been cast, and towards the point is smooth.
The extreme point has been broken off. The instrument might be serviceable in many opera-
tions in modern arts. At the upper end is a slit, either artificial or from a flaw in the casting.
About an inch of the upper part was wound thickly round with thread of Llama wool, and then
covered with interlaced reed, making a secure and excellent handle. There was no moving the
instrument from its baft but by cutting through the latter, so firmly were both secured together.

Figure 16 is an equally interesting instrument — a primeval needle, made of a cactus thorn.
It is strong, elastic, black like polished ebonj", and as sound as ever it was. The end has
been flattened where the eye is. Portions of a fine thread remain in the eye, as well and uni-
formly twisted as any in modern ladies’ work-baskets, and composed of five distinct strands or
separate threads.

118

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

With other primeval inventions, the needle elicits little observation, it being with things as
with persons: the showy and superficial push aside the unobtrusive and useful. To some
minds this fac simile of an instrument used by Eve and her daughters, and by their early
descendants, may appear too trifling an affair to he worth recording ; but few things offer in its
associations more agreeable instruction. In its progressive development, through wood, hone,
copper, bronze, and iron, into its modern steel representatives, and in the ameliorating and
refining influence it has exercised over our species, the needle lacks neither point to awaken
interest nor piquancy to keep it awake.

The remnant of fine thread left in the eye is also connected with a subject that is equally
interesting. It presents an opportunity of explaining a remark of G-arcilasso, which appears
irreconcilable with the fact that American spinsters twirled the spindle in a shell, gourd,
or hollow stone, resting commonly on the floor, or the lap. He observes that his countrywomen
carried their spinning apparatus with them to social parties, and, like European and Asiatic
females, spun as they walked through the streets or into the country. Mentioning the difficulty
to the late amiable and able envoy extraordinary from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Salvador, to
the United States, Don Felipe Molina, he removed it at once, by stating that the practice is
still kept up in those States, and particularly by Indian men , who are singularly industrious,
and who almost always thus occupy themselves when travelling with loads on their hacks.
They whirl the spindle in a small cylindrical gourd, secured to the breast, or lodged in a pocket
of their jackets.

Figure 17. A beautifully ornamented cap, knitted or woven out of Llama wool. It is stout,
and, except the colors and figures formed by them, is in pretty good preservation. Two strong
cords, each a foot long and with a knot at the end, served to tie it under the chin. The diameter
of the crown is 5J inches ; depth of the rim, two inches. The process of formation began at the
centre of the crown, as in Leghorn bonnets — the main threads extending outwards spirally.
A small opening is left in the centre, and doubtless with the same view as similar ventilators
are made in modern hats. The texture of the cap is very closely woven. Black, red or brown,
yellow, green and light green, are the colors that remain.

Figure 18. A portion of the cloth in which the mummies were enveloped. It is worth
remarking on this fragment, that it has a feature more or less common in the fabrics wrapped
round Egyptian mummies, viz : in the different sizes of the yarns that compose the weft and
the warp. The same thing occurs in some fine Navajo blankets which I have examined, though
the difference in them was not near so much as in this Peruvian Cere cloth. Another trait,
common to ancient and modern Indian loom-work, is, that two yarns were sometimes used in
the weft to one in the warp.

The head of the entombed family was no warrior, since no weapons were buried with him,
unless a sling (figure 19) netted from Llama’s hair be one. One of the cords is 2^ feet long,
the other a foot shorter. It appears to have been little used, and is still strong enough to
answer the purpose for which it was wrought. This absence of weapons, and the presence of a
large number of domestic and industrial implements, is a pleasing and impressive characteristic
of old Peruvian civilization.

After the foregoing sheets were in the hands of the printer, the contents of another ancient
grave near Arica, which had been accidentally delayed, came to hand. As there was not time
to have suitable illustrations prepared, a brief description of the relics are subjoined, since they
are of too interesting a character to be wholly omitted.

From the condition of some, if not all, they may be centuries if not decades of centuries old.
They consist of movables of a family — of things that were never left behind on a change of
location. Valuable on earth, they were believed to be equally desirable in the land beyond
the setting sun, to which their owners supposed they emigrated at death. Here are ears of
corn, and grains carefully sewed up in a bag to plant there, with vessels in which to cook them;

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

119

hooks to catch fish there, arrows to kill game, and implements of male and female industry,
with smaller matters to please their children. There is something affecting in the members of
a family being thus accompanied with their little stock of valuables on their exodus out of this
world in quest of another. Happily, they had no idea that their treasures would be stolen
here, and even their own bodies borne off as curiosities, by people of another race.

A few articles are in copper and bronze , all deeply corroded and swelled beyond their natural
dimensions by blossoms of green oxide.

1. The triangular blade of a knife rather more than two inches across the cutting-edge,
perpendicular to which arose a plain and flat handle. A part only remains, three sixteenths of
an inch thick. The alloy is similar to that of the knife on Plate VIII. A little forked piece
(of wood probably, though it is reduced to the color and consistence of caked snuff) has been
secured by twine over the stump, and gives a smooth termination to the shank.

2. A fish-hook of bronze about the size of a mackerel hook, half an inch across the bend, the
short end 1^ inches, and the other end longer. The last had been attached to a slip of bone or
wood: the lashing was remaining round both. On dissolving the oxide by an acid, the metallic
portion remaining was found to be one eighth of an inch thick at the bend, and to taper thence
to both ends. If there had been a barb at one and a notch or loop at the other, they had been
eaten away. This hook is stiff, and as difficult to bend as if it had been made of iron.

3. A similarly formed but smaller hook. The shank is 1J inches long, and retains the lashing
that attached it to the fishing-line. The only observable difference in the contour of these
hooks and of ours is the greater length given to the short ends ; possibly to compensate for the
absence of barbs.

4. A still smaller hook, half imbedded in a portion of the line that had been buried with it.
In dimensions it resembles those temporary hooks made by boys of pins. To attempt to remove
its bright green envelope would probably destroy it.

5. Another hook (a straight one) a little over two inches long, with a barb neatly tied on.
Like the others, the finely twisted line has disappeared, except some small portions imbedded
in the copper rust.

6. A singular looking article, and one whose use it is next to impossible to divine. At the
first glance upon its arrival, when its general and rough contour only was observable, it had
some resemblance to the handle of a sword with a portion of the blade projecting from it; but
then there were two shapeless protuberances that increased the difficulty. After dissolving the
encrusted covering in an acid, and “pickling,” (to use a brazier’s phrase), so as to bring out
a clean surface, the relic assumed another appearance, but one as much of an enigma as before.
A very definite idea of it cannot be communicated without a drawing.

For the purpose of description, let it be supposed an insignia of office worn on the hand. It
is an elliptical band, with an opening three and a half inches one way, and an inch the other.
It might be slipped over the four fingers till one end was between the thumb and forefinger.
The upper surface passing across the back of the hand is an inch wide, and ornamented with
sunken scroll or square work. The part in contact with the palm is plain, and not half so
wide. From one end is an ornamented projecting piece 1| inch long, and nearly as wide as
the band. It rests on the thumb if the band be slipped on with it in that direction, or extends
at right angles from the little finger if the band be slipped on reversely. This piece has a
longitudinal slit, which divides it in two, except at the junction with the band, where the
casting is very perfect. But the most curioiis part consists of two figures (apparently of Incas
from the head-dresses) rising from the middle of the band. They project over an inch, are
within three quarters of an inch of each other, and both look one way, with their backs to the
above-named projection. They are in a sitting posture, holding cups, or something else, to
their mouths; and minute as they are, the arms, legs, and thighs are singularly relieved. As
a piece of casting, it is a surprising piece of work. None of our founders could produce the
like from their moulds.

120

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

In icood are a few tilings :

1. A prettily carved snuff or other mill for rubbing down dry leaves to powder. It resembles
the apparatus of Brazilian Indians for the same purpose, and is not larger than tlie palm of
the band. A blade of bard wood, with a recess scooped in it two and a half inches one way, a
little over an inch the other, and T35 of an inch deep. The handle is the head and part of the
body of an. Indian, well worked out. The value put on this implement is evinced by the
repairs it has undergone. The blade is cracked in three places, and each crack has been pre-
vented from spreading by drilling holes on each side, and binding the parts together by twine
or wire.

2. A spindle for making thread. It consists of a round and tapered stick, eleven inches long,
and not exceeding a quarter of an inch at the thickest part. It is reduced to a point at both
extremities. A little stone weight, to keep up the momentum, is fixed within an inch of one
end. It is a truncated cone, the larger diameter 1|- inch, the smaller 1 inch, and the depth
f of an inch. A hole drilled through the centre receives the spindle. Some broken and
decayed threads remain on the rod. Altogether, the instrument might be taken for an Asiatic
or European one, so similar is it to such in dimensions and construction, with one exception:
there is no slit or notch at the upper end to hold the thread by.

3. A flat and thin piece of hard wood, 3f inches long, If inch wide, j3g thick at the centre,
and reduced thence to the sharp edges. A hole in the centre has received a small rod, like the
spindle ; a portion remains in it. There were dust-marks of thread round the hole, as if the
rod had been charged with thread, like a spindle. The article was probably used in connexion
with spinning or weaving.

4. In a little reed quiver are three red-colored sticks, six inches long, with conical ends, and
precisely like those figured at No. 12, on Plate X, whose use they serve to explain. They are
bolts of arrows. A quartz point was lashed to one, and those of the others had dropped off,
and were found in the quiver. Rudely formed as they are, it is difficult to perceive how they
were discharged, and for what purpose the conical ends served. Could they have been inserted
into the ends of rods applied to the bow, and designed to separate when they reached the
bird or beast shot at? Arrow-shafts composed of two pieces are not uncommon among tribes
of both North and South America : but they are commonly spliced and united by thread, so as
to present little or no swelling at the junction ; whereas, from the enlarged ends of these, such
joints were out of the question. However these bolts were used, the custom is most likely still
kept up by native Indians of Peru. Captain Sitgreaves, in his report of an expedition down
the Zuni and Colorado rivers in 1853, speaking of the Mohave Indians, observes that their arms
are the bow and arrow, the spear, and the club. The arrow is formed of two pieces : that to
which the barb is attached is of hard wood, seven inches long, or one fourth the entire length ;
the other is of a light reed that grows profusely along the banks of the river, and is feathered,
as usual, at the extremity.

5. Another piece of light-colored wood, streaked with a red pigment, and between seven and
eight inches long. In form it resembles two long, pointed, and shallow spoon-mouths, united
by a short and thick rod at their wide ends. Very roughly and laboriously cut, it furnishes
evidence of the imperfection of the tools in vogue for working wood when it was formed.

G. Another, rather less, but in all other respects the same.

7. A thin tube of wood, or part of a natural reed, 6^ inches long and § of an inch bore.

8. A forked stick, the fork presenting an acute angle, like-tke letter V. This is manifestly
the remains of a primitive adze. One branch or stump formed the handle ; but it has been
broken or detached by decay, a few inches only being left. The other is complete, and shows
how a copper or bronze blade was secured to it ; a portion of the wood is cut away, leaving a
flat surface for the i'ace of the blade, and an abutment for the head. Notches were cut in the
back to receive the lashings, whose marks remain. A film of green oxide remains attached to

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES. 121

that part of the wood to which the metallic blade was hound. This implement, when perfect,
resembled some recovered from Egyptian tombs.

9. A neatly made basket-howl, similar in construction to Figure 9, on Plate X, hut only six
inches across.

8. A stone-pointed instrument, lashed by anifnal fibre to one side of a handle nearly two
feet long. If not a weapon, it was probably an agricultural tool. The extreme point only
seems to have become smooth by use.

In pottery the specimens are more numerous than those figured on Plate IX. There are four
large vases, of which three are painted and one is plain, and in material and outline similar to
Figure 3 on the plate, hut more than double its capacity, being 9 inches deep and 8 across the
swelled part. It has been used over a fire. The other three are about equal in capacity, though
not quite so. Two have conical bottoms, and were used over a fire. They have ears, like
Figure 1 of Plate IX. Below the ears they are plain and rough, because those parts were
dropped into the perforated tops of their stoves, as mentioned on page 115 ; hut all above the
ears are painted, on a light-colored ground coat, with black and red designs, somewhat after
the style of Figure 11 of Plate IX.

The remaining one of the four is a perfect pitcher, with a flat bottom, loop-handle at one
side, hut without a contracted lip. The ground color is a dark chocolate-red, upon which are
displayed with considerable effect white lines, stars, and circles, relieved by others in black.
The rim is ornamented inside and out. Taken altogether, the vase is worthy of a place on
modern tables. The material is a light reddish clay — same as the other painted ones.

Two vases shaped like Figure 3, Plate IX — holding, the one a quart, the other not so much.

Two more — one formed like Figure 2, and the other like Figure 1, of Plate IX — might be
taken for children’s toys, since each could hold no more than an ordinary wine-glass.

A wide-mouth bowl, with flat bottom, and holds a pint.

A smaller one, very rudely formed, and very flat. It might have served for a lamp, if lamps
were used in the family.

A very interesting specimen of ancient crockeryware is one that resembles a quart pot or
tankard. It has nearly straight sides, stands four inches high, and is four in diameter. A
handle, in the form of an Indian’s head with a high cap or mitre, rises above the rim from
swelled part of the sides. The outside of this vessel preserves rude attempts at ornament with
black and brown colors. A very similar one, but slightly larger, with the head and body of
a monkey for the handle, was found in a grave eleven feet under ground, near Ariquipe, during
the past year, and presented to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr. Eckel, United States consul
at Talcahuana, Chile. This vessel is better painted and in better preservation than the
preceding.

The conical-bottomed vases having, as intimated, been used as boilers, they are furnished
with stoppers formed precisely like those on Plate IX. Such as belong to painted vessels are, in
like manner, ornamented over half their surfaces ; a circumstance which shows that they were
dropped into their places with the perforated ends up — consequently the steam never entered
them.

Of clothing, and other woven remains, there is an apron-looking piece in tolerably good
preservation — half a yard one way, and something less the other ; it exhibits a pattern of fancy
stripes in brown and white.

A small cap, with loop to pass under the chin. It resembles in texture the one figured on
Plate X, and appears to have belonged to a child.

A coarse and open knit bag — eight inches deep and four wide.

A sling, woven in squares of black and white, in moderate preservation. Portions of the
lines are missing. A variety of slings was of old in vogue in Peru. With some tribes they
were the chief, with others the only weapons used in war ; and considerable labor and skill
were laid out on them. They were decorated in the loom, both the straps and strings being
16*

122

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

variegated with colored threads. This specimen is a proof of the correctness of old historians
on the subject. Wound round the head, they formed the only covering of the Chachapuyas.

Fragments of round, plaited cord, of brown and white strands — also bits of netting.

A handsomely wrought bag, closely woven, with fancy stripes in red, brown, and white tints.

A smaller bag, with more elaborately wrought figures in red, white, black, brown, and green
colors. A row of ten pendent tassels were attached to the bottom, (most have dropped off,)
making the article look very like a modern lady’s reticule or work-bag.

Lastly, a skull in good preservation; and which, from its long plaited locks, may have
belonged to the mother of the family. Perhaps within it sat the mind that contrived the use-
ful and ornamental things just mentioned ; and within it turned the eyes that watched their
progressive development, from the twisting of the thread with the spindle, and imparting the
various colors, to the finishing touches given to the pretty fabrics.

Besides their historic value, primitive antiquities interest us as representatives of thought,
and of inventive resource, in the early conditions of our species. They show us how the arts
began, and how they become modified by climate, by soil and its diverse products, and also by
location — insular and continental, inland and maritime. Then they indicate, by that remark-
able uniformity which pervades them (for while others differ, these are everywhere akin), a
natural equality in men to invent. Let specimens be gathered from every part of the earth,
and it would seem almost as philosophical to assert that animals or birds of one country were
originally more ingenious than those of others, as to apply the remark to man.

Then who does not perceive in them, that to unite the ornamental with the useful is an
instinct of our nature ; one early evolved, and found as active in the lowest as in the highest
forms of society. Where dwells the savage who adorns not his club, his paddle, and his canoe ;
and where the tribe that adds not colors to carving? None of the inferior beings spend labor
on what is superfluous ; they add nothing that is not essential. Man is by nature the only
decorating animal ; and hence the origin of modelling, sculpture, and painting, should not be
ascribed to any one people.

With many these things have no weight, and the same may be said of society at large ; still
it is well to recur to what we have all sprung from, and, while contemplating the disparity
between the condition of our remote progenitors and our own, to remember that we also are in
a medium or transition state — one connecting the past to a future surpassing in its achieve-
ments those of the present.

But relics of American arts are of peculiar interest, inasmuch as they are connected with the
solution of one of the greatest problems in human history. Here is one half of the planet
without a page of written record, without legends or traditions. From its first occupancy, at a
period whose date no one can tell or even conjecture, down to comparatively recent days, it pre-
sents to the historian, instead of a chronicle of dynasties, of stirring actions and mighty events,
a huge and silent blank — not the name of an individual, nor the sound of a foot-fall, preserved.
Comparatively speaking, it was but yesterday that the continents were discovered, and the fact
of their being in possession of a peculiar race proclaimed to the rest of the world ; and now, as
then, there is little more information to be obtained from the Indians respecting their predeces-
sors than from the native quadrupeds. Whatever is to be known, has to be drawn out of the
ground ; out of what the plough turns up ; what mounds, graves, and existing earth-works may
disclose, and what architectural ruins may afford. These are the only archives remaining of
the deeds and destinies of the old inhabitants of the hemisphere ; and hence everything regis-
tered in them, however trifling under other circumstances it might be considered, has a value
proportioned to the insight it may give into national or social habits and conditions.

The American aborigines are melting away, and, apart from the moral view of the subject,
there is much that is due to them. Poor themselves, they have enriched others. Besides

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

123

(bequeathing to us the noblest of earthly inheritances, their contributions to the great staples
of modern commerce have never been excelled. To say nothing of the fur-trade, nor of the
metals, from gold and mercury to copper and lead, in unprecedented profusion, of bread plants
they gave us the potato, Indian corn, and mandioca ; of poultry, the turkey and other fowls ;
of raw materials for manufactures, India-rubber; of timber, mahogany, rose, satin, and at
least two hundred other varieties of wood used in ship-building, carpentry, and for dying,
furniture and ornamental wares; in medicine, Peruvian hark, jalap, and ipecacuanha. Then
there is a list of plants, including tobacco, which have become necessities to such a degree that
nations would stand aghast if threatened to be deprived of them.

To a people to whom we owe so much, the least that we can do is to gather up for posterity
whatever memorials of them may fall in our way.

A change in terrestrial occupancy on such a scale is an episode unparalleled in the history of
our globe ; and though we who live during its accomplishment are in a manner indifferent to
its magnitude, and to its bearings on the destinies of the species in coming times, it will be
discussed and referred to in the distant future as one of ever memorable significance.

There are, moreover, ethnographical facts of marked interest to students of races and nations.
For example: it is universally conceded that civilization was first developed in the East, and on
the northern half of the planet, while it is uncertain whether it began here on the northern or
southern side of the equator. It arose in the interior of a vast continent in one case, and
apparently in the other on the shores of two oceans — Yucatan and Peru. The tropics are the
base-lines of civilization. Between the parallels of 10° and 35° north arose all the historical
nations of old, and with them its tendency was not so much towards as from the equator, which
it never reached. It was the same with this Western world : the Mexicans and their predeces-
sors began and limited their efforts within the latitudes of 10° and 30.° But while no ancient
centre of civilization sprung up south of the line in the Eastern hemisphere, it was different
here ; for the earliest known southern efforts at human progress are those of the Inca dynasties,
though it is uncertain whether they preceded or followed the Central American nations, whose
architectural ruins yet abound.

The further information respecting ancient American civilization and arts embodied in the
following pages is, from its ethnological importance, submitted in connexion with the account of
kindred antiquities brought home by the Astronomical Expedition.

General Alvares, the last Spanish political chief and commandant of the province of Cuzco,
made up during his administration a varied and very valuable collection of articles in terra
cotta, stone, bronze, silver, gold, &c., belonging to the times of the Incas. Arriving at Rio
de Janeiro (on his way to Spain), he disposed of them there. To the politeness of the pur-
chaser— Senor Barboza, a Brazilian gentleman of great learning and of antiquarian tastes — I
was indebted for opportunities fully to examine and report upon them, during a visit to Brazil
in 1846. No account of them has been published till now, and it is doubtful if any modern
volume contains a finer assemblage of antiquities of the kind.

A copy of the catalogue furnished by General Alvares will serve to introduce a description
of the articles named in it.

(Original.)

Antiguidades dos Incas do Peru.

Esta colleccao de antiguidades dos Incas do Peru pertenceo ao Brigadeiro D. Antonio Maria
de Alvares, chefe politico superior e commandante geral da provincia de Cuzco :

Em barro:

1. Jarro, em que se acha a cabega do celebre Cacique Ruminhauy, que em classe de busto he a

unica que se tene conservado desde aquella antiguide.

2. Jarro, com forma de cabega de tigre.

3. Catimplora, com desenhos de cobras, de mui boas cores e verniz.

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INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

4. Hum jarro cle quarta de altura.

5. Garrafa de verniz roxo, e alguns desenlio preto.

6. Cantaro com aza, com desenhor bastante apagador.

7. Cantaro de assento piano, com aza ou orelba alta n’ella pintadas duas indias, desenlio

geral gacbos de flores, e mariposas.

8. Cantaro com duas azas baixas, assente conico; no gargato, de realce, a cara de hum indio.

9. Cantaro igual ao anterior.

10. Cantaro igual ao antecedente.

11. Outro quasi semelhante.

12. Panela de cor verde-negro, de acento conico.

13. Panel inha menor, de acente piano.

14. Cantarinlio, com riscas de cores.

15. Cantarinlio, tambem pequeno, de orelba alta.

16. Dous varos iguals de cor esbranquicada.

17. Yaro igual era cores, hum ponco mais pequeno.

18. Pratinhos pianos, com desenbos de flores e patos.

19. Prato fundo com bico de garca por cabo.

20. Prato de cor voxa, com a cabeca de bum passaro.

21. Outro igual.

22. Outro quasi igual.

23. Outro mais.

24. Prato com faxas amarelas, com bico e cabeca.

25. Prato com orelha.

26. Prato quasi piano interiormente.

27. Prato menor parecido com o anterior.

28. Prato pequeno, liso, com bico ou cabega.

29. 2 Pratinhos de igual bico, com desenbos conservados em sua forma e cores, achados n’huma

guaca n’bum povo antigo sobre o de S. Sebastian, a huma legod de Cuzco, no anno de
1820.

30. 2 Pratinhos, hum delles com aza, ambos divididos em dous quarteis brancos, e doas encama-

dos, e em cada bum pintada huma mosca.

31. Roda com pescoco, como tampa de hum vaso.

32. Llama de madeira preta, com olbos de ouro.

33. Assobio em forma de coragao.

34. Assobio em forma de bum cantaro, sem pescogo.

35. Dito, com forma de panela.

36. Eoda, com dentes de roca, ou pusca.

37. Pratinlio com cabo de bico, disenbo, e moscas.

38. Chuspa ou saco, tecido de algodao e la de alpacho; no desenlio se ve huma imitagao de huma

fileira d’ indios ; servia para levar a coca , que mascavao, e a colocavao pendente do hombro
direito sobre o lado esquerdo. Foi achado em bum cadaver, no anno de 1810, no valle de
Changuillo, partido de Yea, provincia de Lima.

Ouro:

1. Figura de huma india, despida com a particularidade de ser oca, de ley muito baixa.

2. Outra india, tambem despida, e macigo; ley muito baixa.

3. Hum indio despido, macigo, e de ley baixa; com transa na cabega e dos charmados Oregones ;

na bocheclia esquerda se lhe observa o acullico, que be estar mascando a erva coca.

Prat a:

4. Huma india, de metal encobrado, e macigo, de 10 polegadas a duas linhas de altura, inteiror-

mente despida, em todo o corpo, pernase bragos, a cingem fachas embutidas de ouro baixo,
prata pura, e champi com mescla de ouro; os olhos e as pontas dos peitos sao deste ultimo
metal.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

125

Champi:

5. Hum inclio, macigo, despido, e Oregon; sua altura TO polegadas e 3 linhas. Esta fignra e

a anterior forao achadas juntas n’huma escaragao em 1818, nas immediagoes do povo de
Limatambo, partido de Abancay, provincia de Cuzco.

Praia:

6. Hum cacique, com o seu trage e insignia que o representa; he macigo e com alguns adornos

de ouro.

7. Huma llama do Peru, macigo.

8. Duas cbapas paralelogramas, mui delgados, n’huma parte tern furos para passar fios, como

adornos de pessoas mais distinctas. Acharao ve no povo de Ollantay, partido de Uru-
bamba, provincia do Cuzco.

CTiampi:

9. Hum bastao de largura, tres pes duas polegados, e onze linhas, e seu pezo 7 libras e 4 ongas ;

tern mais abaixo da grossura que figura punho, e sobre huma especie de anel, embutida
do verdadeiro champi que he arroxado ; insignia dos Curacas ou capitaos ; foi achado em
1824, no povo de Orunillo, partido de Asangaro, provincia de Puno.

Bronze:

10. Grande barra, que ainda que quadrado se collocao n’hum de seus estremos: inferior-

mente huma especie de estrella de raios grossos, sobre esta outra igual, porem em hum
dos seus raios apresenta a figura de hum machado armado ; he insignia de cacique ou
capitao, e foi achada no povo de Langui, partido de Pinta, provincia de Cuzco.

11. Outra estrella solta, de seis raios, igual a primeiro anterior.

12. Hum machado, que unido o ajustado a algum cabo, servia tambem de insignia.

13. Tres circulos pianos, com orelha na sua estremidade, que collocavao por adorno sobre o peito.

14. Quatro alfinetes, com que prendiao as roupas sobre o peito ao mulheres.

Cobre:

15. Especie de segur ou faca, com cabo do mesmo metal que imita o entransado; e no extremo

sobre hum piano circular, se acha huma raposa ou gamba, levando hum filho na boca.

Bronze :

16. Assobio, em figura de tambor, embutido com champi, e sobre este dous pontos de prata.
Cliampi:

17. Mistura de ouro, indio e india, despidos, pequenos e mocissos.

18. Indio sentado de cocras.

Pedra:

19. De aza de mosca, hum paralelogramo, de altura de 3 polegadas e 5| linhas, comprimento

11 polegadas 2 linhas, e largura 6 polegadas 11 linhas; interiormente esta dividido em
duas ordens paralelas de quatro quadriculas, que progressiva e alternativamente se en-
chem de agoa ou licor ; succedendo o mesmo nas quatro outras restantes, por conductos
interiores que tern para o effeito ; o seu desague de huanas e outras, se acham nos seus
lados oppostos, e debaixo das figuras de indio e india, qne estao em relevo, e sentados; a
seus lados se veem dous tigres ou gatos montezes, e esculpidas cobras que atravessam os
extremos.

20. Preta, huma panela.

21. Branca, de figura triangular, pequena, que usaram como jogo da Tava.

22. Duas Llamas pequenas de distincta qualidade.

23. Duas hum ponco maiores.

24. Huma maior de trabalho grotesco.

26

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

25. Outra maior e preta mui pulida.

26. Huma de maior tamanbo, bem trabalbada, que figura o animal chamado o alpacho.

27. Outra maior, jaspeada mindamente de roxo e branco.

28. Almofariz, cor roxa, com azas.

29. Mao de almofariz sobre a qual se acba bum gato montez.

30. Figura de bum urso.

31. Duas pretas larradas que arrojarao nas fundas.

32. Duas de metal soroche , para atirar nas fundas.

33. Especie de colber de pedreiro, em forma de ferro de engomar, de que se serviao para reboca

com barro os seus edificios.

Prata:

34. Huma pequena llama mocissa, carregada com duas barras ; buma de prata e outra d’ouro

encobrado.

Bronze:

35. Meio corpo de bum indio Oregon, corcovado, com o acullico dentro da boca, despido, e com

o llauto na cabega.

Champi:

36. Hum assobio, formando a cabega de indio; seu acullico, e barrete de forma conica truncada

com embutido de cobre em formo de grega.

Bronze :

37. Hum assobio piramidal de seis faces, embutido de cobre, e em duas d’ellas oppostas, com

prata figurando cobras.

38. Hum assobio com a figura do animal conbuido quinquincho.

Cobre:

39. Huma pinga, que punliao por adorno no peito.

40. Hum cascavel, cuja aza difere dos communs ; foi acbado estramuros de Cuzco, em buma esca-

vagao no anno de 1821.

Concha:

41. Dous pedagos larrados e furados, bum vermellio, e outro esmaralado na sua extensao, pen-

duravao, os como adorno, forao acbados em Cuzco n’outra escavagao no anno de 1820.

Pedra:

42. Hum almofariz de cor parda, figura oval.

43. Outro pardo com lineamentos roxos, de quasi igual figura.

44. Outro, como para saleiro, de figura paralelogramica, cor verde parecida com a malaquito.

45. Hum alpacho, cor roxa.

46. Outro de cor preta esverdiada.

47. Huma llama com o principio dos pes, ajunas, cor de barro.

48. Huma esverdiada.

49. Huma metade preta, e metade de cor parda clara.

50. Huma parda.

51. Huma menor amaralada.

52. Huma branca cristalina e transparente.

53. Huma menor preta, com mancbas verd e escuras.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

127

(Translation by an English officer in the Brazilian army.)

Antiquities op Peru.

This collection of Peruvian antiquities belonged to Brigadier General Don Antonio Maria de
Alvares, superior political chief and general commandant of the province of Cuzco :

Terra cotta:

1. A pitcher which represents the head of the celebrated cacique, Ruminhauy. Of the class

of ancient portrait vases it is supposed to he the only one extant.

2. Another in the form of a tiger’s head.

3. A bottle, with snakes painted on it — very vivid colors.

4. A pitcher, of the capacity of a quart.

5. A bottle painted with bright color and varnish, and black paintings or designs.

6. A vase with handles, and ornamental designs nearly obliterated.

7. Ditto, flat bottom, decorated with the figures of two Indian females, stems of flowers, and

butterflies.

8. Ditto, with two low handles and conical bottom. An Indian’s face is moulded on the upper

part.

9. Another of a similar character.

10. Ditto, ditto.

11. Ditto, ditto.

12. A pot of a black-green color and conical bottom.

13. A smaller pot, flat bottomed.

14. A small water-pot, with painted stripes of different colors.

15. Ditto, with high handle.

16. Two ditto of a whitish tint.

17. One ditto, a little smaller.

18. Small dishes or plates, with figures of flowers and ducks.

19. A deep plate, with the handle in the form of a heron.

20. A plate of a violet color, with the head of a bird for the handle.

21. Another, of a similar character.

22. Another, nearly the same.

23. Another, ditto.

24. A plate with yellow wreath, and a bird’s hill and head for a handle.

25. Ditto, ditto.

26. Ditto, nearly flat.

27-. Ditto, ditto.

28. Ditto, small, smooth, and flat.

29. Two small plates, with ornamental designs preserved in form and colors. They were found

in a huaca in an ancient dwelling near Saint Sebastian, one league from Cuzco, in the
year 1820.

30. Two small plates, one with a bird’s head handle : each divided into two white-painted quar-

ters, and two red, and in each (quarter) is painted a fly.

31. A disc, with a neck similar to the cover of a pot.

32. A llama of wood, black, with gold eyes.

33. A whistle, in the form of a heart.

34. Ditto, resembling a vase.

35. Ditto, resembling a pipkin.

36. A wheel, with teeth of , or pusca.

37. A small plate, with the handle in the form of a bird’s head.

128

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

38. A chuspa, or bag: the weft of cotton, and the warp of the wool of the alpacho. The orna-
mental figures are intended to represent a file of Indians. The hag was used to carry
the herb coca, and worn suspended from the right shoulder at the left side. It was
found on the skeleton of an Indian, in the year 1810, in the valley of Changuillo, dis-
trict of Yea, province of Lima.

Gold:

1. A naked female figure, and hollow.

2. Another, hut solid.

3. A male Indian, naked, solid, with the hair of the head plaited. This is one of those named

Oregons, or long-eared; in the left cheek is observed the acullico, a hall of the herb
coca.

Silver:

4. An Indian female of gilt metal, solid, 10 inches 2 lines high, naked ; body, legs, and arms

hound with rings of low gold, and pure silver and champi, mixed with gold; the eyes
and points of the breast are of gold.

Champi:

5. A naked Indian, solid, an Oregon, 10 inches 3 lines high. This figure and the preceding

one were found in an excavation, in the year 1818, in the neighborhood of Limatambo,
district of Ahancay, province of Cuzco.

Silver:

6. A cacique with dress and insignia, and solid decorations of gold.

7. A llama, solid.

8. Two plates, very thin ; in one part are small orifices to pass threads ; supposed to have

belonged to persons of quality. Found at the village of Ollantay, district of Uru-
hamha, province of Cuzco.

Champi:

9. A staff, 3 feet 2 inches 11 lines wide, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. It has below the thicker

part, shaped for the hand, a ring inlaid with pure champi, which is of a velvet color.
It is an insignia of the Curacas or captains. Found in 1824, in the valley of Ormillo,
district of Asangaro, province of Puno.

Bronze:

10. A metallic battle-axe or mace, with six rays, one of which forms a hatchet. It is an

insignia of a cacique, and was found in the village of Langui, district of Tinta, pro-
vince of Cuzco.

11. A star of same metal, with six rays, similar to the former.

12. An axe ; which, when united to a handle, was a token of dignity.

13. Three flat circles, with an ear at one edge — an adornment for the breast.

14. Four pins, used by females for securing their dresses.

Copper:

15. A kind of segur, or knife, with handle of same metal, in imitation of plaiting. Upon the

handle is a fox or gamba, with a young one in its mouth.

Bronze :

16. A whistle, in the form of a drum, adorned with champi, and two silver points.

Champi:

17. Male and female Indians, naked ; a mixture of gold and silver, solid, and small,

18. An Indian, in sitting posture, with his legs crossed under him.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

129

Stone:

19. A parallelogram of lcaza de mosca,” (fly’s wing), 3 inches 5J lines high, 11 inches 2 lines

long, 6 inches 11 lines wide, divided in the interior in two sets of four receptacles each,
which communicate with each other. Their contents are discharged on opposite sides,
underneath figures of a male and female Indian, in high relief, and sitting posture, on
each side of which is a tiger or mountain-cat, and on the end snakes are sculptured.

20. A black pot.

21. A white pot, of triangular form, used at the game of Tava.

22. Two llamas, small distinct species.

23. Two ditto, rather larger.

24. One ditto, still larger, grotesque workmanship.

25. One ditto, ditto, black and polished.

26. One still larger well-wrought figure of the alpaca.

27. One ditto, jaspered minutely, violet and white color.

28. A mortar, violet color, with handles.

29. A pestle, with the figure of a mountain-cat at the extremity.

30. A hear.

31. Two black stones, used in slings.

32. Two of the metal soroche , to use in slings.

33. A mason’s trowel, form of a smoothing-iron, to lay on plaster in buildings.

Silver:

34. A small llama, solid, laden with two bars — one of gold, the other of silver.

Bronze :

35. Half body of an Indian, an Oregon , in a stooping posture, with the acullico in the mouth,

naked, and with the llautu on the head.

36. A whistle, formed after the head of an Indian, with the acullico and a cap inlaid with

copper — Grecian form..

37. A pyramidal whistle of six faces or sides ; inlaid with copper, and on two opposite sides

with silver snakes.

38. A whistle, in the form of the animal quinquincho.

Copper:

39. An ornament for the breast.

40. A varvel, found by the walls of Cuzco, in an excavation in 1821.

Shell:

41. Two pieces of shell, chased and bored — one reddish, the other yellow — used as ornaments.

They were found in the city of Cuzco, during an excavation in 1820.

Stone:

42. A mortar, of a brown color, oval shape.

43. Another, similar shape, with violet stripes.

44. Another, form of a salt-cellar, shaped as a parallelogram, green color.

45. An alpaca, violet color.

46. Another, black-green color.

47. A llama, with feet and legs clay color.

48. Ditto, greenish color.

49. Ditto, half black, half light-brown color.

50. Ditto, brown or clay color.

51. A llama, smaller in size, yellowish color.

17*

130

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

52. Ditto, white and transparent (crystalline).

53. Ditto, lesser size, black, with dark-green spots.

Earthenware.

For the purposes of classification and description, the articles are arranged in groups, accord-
ing to the principal material in each, while the accompanying illustrations may he viewed as
so many pattern-cards of pottery, stoneware, hardware, works in silver, gold^and champi,
(said to he an alloy of copper and gold, or of copper and silver).

The first figure, a, is of special interest, from its historical associations, and the light it
reflects upon one of the modes by which Peruvians perpetuated the features and characters of
prominent men. A drinking-vessel of a reddish clay, ‘it stands nine inches high, has an
internal depth of six inches, and is two inches across the mouth. It belongs to a class of vessels
of which, it is supposed, there are not over two or three extant, viz : vase-busts. It represents
the head of the famous Cacique Piuminhauy. The features are strongly developed, and with
indisputable traits of an individual’s portrait. A deep wound is shown on the right cheek ;
the eyes and upper teeth are prominent; a front tooth is left out, and the place for it distinctly
marked. The hair is dressed in plaited cords. The ears are small, unpierced, and well modelled,

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

131

the upper lobes being level with the under eyelids. The border of the tire or head-dress is
handsomely notched in front and twisted behind. The round base, as well as the rest, was
modelled by hand, and by the hand of an expert, too. It w'ill he remembered that in the Old
World baked clay busts and relievos preceded marble statuary.

Instead of carousing, like the savage Scandinavians, and others professing more refinement,
from the skulls of the conquered, the Peruvians employed these harmless imitations, and anti-
cipated a branch of art which modern potters might usefully extend much farther than they
have yet attempted.

Buminhauy, or Rumminaui, stands out in horrid relief in the Commentaries of Gfarcilasso de
la Vega. After the death of Atahualpa, he schemed to succeed him. With this view he
invited the brother of the murdered Inca, his sons and daughters, and some chiefs whom he
could not rely on, to a feast, at which he introduced, besides the ordinary drinks, a spirituous
liquor named sora. His object was accomplished. His guests indulged in it, became intoxi-
cated and helpless, and he slew them. He covered a drum with the skin of Atahualpa’s
brother, leaving the scalp hanging to it. He subsequently buried alive a number of females,
old and young, under circumstances of unusual barbarity. “Thus did this barbarous tyrant
discover more unliumane cruelty and relentless bowels by this murther committed on poor silly
women, who knew nothing but how to spin and weave, than by his bloody treachery practised
on stout soldiers and martial men. And what further aggravates his crime was, that he was
there present to see the execution of his detestable sentence, being more pleased with the objects
of his cruelty, and his eyes more delighted with the sad and dismal sight of so many perishing
virgins, than with any other prospect. ***** Thus ended these poor virgins, dying
only for a little feigned laughter, which transported the tyrant beyond his senses. But this
villany passed not unpunished, for after many other outrages he had committed daring the
time of his rebellion against the Spaniards, and after some skirmishes with Sebastian Belalca-
^ar (who was sent to suppress him, as we shall hereafter relate), and after he had found by
experience that he was neither able to resist the Spaniards, nor yet, by reason of his detestable
cruelties, to live amongst the Indians, he was forced to retire with his family to the mountains
of Antis, where he suffered the fate of other tyrannical usurpers, and then most miserably per-
ished.”— “Royal Commentaries,” translated by Eicault, Book II, Chapters 3 and 4.

The second figure, marked b, has been modelled after the head of the Jaguar. It is of a
darker red than the preceding, and is ornamented with black lines and spots. The tongue
protrudes. There are two openings into this vessel — one at the left ear, through which it was
charged, and a small one at the back, near the bottom, to draw off the contents. The substance
is encreased round the last, to afford hold of a wooden plug. Capacity of the vase, three pints.

Figure c is another red vase, and one whose form and ornaments indicate good taste in the
artist, whoever he was. On the opposite side the remains of a painted panel are visible, and
within it the figures marked c'. The handles have been elaborately adorned, also, with a black
pencil. The diameter of this vessel does not exceed five inches, and its depth is only one and
three quarters. It appears to have been used over the fire, although painted vessels, it is sup-
posed, were not generally used as sauce-pans or skillets. They were probably placed over per-
forations in the stone slabs of old Peruvian stoves.

Figures d, d! , are front and edge views of a flat bottle, eight inches in diameter and a little
over three inches in thickness. Of a bright red, the upper half is ornamented with black,
white, greenish, and purple lines (not shown in the figure). Two cobras, or double-headed
snakes, are on each side, and below a white band. Two crosses are cut into the material.

The vase e is only four and a half inches deep, and three across the lips. It is ornamented
all round, but less on the side represented. It has three features characteristic of vessels carried
about the person : loops to sling it by, a conical bottom, and a stud projecting from the swell
equidistant from each loop. Whatever was the object of these studs, they seem to have been
carried next the person, since they are always found on the plain or least decorated sides of

132

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

vases. Besides the loops, a couple of small holes are made in ears close to the rim, as if to pass
twine through.

The vase / is three inches deep, and four and a half in diameter at the widest part; flat
bottomed and with transverse handles, as in figure c, instead of vertical loops; it has evidently
been employed in heating liquids : marks of fire are perceptible. Most of the colored ornaments
are gone.

Figure g , a beautifully formed vase. The stud is colored white, and the panel is drawn
in black on the usual pale red surface. The capacity about three pints.

Figure h is somewhat smaller, of the same general outlines, but differing in colored orna-
ments. The stud on its side is round, while on the rest it is square.

Figure i, a square bottle of the same material as all the preceding. It is seven inches high,
and four across each side. The top is flat, projects a little all round, and more so at the corners.
The contents were poured in at the top, and drawn out at the small opening near the bottom.
Both openings are protected by raised borders. This vase, so like those in modern liquor cases,
(the second figure b, and probably others), was certainly not designed to hold water, but for
keeping more precious liquids, and spirituous liquors in all probability. That the Peruvians
had such is well known. Acosta says of one, that it induced intoxication much quicker than
wine; and the strength of sora was such as almost instantly to prostrate those that indulged in
it. Its use was prohibited by several of the Incas, under the penalty of death.

Figures j, j' are front and end views of a vase in the form of a shield, of very small dimensions,
possibly a child’s flask. A loop is moulded on one side by which to suspend it.

Figure Jc, a minute bottle, rather roughly formed, decorated with lines sunk in the surface.
Its material inclines to gray rather than red.

Figure l , a travelling vase. The face is well brought out, and the whole elaborately painted.
Its capacity does not exceed a pint.

Figure m, a larger one, holding near two quarts, and elaborately ornamented.

Figure n. This vessel would hold a pint and a half. It is of a yellowish clay, and has been
profusely embellished ; but except traces of the pencil here and there, all is obliterated. The
lip has a recess to receive a plug. This bottle is supposed to be the oldest in the collection.

Figure o, a minute pitcher, but prettily embellished in black and yellow. Having a rounded
and convex bottom, it was necessarily suspended by the handle when not in use.

Figure another bottle with a flat bottom, nearly five inches in diameter, and of the same
height, neck included. The front part has been tastefully painted, and the large handle also.
The weight scarcely exceeds a quarter of a pound.

Figure q, a long- necked bottle without a handle, and designed for a traveller, as the loops
and stud declare. The opposite side is decorated — the one shown is left plain. This vase is
nearly eight inches high, of which the neck makes four inches. At the swell it is four and
a half inches in diameter.

Figure r, a drinking-cup not quite four inches high. The diameter at top is rather less, and
at bottom two inches. A golden cup in the possession of Senor Barboza, from the tomb of an
Inca, is of precisely the same figure, but less than half the size, and raised without solder from
a flat piece of exceedingly thin metal.

Figures s, t, ?(, v, w, x, y , are specimens of thirteen plates or shallow pipkins (or whatever
their proper designation may be), varying from three to thirteen inches across, and rarely
exceeding half an inch in depth. Most of them have handles, terminating with the head of a
bird, &c. All are ornamented within, none without. The colors are black, red, white, and
yellow — the last looking like unburnished gold. Except such as have recurved or ring-shaped
handles, all have studs at the rims; and some of these projections have small perforations,
probably to insert loops of twine to suspend them against the walls, instead of resting them on
shelves. Those marked s, t , were found in 1820, in a huaca near Saint Sebastian, one league
from Cuzco.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

133

Figures z and a 1 are of stone-like texture, their capacity scarcely exceeding that of thimhles.
The first is only an inch high; and the second one and a half, and two across the bottom.
Could they have been lamps ?

Figure a 3, a pot or crucible cover ; a fox’s head imitated on the handle.

To this ancient pottery I have added a modern Peruvian specimen, a 2, a small vase in my
possession. Its material, a red clay, is similar to that of the preceding. Particles of mica are
seen in both. It is rudely formed, ill burnt, and the ornamental work immeasurably worse
done than what the old potters turned out.

There were a few other small matters intended for the preceding group of figures, hut which
have been accidentally omitted. One was a whistle formed in the body of a small bird of baked
clay. The relic was very old, and the head missing. The tone was shrill and clear, and was
pleasantly modified by partially or wholly closing with the finger an opening in the breast.
There Avere also two whistles of cocoa- Avood ; one gave a triple sound, and was little larger than
a thimble.

On casting a parting glance over this graphic invoice of pottery, and hearing in mind that
only samples of the plates and saucers are inserted, it may appear surprising to some persons
that such numbers of fragile articles should have reached us, and without being damaged, after
passing through dark, turbulent, and indefinite periods of time. But there is something which
explains that, and is stranger, viz: that our knowledge of those who owned them should he
derived from their ignorance. By a superstition indigenous to all lands, people without records
have left their annals in their graves. In the belief that their wants and occupations would he
the same in the spirit land as they were here, they had their household and personal effects
interred with them. Every Inca had his cooking utensils in his cemetery; not only his gold
and silver ware, hut, observes the native historian, “the plates and dishes of his kitchen.”
We can scarcely regret the prevalence of a delusion which has been the means of making us
acquainted with the arts and habits of peoples, of Avhom we could otherwise have known little,
and posterity nothing — that is, by our making a proper use in this life of things which they
foolishly laid up for another. Indeed, those things seem intended by Providence as agents for
preserving a knowledge of the successive stages of human progress till barbarism is no more.

Before passing to other matters, the following little group of ancient Peruvian pottery may
as well be introduced, although not included in the catalogue. It contains specimens only of a
large collection in the private cabinet of the Emperor of Brazil, which is also rich in Eastern
antiquities, including objects in bronze from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The whole is open to
visitors ; for, as a lover of science, as well as a gentleman of the purest morals, Pedro II stands
pre-eminent in the house of Braganza. Most of the vessels were ornamented in colors or relief.

Ancient Peruvian Pottery.

The first figure at the left, on the upper row, represents a small water-pot. It is almost a fac-
simile of one lately taken from an ancient tomb and presented to the Hon. Henry A. Wise. In

134

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

its two spouts of different sizes — one through which to fill it, and the other to drink from — and
in its hail or handle, it resembles the popular “Monkey” or “Pitcher of Brazil,” an aborigi-
nal vessel of universal use in that country, and which has been dug up in Chile, Peru, and
other parts of South America, in diversified forms and dimensions, plain and ornamented. It
is worth remarking that similar vessels have been found in the catacombs of Rome.

The next vase, if placed in a collection of Egyptian relics, would be received as a genuine
canopus, so striking is its resemblance to some Pharaonic vessels.

The third figure is a long-necked bottle, moulded at opposite sides into protruding fish-heads.

The fourth is in the form of a spheroid, with the neck united to it by two curved tubes ; a
feature common in old water-flasks of Meridional America.

The fifth is an ' hr, elaborately decorated with colors.

Of the second row, the first is very like two antique Bolivian bottles, engraved in L’ Homme
Americain, Paris, 1839.

Of the two next, one is figured after a bird ; the other, after a man in a sitting or bent position.

The last is a neat bottle, with loops for a cord to suspend it. A lizard has been painted on it
between two bands — (omitted by the engraver.)

Utensils in Stone and Wood.

I have here thrown together in outline a number of utensils whose use is not ascertained.
All, save one, are carved in stone, and, with a single exception, modelled after the Llama and its
relatives — the Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuna. It is difficult to imagine them anything else
than mortars, or salt-cellars. The cavities are represented by dotted lines. The bottoms of all
are flat, and hence they were evidently designed to stand alone, and to be used in the positions
in which they are figured. There were twenty -one in the collection. Those omitted presented
no peculiar features.

The first one, marked C, is the largest, being six and a half inches long and four inches deep.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES. 135

It is of gray basalt. The cavity is two inches deep, and three-fourths of one inch in diameter
at the top, hut rather wider below. The whole is well polished and the surface mottled.

Figure B is three inches long, one and a half deep, and as wide across the body; the cavity one
inch by three quarters. The stone is veined, and of a yellow tint, inclining to green. It is jasper.

Figure A. Polished schistus ; the upper half black, and the under a palish yellow. The
body two inches long, and not quite so deep. (It is drawn too large.)

Figures D and K. Both of schist ; the former, black — the latter, darkish brown.

Figure E, of alabaster ; the cavity in it is less than an inch in depth, and not quite half an
inch in diameter.

Figure F is schist, or soapstone ; surface black, and covered with rings scratched on it with
dots in their centres.

Figures G, H, L, 0, P, Q, of various stones, two of steatite ; and the rest as easily cut,
except one of granite. Their dimensions vary but slightly from those already given.

Figure I, a calcareous stone, wrought in imitation of a bear or hippopotamus. The resem-
blance to the latter is the greatest ; but the difficulty is, how ancient Peruvians could obtain a
knowledge of that animal.

Figure 1ST is of hard wood, four and a half inches long, and two inches deep. The eyes are
plugs of gold, of the form and position represented.

Figure M is one of a couple whose lineaments have become almost entirely destroyed by time.

The Peruvians used tobacco in the form of snuff. They also prepared the leaves of the coco
and other plants for medical purposes by grinding ; hence the demand for small mortars.

An extract from Yon Tschudi will add to the interest of these relics :

“Under the dynasty of the Incas, when any useful plant and animal was an object of venera-
tion, the Pevuvians rendered almost divine worship to the llama and his relatives, which
exclusively furnished them with wool for clothing, and with flesh for food. The temples were
adorned with large figures of these animals, made of gold and silver; and their forms were
represented in domestic utensils of stone and clay. In the valuable collection of B. C. Yon
Hagel, of Yienna, there are four of these vessels, composed of porphyry, basalt, and granite,
representing the four species, viz : the llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuna. These antiquities are
exceedingly scarce, and when I was in Peru I was unable to obtain any of them. How the
ancient Peruvians, without the aid of iron tools, were able to carve stone so beautifully, is
inconceivable.”

In the report of the recent exploration of the Yalley of the Amazon, under the direction of
the Secretary of the Navy, by Lieutenants Herndon and Gibbon, Part II, are engravings of three
of those stone utensils, from private collections in Cuzco. Lieutenant Gibbon observes, that
the proprietors of antiquities in that city prized them very highly, and can seldom be induced
to part with one, but, on the contrary, are anxious to receive anything in addition.

In the following group, (see engraving on next page,) the first figure, A, represents a small
and neatly cut stone vessel, supposed to have been designed for triturating purposes ; but its
flat bottom and the absence of hardness in the material, point rather to culinary operations.
I think it was used over the fire, or on the flat covers of the cooking furnaces already alluded to.
It is only four inches in diameter, one and a half inches in depth without, and one inch within.

Figure B is a pestle, of hard and finely-grained granite, and black with age. A wild cat,
or panther, is sculptured on the upper part, and forms a not inconvenient handle. It indicates
taste in conception and skill in execution. The height of the instrument is five inches ;
diameter of the lower part one and three quarters.

Figure C, a round, black and exceedingly hard stone, regularly formed as in a lathe, is nearly
seven inches in diameter, and three and a half inches deep. It is a mortar; the cavity, indi-
cated by the dotted lines, is four and a half inches across, and two and a quarter deep. It was
not found with the pestle B, which appears to have been designed for one much larger.

Figures D, D', a view and section of a silversmith’s crucible. E is another. They might be

136

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

taken for small mortars. One was of clay, the other of a species of soapstone. Neither exceeded
two inches in depth or diameter.

Implements and Utensils in Stone.

I am not aware of any large sized ancient crucibles having been recovered ; yet it is evident
the old founders had them, since they turned out castings of several hundred pounds weight.
Examples abound in the early historians. Gfomarra mentions basins in a bath belonging to
Atabalipa, “ one of which weighed eight arrobas of gold, which makes two hundred weight
English.” In a vault at Cuzco “ an entire sepulchre [coffin] of silver was dug up, so thick and
massive that it was worth fifty thousand pieces of eight.” A vessel of gold was accidentally
found, and it weighed between two and three hundred pounds ; “for the Indians make greater
or less of these as occasion requires, using them to boil drink or liquors in.” Now, as they had
no bellows, it may be asked, how such masses of metal were fused? G-arcilasso states that in
reducing silver from the ore, u they melted it down in earthen or clay pots, which they carried
from place to place ;” and that, instead of bellows, they used blow-pipes “ made of copper and
about a yard long, the ends of which were narrowed that the breath might pass more forcibly
by means of the contraction ; and as the fire was to be more or less, so accordingly they used
ten or twelve -of these pipes at once, as the quantity of metal did require. And still they con-
tinue this way, though the invention of bellows much more easier and forcibly raises the fire.”

The instrument represented at E F', I naturally enough took for a smoothing-iron, or an old
American substitute for that indispensable implement of our laundresses, but I was greatly
mistaken. It is an ancient plasterer’s trowel, cut out of one stone, handle and all. Its
dimensions are those of the common sad-iron ; the face being four inches by three and a half,
and a little over half an inch thick. It is pretty well scratched by use.

This is another of those coincidences of thought in inventors, far separated from each other
by distance or by time. Indeed, every discovery of new lands and strange people has shown
the uniformity of human efforts at mental and material civilization, a result that has frequently

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

137

excited surprise, but which ought not, since it is unavoidable, being due not less to the earth
herself and the laws impressed on her materials, than to man’s organic structure. There are
no mechanical, chemical, or other principles provided for one part of the globe, or for one race
of men, to the exclusion of others ; and hence, wherever invoked, feehly or with power, their
manifestations must be more or less alike. To smooth the interior surfaces of the walls of
dwellings with a coating of plaster or clay was an instinctive suggestion, and coeval with it was
the idea of the plasterer’s trowel, in one or more of its forms. From the remains of smooth and
polished walls in Peru, Central America, and Mexico, it is probable that a finer finishing instru-
ment than this stone one was employed— most likely one of copper or silver : modern plasterers
use trowels of wood, and polish with blades of steel.

Figure Gr, a black, hard, and smoothly polished stone, resembling an egg in shape, used for
working their sheet-metal. H is another “ hollowing hammer ” of iron-stone, and one that
might be employed with advantage by our tin, copper, and silver smiths. The groove worked
round the middle was the universal device by which handles were secured to primeval stone
axes, hammers, and chisels, viz : by bending a hazel or other pliable rod twice round the
indentation, and then twisting or lashing the two ends together, to serve as a handle. Black-
smiths to this day everywhere thus handle their punches and chisels. They have discovered
no mode superior to one which was in vogue before edge-tools of metal were known. To have
inserted the handle into Gr or H, would have rendered it exceedingly liable to fracture at the
opening, whereas its durability is all but unlimited when hafted as H was.

Figure I, a box two inches long, one deep, and seven-eighths wide, cut out of a soft,
greenish tinted stone. A Peruvian Indian in Rio, from Cuzco, says it was a salt-box.

Figure J, an axe, or hatchet, two inches deep, and two wide at the blade, which is brought to
a fine edge. The stone, though well polished, is not hard. It is only two inches deep, and the
same across the edge.

K. A box or chest, divided into eight equal compartments. It is two and three quarter
inches long, two and a half deep, and six and a quarter wide. The material is a stone known
as “ Aza de Mosca,” Fly’s Wing. At the ends serpents are figured, and at the sides a man and
woman in high relief in a sitting posture. At their feet the liquid contents were drawn out at
two orifices, to which plugs or faucets were adapted. On each side a couple of tigers are sculp-
tured, whose heads and protruded tongues stand out full an inch — their bodies being in low
relief. For the sake of the head-dresses, the human figures — supposed to represent an Inca and
his wife — are enlarged and figured separately at L M.

The object of this vessel is not obvious, except that it was for mixing liquids, but whether for
innocent or deceptive purposes does not appear. A plan of it is below at K7, showing channels
of communication between the partitions at the bottom and along the sides. These do not
exceed one fourth of an inch bore. They have been cut too large in the engraving. From a
slight examination it will be perceived that the contents of cells 1, 6, 8, 3, were discharged at
one orifice, while those of 2, 5, 4, 7, ran out at the other. The material of this vessel is of a
uniform grayish-black color, and not very hard — almost as easily cut as soapstone. The corner
and two side channels of communication are formed in plaster or cement, with a species of
covered-way on those parts of the bottom.

Works in Bronze .

Next in interest to a personal interview with half a dozen ancient Peruvian founders — could
they be called up from the dead to hold communion with us — would be a daguerreotype picture
of them in the midst of their implements and processes ; and next to that are opportunities of
examining articles produced by them, with more or less of the tools they employed. The inform-
ation thus obtained is reliable, as far as it goes ; and as metallic antiques accumulate, so will
our knowledge of their authors, until we shall be in possession of details of their fabrication.

18 *

138

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

All the articles in the following group have been cast, and some are remarkable specimens of
casting.

Figure A 1, a staff of solid bronze, whose length did not agree with that given in the cata-
logue. It was two feet and a half long, (English measure,) exclusive of the wild-cat on the
end of the handle. See this end enlarged at R. The part grasped by the hand was six inches
long and nearly an inch and a half thick. Two crosses were sunk deep in it, one opposite the
other, and between them two other indentations of the figure of R\ The handle terminates
below in a handsome bulge or swell, inlaid with net-work of silver or a silver alloy. The rest
being plain and tapered, requires no notice. The composition, though designated as champi,
appeared very similar to the bronze instruments figured on Plate VIII. The cord by which
the staff was slung over the arm or secured to the wrist remained attached : it passed between
the feet of the animal. The entire instrument was one casting — the wild-cat included.

Implements in Copper and Bronze.

Three kinds of official batons or sceptres have been found, viz : in gold, silver, and bronze —
supposed to have been borne respectively by Incas, Curacas, and Caciques — a classification that
awards the one described to a chieftain of the latter class. The crosses cast in the handle recall
those met with by the early discoverers, to account for which the legend of St. Thomas preach-
ing in America was introduced. As a mythic symbol, the figure is known to he more ancient
than Christianity, both in the East and the West. Whether employed as one by the aborigines
of the South, Garcilasso was uncertain. He describes a cross of jasper or marble, suspended by
a golden chain, in the Inca’s apartments at Cuzco, and much esteemed. The Spaniards seized
it ; and when he left his native city for Europe, (in 1560,) it was hanging by a ribbon in the
vestry of the cathedral church. It was only a few fingers’ breadth in size, and in form resem-
bled that figured at R — the transverse bar being equal to and running across the middle of the
upright one.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

139

The three circular plates, A, D, H, are respectively three, three and a half, and four inches
in diameter, and vary from T\ to xs5 of an inch in thickness. They are slightly concave on one
side, and convex on the other. Two are of copper, and one of bronze. The difference is per-
ceptible in their weight — the alloyed one being, of course, the lightest. One is so covered with
rust as to resemble iron. I took them for mirrors ; hut they do not seem to have been polished.
In the catalogue they are named breastplates. They are cast; and marks, when the flasks or
two halves of the moulds met, are visible in the holes by which they were suspended.

F, is one of two plates of silver, two and a half inches by one and a half. They were thin,
uniform in thickness, and appeared to have been hardened, either with the hammer or an alloy.
The edges of one were as sharply defined as if they had been cut with shears, which Garcilasso
and other writers state were wholly unknown until introduced by the Spaniards.

B, C, E, Gr, are bronze hair or dress pins. E, the most perfect, is four inches long, with a
solid head and a rude wire ring soldered to the shank with silver solder — the first marked
example of hard soldering I have met with among old American metal wares. The joints of
the moulds are visible on it, as in others ; for the whole were cast, the holes included.

I, a knife, resembling in its general outlines the one figured on Plate VIII. A cylindrical
haft three inches long, and not quite half an inch thick, connects the curved blade with a disc
or button, on which a fox or gamba is mounted, with a prey or young one in its mouth. The
surface of the haft is dented, to imitate a cord, or something like the plaited covering of a whip
handle. In this particular, the engraving does not do it justice. The blade is half an inch
deep, and not quite one-eighth of an inch thick at the back. There is positively no soldering —
the whole having been cast complete. The alloy is a low one of copper and tin. It approaches,
though it does not reach, the composition known as gun-metal, whose ingredients for small
articles are, an ounce and a half of tin to a pound of copper, or about 10 per cent. The edge
was rather easily cut by a penknife, and yet I think it was harder than gun-metal ; but the
difference, if any, in this respect, is satisfactorily accounted for by the well-known impurity of
South American copper and tin. Both have to be refined before being used by European and
American manufacturers. The former is believed to contain iron.

This was clearly the common form of the old Peruvian knife, for numbers have been found,
all bearing the same general outlines. I have lately seen two, recently brought from Peru,
which approach still nearer to the cutting instrument of saddlers — the hafts being equi-distant
from the ends of the blades, and the edges curved uniformly. The blade of one is two inches
long, three-fourths of an inch wide in the middle, and at the back is a little over of an inch
thick; the haft is imperfectly cylindrical, an inch long and Tsg thick, with the head of a llama
at the end, and has a small ring for a thread, to suspend it over the wearer’s neck.

J, K. Two views of the same thing — a minute hell, three-fourths of an inch in its longest
diameter, with the triangular shank one inch and three-eighths high ; rude in fabrication
and much corroded, and consequently its sonorous property very weak. A shapeless hole is in
the upper part, from the metal not having been sufficiently fluid at the time of casting. A
loose pebble of copper is within and forms the clapper. This interesting article was disinterred
near Cuzco in 1821. Hawks’ bells, we know, were among the chief presents by which Colum-
bus gratified the Indians of the Antilles ; but it is not the less true that the brass-founders on
the Pacific possessed the art of making similar things, and this certainly might have been in-
ferred from their familiarity in mixing the ingredients. They had but to double the proportion
of tin used in the compounds of which their edge-tools were made.

L. An axe or chopper, four inches deep and three wide at the cutting edge, which is well
formed and sharp. It has been used as a chisel, for the upper surface is partly spread out by
blows, probably from a wooden mallet. The extension of the head on either side was most
likely designed to serve as handles when thus employed. Though harder than copper, the
edge yielded readily to a penknife.

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INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

N. The bronze head of a war-club, or six-pointed mace ; one of three discovered in a grave
in the province of Cuzco. Two are in fine preservation, but this is somewhat corroded. The
extreme diameter between two opposite rays is nearly four inches. The hole for the handle is
of one inch and an eighth bore, and slightly tapers; its depth is one inch and a quarter. A
collar is cast on the side towards the handle. (See the section N'.)

M has one of the rays lengthened and formed into a hatchet or war-axe, the blade of which
equals in hardness I and L. The rays are narrower than those of N. The side-view, on a
smaller scale, in the middle of the group, represents the same instrument. The third specimen
I have not thought it necessary to sketch. It resembled N ; the rays were a little longer, and
not so thick. Though less in volume than either N or M, it was heavier and softer, being nearly
pure copper. It showed marks of hammering over its entire surface.

It will he remembered that weapons identical with these are mentioned, by old historians,
among arms stored for public emergencies during the sway of the Incas. “ Pikes, (says Garci-
lasso,) clubs, halberts, and pole-axes, made of silver, copper, and some of gold, having sharp
points, and some hardened by the fire.” (Book I, chapter 8.) Carpenters, he observes, had
axes and hatchets of copper, and the sculptors cut stone with flints and hard pebbles ground
to an edge. (B. II, c. 16.)

Bias Yalera, one of the earliest Spanish writers, remarks that the copper which the natives
called anta , served them in the place of iron. Of it they made knives, carpenters’ tools, pins
used by women on their heads and dresses, their polished mirrors, “and all their rakes and
hammers,” so that they worked more in mines of copper than in others, preferring it to gold
and silver. It is very evident that this anta was bronze. Persons not practically acquainted
with it would pronounce it copper, from its resemblance to that metal. The native word was
probably expressive of its true character, but misunderstood by the invaders.

O, P, Q, T, differ in form, yet were evidently designed for the same purpose, whatever that
was. They have been named whistles for want of a better appellation, because sounds resem-
bling those produced by the tube of a key, or by blowing into any small perforation, may be
drawn from them. A perpendicular hole is formed on the top of each, and across it a trans-
verse wire has been cast in a little below the surface. (See the sections O', P', Q', T'.) The one
representing the head of an Indian (0) is the smallest. Solid, like the rest, its weight is less
than an ounce ; and, though corroded, the features are well defined. The truncated conical
cap is ornamented as figured ; and the acullico in the mouth, or quid of coca, is shown by the
little bulb or swelling.

P is one inch and a quarter high, and as wide across the widest part. It is of copper. At
two of its six sides, a couple of minute serpents of silver are inlaid.

Q is a short cylinder, nearly an inch in diameter, and five-eighths of an inch thick. An
anchor-looking figure is sunk in at two opposite parts of the periphery.

T is not unlike the mummy of a cat. It represents the animal “ quinquincho ;” is nearly two
inches long, rather over half an inch high, and weighs about a quarter of a pound. The metal
is shrunk at the under side, as if it had been poured into an open mould with that part upper-
most.

S S'. A pair of spring pincers or tweezers, one inch and a quarter long. The metal is thick-
est at the bend. They are little better than a piece of sheet copper, bent like them.

U. A rough ingot of bronze, sixteen inches long, nearly two inches wide at the middle, and
five-eighths of an inch thick. It was found with the war-clubs. . It rings rather sharp, and
is of an alloy similar to the cutting instruments in the same group.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

141

Gold, Silver, Charnpi, &c.

Figure 1. A full-length figure of a female, in silver. It is two and a half inches high, hut
does not weigh as much as a quarter of a dollar — being one of those thin specimens mentioned
by the early historians. I could not detect traces of soldering except at the feet. At the inside
of the legs the metal laps, and is unsoldered. The head is large beyond all proportion. This
mode of dressing the hair is the same in all the figures of females. Figure 2 shows the mode
of securing it behind.

Figure 3. A bust of a hunchback, in bronze, not quite two inches high, and much corroded.
The bulb in the cheek denotes the quid of coca. The weight of this bust is light in proportion
to its bulk, showing that tin preponderates in the alloy. It is the best proportioned figure of
the whole, and apparently the oldest.

Figures 4 and 5 are solid images, in u ehampi,” one and a half inches high, a?nd smooth and

142

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

bright, as if just finished. Figure 4 is a male, with the coca quid, and a cap with horizontal
folds. The hands (imperfectly developed) are placed on the breast, the prevailing attitude.
Figure 6 shows the disposition of the hair of figure 5. The ears, large and stretched in the
man, are invisible in the female. The two figures are supposed to represent a man and his wife.

Figure 7 is of the same material ; an Indian seated on his hams, the hands resting on the
ground. The cap is similar to that on figure 4 ; the height is rather less than an inch ; the
features rude and imperfect ; the whole much corroded.

Figures 8 and 9. Two views of one image, in silver; an Inca or Cacique, with the dress and
badges of his office, and the best finished, if not the best modelled, figure of the whole. The
head, as usual, is too large, and the arms are withered. The height is two inches, and the whole
solid. Eight golden spokes radiate from the rim of the conical hat or cap, the front of which
is ornamented with dotted rays. Two convex plates of gold are worn at the ears. A species
of cassock passes over the shoulders, and reaches to the knees in the front and rear. An outer
robe passes over it, but descends only half way. Plaits of hair, or hat-strings, hang down
upon the breast. A silver baton with a swell on it is in the right hand, and something appears
to have once occupied the other.

Figure 10. Solid silver; a llama, size of the sketch. The joints of the moulds in which it
was cast are indicated.

Figure 11. A llama or one of its congeners, two inches high, and as long. It has evidently
been worn as an ornament or jewel. A loop of silver wire is soldered at the junction of the
neck and trunk, while the tail is bent to form another. Two ingots — one of silver, the other of
gold — are soldered on the back of the animal, clearly showing the ancient use of the llama in
transporting blocks of these metals. (The ingots are figured beneath.) At the present time
llamas are of the greatest utility, as they frequently carry the metals from the mines in places
where declivities are so steep that neither asses nor mules could keep their footing.

Figures 12 and 12 a. Another image of solid silver, less than two inches high. It is rudely
formed, with the eyes, nose, and hands preternaturally large. The head is remarkably flat-
tened, and the lobes of the ears are stretched down to the shoulders.

Figure 14. A statuette of a man, solid, nine and a half inches high, very heavy, and black
with age. The nose is large and aquiline ; the ears slit and stretched ; the cap ribbed hori-
zontally as in figures 4 and 7. The material of this casting, according to the catalogue, is
“champi,” but from examination it appeared to me to be pure copper, coated or plated by some
means with silver, for when the latter was cut through the copper appeared. Eidges on the
inside of the thighs and legs show the meeting of the two halves of the mould.

Figures 15 and 16 are two sketches of one subject. This image is that of a female, and of
the same material and dimensions as the preceding one. Both were discovered together, and
are supposed to represent an Inca or Cacique and his wife. A number of gold, silver, and
bronze bands are let in flush with the surface. Perhaps they were placed in the moulds before
the metal was run in. By looking at the initial letters placed opposite these bands in figure
15, it will be seen that two are of gold, five of silver, and three of baser metal. The eyes and
paps are of gold. The bands vary from three-eighths to three-sixteenths of an inch in width, and
their ends lap over each other and are imperfectly united. Their thickness appeared in one
place over an eighth of an inch. The whole figure is black; but if scratched anywhere silver
appears, and when cut through copper comes to view. The ankle-bones were quite prominent,
the fingers poorly portrayed, the feet flat above, with sand-holes in several parts ; the rather
rude joints of the flasks observable on the casting, as in figure 14, leaving no room to doubt
that those essential devices in our foundries were used by old Peruvian smiths.

Figure 13. A chuspa, or small bag, used for carrying tobacco or coca. The weft is cotton ;
the warp Alpaca wool. The front is eight inches square, and ornamented with figures wrought
in the fabric as represented. The strap is a species of knitted work, very similar to what
modern Indians produce. These bags were suspended at the left side, the straps going over the

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

143

right shoulder. This antique is in tolerablep reservation, although the owner, from whose body
it was taken, has long been reduced to dust.

The magic effects ascribed by old writers to the use of coca — enabling men to pass days
without food, and under severe labors — are testified to by modern travellers. Yon Tschudi
says it is in the highest degree nutritious ; that with its aid miners and others undergo incred-
ible fatigue on very spare diet; that those who are in the habit of masticating it require little
food, &c. Though a powerful stimulant, and its effects on the looks of inveterate chewers
anything hut attractive, its moderate use, he thinks, is not merely innoxious, hut conducive to
health. An Indian employed by him in laborious digging for five days and nights, tasted no
food during that time. Every three hours he chewed half an ounce of coca-leaves, and kept a
quid continually in his mouth. Individuals of great age have chewed it from infancy. He
refers to Indians who have attained 130 years. One living in 1839 was 142 years old, and for
90 years had never tasted water — not a drop ! During that time he had drunk only chicha — a
filthy and intoxicating liquor. "When 11 years of age, he began to chew coca three times a
day, and continued the practice through the rest of his life. Yon Tschudi’ s account of the
plant and its culture is substantially the same as that of old Gfarcilasso.

Specimens of carving by modern Peruvians are subjoined. Figures 1 and 2 are spoons, each
cut out of one piece of wood. Figure 3 is one of their knives. The blade, hammered out of
hoop-iron, was secured in a slit in the haft by strong cotton twine. It is not unusual for Peru-
vian Indians to pass over into the southwestern provinces of Brazil with little ventures of carved
work. The specimens figured were purchased from one of the travelling artists.

144

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS.

It is hard to concede that people who produced such wares as those figured on page 130 had
not realized the potter’s wheel, or some other form of the turning-lathe; and yet no distinct
trace of it was apparent on any one article. At the same time, to outward appearance, the
sections of the vases presented almost perfect circles. To account for this uniformity, it has
heen suggested that gourds and other vegetable shells were often used as cores or pattern-blocks
over which to apply the paste, and were burnt out in the process of baking. That the original
forms of vases are to be found in nature, is undoubtedly true ; but whether gourds were ever used
as moulds in the manner suggested is very questionable. It would be difficult to reconcile it with
the diversity of shapes, and with the remarkable uniformity observable in the thickness of the
material in many articles ; and then another difficulty would be, the unavoidable cracking of
the paste in drying, in consequence of the unyielding patterns preventing all shrinkage. More-
over, in most cases the natural type would be as useful and more durable than a brittle copy in
terra-cotta, for which it was to be sacrificed.

There is evidence enough in works of old Mexican and Peruvian artists that they were no
more guilty of such a useless destruction of models and waste of labor than modern potters are.
That vegetable forms which relieve themselves, such as the fruit of the cup and saucer tree of
Equatorial America, a large kind of acorn, may have been employed, is exceedingly probable,
because one pattern would suffice for an unlimited number of copies. Still, one side only of a
copy could be thus produced. To complete the device, a mould consisting of two parts, one
convex, the other concave, between which to press the paste, was required ; and it is demon-
strable that artificially-made moulds of the kind were employed in Mexico and Peru. There
are numerous flat vases, figured and plain, which have been made in halves, each formed in a
mould, and the two united while the clay remained plastic. Most of the vessels which were too
small for the introduction of the hand were thus formed, the junction being seen quite distinct
in such as have become broken. The flat vessels j j' and d 61 (page 130) were made in halves
and thus united, and most likely i also. I think it doubtful if there are more than two or three
articles in the group that were not shaped more or less in moulds. We have ancient vases on
Plate IX, of which the lower and widest parts were fashioned in moulds, and the narrower
parts of the bodies and necks gathered in by the fingers, whose marks contrast with the smooth
and uniform moulded surface.

The testimony of early writers is confirmed in several interesting particulars by the figures
on page 141. There were three things instituted by Manco Capac, by which his male de-
scendants were to be distinguished: 1. Shaving the head, and leaving (like the Chinese) a
single lock or cue. 2. Wearing large ear ornaments ; and 3. The Llautu, a head-dress com-
posed of a long and narrow strip of cloth of divers colors, wound round the head in the manner
of a turban.

That the operation of removing the hair was tedious and painful, we learn from one who had
undergone it. The incident shows how wealthy young pagans valued the same instruments of
the toilet as our juvenile fashionables. Garcilasso remarks, that the shaving, or shearing, was
performed with much difficulty by sharp flints; “ whence it was, that a certain young Inca said
to one of my school-fellows, with whom he was taught to write and read, that had the Span-
iards introduced no other inventions than scissors, looking-glasses , and combs , they had deserved
all the gold and silver which the country produced.” We know from other sources that
nothing like scissors was previously known to the Peruvians, and hence it is no w.onder, that
the easy and rapid manner in which they operated should have elicited general admiration.
Their metallic mirrors, made with great toil, and constantly losing their polish by the action
of the air, were gladly superseded by those of glass. The fancy horn and ivory combs of
Europe were also vastly superior to the native wooden ones, of which many were simply
thorns inserted into short lengths of cane.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

145

As the heads of all the male figures are covered, the particular style of hair-cutting, and the
disposition of the cue, are not represented ; but the other marks of distinction are fully shown.
The operation of horing the ear was performed by women with a sharp thorn, and the opening
gradually enlarged, till, in some instances, the hand could he readily passed through it ; for the
large auricular ornaments were generally, if not always, embraced by the outstretched lobe —
not pendant from it. When the native historian speaks of ear rings , it is difficult to under-
stand him : in most places he means round or elliptical discs. He says “ the hole (in the lobe)
was made so wide that it is wonderful to conceive how it is possible for the velvet of the ear to
he extended so far as to receive an ear-ring as large as the frame (block) of a pulley ; for it was
made in the form of those with which we draw up pitchers from a well.’’ In figures 3, 4, 8, 9,
and 14, the outstretched lobes appear. In some, the ornamented discs are in their places.

In process of time, we are told, the people had permission to bore their ears, though not so
wide as those of the Incas, and that their ornaments were varied according to their nations and
tribes. To the Mayus and Cancus, Manco Capac assigned rings of plaited straw ; to the Po-
gues, a ball of white wool ; to the Munas, Huarucs, and Chiliquis, ornaments of reed ; to the
Rimactampas, rings, or rather discs of wood; to the Urcos, Yucays, Tampus, and other tribes
on the river Yucay, ornaments larger than others ; “ but limiting them so that it might not
equal those of their rulers.” To the tribes who had their ears so unnaturally stretched, the
Spaniards applied the term oregons or orejons — long-eared, or flap-eared.*

The old Peruvian mode of wearing ear-jewels is still common with many South American
tribes. The annexed sketch exhibits a modern Brazilian Indian, with discs of Pito wood, (light
as cork) three inches diameter, and one inch thick, in his ears, and a similar one in his
under lip.

The llautu is fully represented in figures 4, 7, 14; and its presence shows that the images
were intended to represent Incas.

The wives of the Incas, and females general] y, wore no covering on the head, nor do they
appear with any auricular pendants .

The rude figure 12 illustrates, and is illustrated by, another passage in the Royal Commenta-
ries, which informs us that ancient barbarous tribes, subdued by the Incas were in the habit of
compressing the heads of their offspring between two boards.

On looking over the groups on pages 134 and 136, a question naturally arises respecting the im-
plements and process of fabrication, in the acknowledged absence of iron. If articles in, various
metals and hard alloys could be readily manufactured by old artisans, where was the alleged
difficulty in their dressing stone? Would not the materials of the tools employed in one case
suffice for those of the other? The answer would seem to be in the affirmative, but it would be

* Has the Territory of Oregon derived its name from the distorted ears of its early inhabitants ?

19 *

146

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

erroneous; for there certainly is something more puzzling in the carvings in granite, porphyry,
and other hard rocks, by ancient Americans, than in the problems presented in articles and edge-
tools of metal. In figures I, L, M, M', page 138, we have cutting instruments. Of their
relative hardness I have already spoken. Now, were harder and sharper tools required in their
construction? or, if not, in what manner were they formed?

When the tapered and heavy sceptre A 1, page 138, was placed in my hands, I at once
inferred a casting from a wooden pattern, which might retain marks of a turning-tool in
forming that pattern, and possibly of another in finishing the metal itself on a lathe; but I
was mistaken — there is not a sign of either. I reasoned from modern methods with which
ancient practice did not and could not accord, in the absence of an agent which makes all the
difference between the arts of civilized and those of semi-civilized states. The instrument had
been but little labored after leaving the loam in which it was cast, and that little had been
confined to abrasion. In appearance the blade was quite straight; but, on looking along it
lengthwise, many waving deviations appeared. G-rasping a part in one hand, and quickly
turning it to and fro with the other, also showed that its section, though seemingly round to the
eye, was not really so — a criterion, this, known to most artists as a severe one. The pattern
had not been turned, nor had its metallic fac-simile been finished in a lathe.

In the articles A, D, H, page 138, and in the openings for handles in M, N, were no marks
of a file, nor of any cutting implement whatever, nor on any metallic article in the collection.
The conclusion was irresistible that no other dressing was given to them than what grinding
and polishing-stones could impart. Files, we know the ancient Mexicans and Peruvians had
not ; and, had we not been expressly told so by early historians, the fact would appear obvious in
the absence of the only metal of which they could have been made. If formed of copper alloys,
of what use, since they could have been no harder than edge-tools of the same? For dressing
metals they would have been worthless, and for reducing wood of little avail. All goods, then,
of old American smiths, were solely produced by the crucible, hammer, and grindstone, to
which the blow-pipe in soldering and the process of chasing must be added.

Let us see if we can reconcile this with the articles before us, by showing that no cutting-
tool was required in their fabrication.

There is in the collection only one hollow- wrought specimen — figure 1, page 141 — but it rep-
resents a large class of American antiques. That tribes far less advanced than the old Peru-
vians spread gold, silver, and other metals into leaves or sheets, by hammers and anvils of
stone, is too commonly known to need corroboration. Existing examples abound in Africa,
Madagascar, Sumatra, Borneo, and other islands of the Indian Archipelago, and also in both
Americas. The small sheet, figure F, page 138, therefore presents no difficulty, if even bronze
hammers and stakes had been unknown to those who formed it; nor does the embossing of such,
or raising them into cups, &c. — results of convexity in the faces of hammers and anvils, and
more or less developed with spreading every leaf of metal. But when the design could not be
perfected by bulging up of a flat piece, as in figure 1, page 141, then the metal was folded, the
corresponding edges soldered, and the whole worked on stakes to a rude resemblance of the
object intended. Next, the interior was filled with a fluid composition of wax and resin. On
this, when cool and hardened, the metal was wrought, and, where required, sunk into it by
punch ets, until the contour was perfected, and the details of ornament brought out; that is,
by the universal process of chasing — one common to enlightened and semi-barbarous artisans,
and which originated with the latter. For this process, punchets and hammers of bronze,
or even of stone, are all-sufficient.

When the chasing was completed, the article was heated sufficiently to fuse and discharge
the resinous compounds, precisely as is the manner of modern jewellers and silversmiths. If
a base or any addition was required, it was annexed, as were the feet in figure 1, page 141, by
solder.

That Peruvian workmen were very expert in soldering is abundantly verified by works extant.

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

. 147

In these thin images, it is seldom to he detected without difficulty, and sometimes the joints
elude close scrutiny. Hollow figures of the kind were anciently, and are still, somewhat com-
mon with Oriental silver-workers. I have seen Siamese specimens in which the metal is at least
as thin again as in the Peruvian one described — too thin, in fact, to preserve their forms, if
divested of the resinous substance on which they were chased, and which, therefore, is left in
them ; the soldering being necessarily more apparent than in the heavier Peruvian articles.
Much of the same kind of work was produced by Israelitish artists. They hammered, we are
told, gold and silver into thin plates, and then wrought them into embossed work. The
cherubim on the ark were light, hollow figures of the kind. Various are the references to
“beaten work,” and “thin work,” in contra-distinction to that turned out by the founder.

The spreading of the softer metals into leaves by the hammer, undoubtedly preceded the art
of casting them into requisite forms. The mound-builders of North America fabricated rude
trinkets and implements, of native copper, in abundance, by “heating;” hut, as yet, neither
hatchet nor ornament produced from the crucible has been discovered among the quantities
disinterred.

Every other metallic work figured on page 141 is solid and cast. Those which could he moulded
in a pair of flasks obviously were so, as the practice is at this day with us. Marks of the meet-
ing of the two halves are as distinct as in articles in modern founders’ shops, and invariably in
places where the little superfluous ridges could not he removed by abrasion. Of simple objects
thus made, little need he said. They are as the crucible left them, save what little polishing
some may have acquired by means which every artist possesses. No cutting-tool was required
in their fabrication, unless in making their patterns . Those, if of wood, were, of course,
wrought into shape by knives and edge-tools of bronze, shell, or stone — a task requiring no small
amount of patience and skill. But of this anon.

The difficulty lies in such things as figure A 1 and B, page 138, which has four sunken impres-
sions round the handle, and a wild cat in full relief on its end, which could no more he cast
in flasks in the ordinary way than figure I, of the same page, figure 8, page 141, and some
others. Then there is the inlaid work in the swell that divides the handle from the blade in A 1.
How were the recesses formed and filled without cutting-tools ? The same question arises on
contemplating the same kind of ornament in other figures of the same plate, and the golden
spokes in the silver head-piece, figure 8, and the bronze, silver, and golden hands round figure
15, on page 141. An explication, then, of the fabrication of this article, covers every difficulty
presented by the rest — it includes them all, and others, if such are extant, still more complex.

The solution is in one word — Patterns of Wax. These, whether intricate in detail or plain,
hut such as could not economically he produced from other substances, were modelled by hand,
buried in a mould of plaster or clay, which when dried was heated, the wax run out, and its
place filled with molten metal. The minutest finish was thus given to every essential part, so
as to require no subsequent carving — nothing but what the grindstone or polishing process
could impart. Inlaid material was bedded in the pattern, and consequently left in the mould,
and, surrounded (except at the surface) by the flowing metal, become inlaid in the latter. The
unsoldered joints in the hand of figure 15, page 141, are thus accounted for. The golden spokes
and ear ornaments of figure 8 had the ends imbedded in the waxen type, which by that means
became equally embrac. d by and imbedded in the fused silver. The little transverse wires were
inserted in the models of figures 0, P, Q, T, page 138, and consequently retained the same
position in the metallic copy. This explanation accords with every ancient piece of work.
It removes every difficulty, and is the only one I can conceive that does so.

Patterns wrought out of plastic materials were obviously the best of all possible substitutes
for those of wood, when proper and effectual tools for working the latter could not he had.
They were most easily made; cheap, simple, efficient; and such as our founders would unques-
tionably fall hack on, were iron withdrawn from the earth. Expert in modelling we know the
old Peruvian artists were. They imitated in metal almost every native animal, bird, insect,

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INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

herb, tree, plant, and fish, as well as human figures. “Many attended to nothing else hut to
make new inventions and rare works in metals.” (Garcilasso, B. 3, cap. 24.) The uniformity
and universality of the process of their founding necessarily made them proficients in it.
Whatever forms could he modelled in wax were without difficulty reproduced in metal. Peru-
vians and Mexicans are still famous for their carving and modelling powers.

The Peruvians had gold, silver, and copper wire, most likely drawn through die-plates of
stone, though those of bronze may have been used for the softer materials. Laplanders draw
tin wire through perforations made in hone or in reindeer’s horns. Garcilasso remarks that
his ancient countrymen were expert in boring metals, hut certainly not with anything like our
drills. The principle was probably that of abrasion — the same as all savages have developed,
and in the practice of which most are singularly expert; perforating shells, hones, teeth, stones,
and even glass, with a rapidity that would puzzle white artists. A revolving stick of wood, or
copper, whose point is supplied with emery, sand, or other natural cutting-powder, is in their
hands what a drill is in ours; it is the germ of the lapidary’s wheel — its use the origin of
his art.

That iron was employed in remote times in America, may eventually he established. At the
advent of Manco Capac, the Peruvians are represented in the lowest depths of barbarism. Their
improvement began with him, and continued under his successors to the arrival of the Spaniards.
During that period it is conceded that tools of iron were not used, and yet structures of massive
cut stones, weighing several tons each, it is said, were then erected, and the stones so accurately
jointed that not the point of a penknife can find entrance. The question naturally arises, with
what material were they cut? It has been said, with tempered copper. When we ask how
that metal was made sufficiently hard, and at the same time retain other essential properties
of a granite-cutting implement, we are told the art has been lost! In thus cutting a knot of
their own tying, writers have unnecessarily perplexed themselves and their readers, and without
perceiving the contradiction involved. Applied to Americans because they had no iron, the
dictum has been offered to account for similar sculptures of the Egyptians who had steel, and
who had constant intercourse with the oldest city of the earth — or one of the oldest, and memo-
rable for its fabrication of swords that without injury to their edges could chop iron holts
in two.

It is more reasonable to infer that the old dressed-granite buildings of Central America and
Peru date from times anterior to those of the Incas — times in which iron was known. The
comparative freshness of such remains presents no difficulty. The advent of Manco Capac is
carried hack to the twelfth century — only seven hundred years — while architectural and other
antiquities equally fresh are extant in Europe and the East, and are known to he from two to
three thousand years old. That there was a previous epoch of civilization in Peru has always
been confirmed by traditions of the natives relating to ancient structures. Ignorant of the
origin of these, they did exactly what people of the Old World did under similar circumstances —
ascribed them to a race of beings superior to themselves — to the gods. Garcilasso himself refers
them to a people who had iron. There is one page of his work hearing on the subject of special
interest, and the more so since ancient monolithic structures in Peru are no longer a question.
They are yet extant.

Mayta Capac, the fourth Inca, subdued the Indians of Tiahuanaco. “ Amongst the mighty
works and buildings of that country there is a certain hill or heap of earth thrown up by hand,
which is so high that it is a subject of great admiration ; and, lest with time it should settle or
sink lower, it is founded on great stones, cemented together ; and to what end this was done
no man can conjecture, unless it were, like the pyramids in Egypt, to remain for a trophy of
the greatness of that monarch who erected it. On one side of this mighty heap are the statues
of two giants, cut in stone, with long robes to the ground, and wreaths or hinders about their
heads, which being much impaired by time, shows the antiquity of them. There is also a
strange wall to he seen, raised with stones of an extraordinary bigness ; and what is most won-

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

149

derful to consider is, how or in what manner they were brought thither hy force of men who
had not yet attained to the knowledge of engines fit for such a work ; and from what place
they were brought, there being no rocks or quarries hut such as are at a far distance from
thence. There appear also many great and lofty edifices ; and, what is more strange, there
are in divers places great portals of stone, and many of them whole and perfect, made of one
single and entire stone , which, being raised on pedestals, are found hy those who have measured
them to be thirty feet in length and fifteen feet in breadth, which pedestals, as well as the
arches of the portals, were all of one single stone: and then we may consider how great those
stones were before they were shaped, and what tools of iron were requisite for such a labor.

“The natives report that these buildings, and others of a like nature not mentioned here, ivere
raised before the times of the Incas ; and that the model of the fortress at Cuzco was taken from
them, as we shall hereafter more particularly describe. Who they were that erected them
they do not know, only they have heard say hy tradition from their ancestors that those pro-
digious works were the effects of one night’s labor, which seem in reality to have been the begin-
nings only and foundations for some mighty structure. Thus much Pedro de Cie9a, in his
remarks concerning Peru and its several provinces, relates ; to which I shall further add, what
was told me hy a certain priest, called Diego de Alcoba9a, who was my school-fellow, and whom
I may call my brother, because we were both horn in the same house, and his father educated me
as my tutor and master : this person, I say, amongst the many relations of things which both he
and others sent me concerning my own country, coming to speak of the buildings of Tiahuanaco,
hath these words: £In Tiahuanaco, which is a province of Callao, amongst many other an-
tiquities worthy of immortal memory, there is. one particularly famous adjoining to the lake,
which is called by the Spaniards Chucuytu, though its true name be Chuquivitu. This is a
pile of monstrous buildings, to which is an open court of fifteen yards square every way ; the
building is two stories high, and on one side of this great yard or square is a large hall, of
forty-five feet in length and twenty- two feet in breadth ; the covering appears to he thatch, like
those on the temple of the sun, in the city of Cuzco. All this court, or yard, which we men-
tion, with its walls, floor, hall, roof, portals and jambs of the doors, and hack-gate to this build-
ing, is all of one entire stone , hewn out of a rock ; the walls of the court and of the hall are
three quarters of a yard thick ; and such also is the covering or roof, which, though it may
seem to he thatched with straw, is yet of stone, for the Indians have worked it so artificially,
and with those natural lines, that the stones appear like straw laid in the most curious manner
of thatch. The waters of the lake heat against the side of these walls, and both this and all
the other edifices hereabout were all, as the natives report, dedicated to the Maker of the Uni-
verse. Moreover, besides these works there are divers others, figures of men and women cut in
stone so naturally that they seem to he living : some of them are drinking with cups in their
hands, some are sitting, some standing, some are walking in the stream which glides by the
walls ; other statues there are of women carrying children in their arms and in the folds of
their garments ; others with them on their hacks, and in a thousand other manners and pos-
tures. The Indians of those days report, that for the great sins of that people, in having
stoned a stranger who passed through their province, Grod, in his judgment, had converted
those men and women into stone.’ ”

Engravings from modern sketches of Tialiuanacoan monoliths, and of other remarkable
ruins of Cuzco, Gluanaco el Viejo, Pachacamac, on the islands of Titicaca and Coati, have been
recently published by Dr. Von Tschudi and others.

There are points of striking resemblance in the mythology of the Peruvians and that of
Eastern nations. Manco Capac, like Osiris, and other founders of empires, taught men to cul-
tivate the ground ; and his wife, like Isis and Minerva, educated the women in spinning and weav-
ing, and domestic duties. Much of it is based on agriculture and irrigation. “ The maker of
all things placed in heaven a virgin, a daughter of a king, holding a bucket of water in her
hand for the refreshment of the earth.” One of the early Incas embodied the story in poetry,

150

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES.

which. Yalera translates from the Quippus into Latin. It ran thus: “Fair nymph, thy
brother strikes now thine urn, whose blow is thunder and lightning. But thou, nymph, pour-
ing forth thy water, droppest rain, and again sendeth hail or snow. The maker of the world,
Viracocha, hath committed this office unto thee.”

But there are things more durable and reliable than poems. Wells excavated in rock, are
the most permanent of human impressions on the earth ; nothing hut natural convulsions can
erase them: hence at this hour, water is drawn from the same wells at which the patriarchs
watered their flocks. The renowned cities of Egypt, Canaan, Judea, Arabia, Persia, Assyria,
Asia Minor, India, and Greece, have been swept away, hut round some of their wells women
now cluster with their vases, as their predecessors did upwards of thirty, and probably upwards
of forty centuries ago. Among these are wells, the origin of which goes hack into the mythic
ages. It has been much the same on this hemisphere. The Peruvians had traditions, during
the Inca rule, of giants landing on the coast and settling in the land. From the absence of
rain, a scarcity of water was felt, upon which “they dug extremely deep wells, through the
hard and living rock.” These wells being extant, and yielding sweet water, Garcilasso refers
to them as corroborating the report of a remote civilization. “ Their wells and cisterns are
clear testimonies of the places of their habitation ; but as to the parts from whence they came,
I am not able to render any account.” The description of Peruvian Anakims is very similar
to that of the classical Gigantes.

It was in the vicinity of Lake Titicaca, whose surface has been estimated at between two and
three thousand square miles, that Manco Capac and his wife first appeared. Carried by east
winds, which blow every day, across the lake, according to Indian tradition he travelled thence
on foot to Cuzco. It is observable, that it is in the region of this inland 1 ike that the mono-
lithic and other supposed ante-Incan antiquities -are found ; and further, that their superiority
over the Inca works is still observable. Lieutenant Gibbon says : “ Among the scattered stone
remains of the ancient edifices of Tiahuanaco we observed no resemblance to the stone work of
Cuzco, and were surprised to find, that although the ruins were in such a dilapidated state as
not to enable us to make out the character of the structures, we could perceive and were con-
vinced of the higher order of mechanical art over that displayed in Cuzco. The stones, im-
mense in size, were hewn square ; one of them had an arched way cut in it, large enough to
drive a mule through. he Cura of the town told us there was no stone of the same kind to be
found in the neighborhoo 1, and that he did not know whence they had been brought. We
believe Manco Capac had nothing to do with the ancient works of Tiahuanaco. Both the hew-
ing of the stone and structure of the language of the people are different from his, though his
first appearance was among this people.”

Then, in the same region, silver, copper, lead, and tin , the essential ingredient of bronze,
abounded and abound. Tin is now carried thence over the cordilleras, and shipped on the
Pacific to Europe and the United States. But the ancient inhabitants also had iron ore, a still
higher element of civilization, and one which, from their works extant, we infer they con-
verted into tools. That such tools have not been found is no proof against their early use in
Peru, any more than in Fgypt, and other lands. Lead, tin, bronze, and copper, silver and
gold, have been preserved from one to two thousand years in soils that dissolve iron in a century
or two.

At the conquest, the Peruvians, like all people equally advanced and progressing, were grad-
ually approaching the realization of iron, and would probably have realized it by this time had
they not been interfered with from without. There are many indications that they were
awakening to its value by observing the properties of its ores. Speaking of silversmiths and
other artisans, Garcilasso tells us they had no iron anvils, for want of the knowledge of sepa-
rating that metal from its ores, “ of which they had several mines.”

APPENDIX F

ZOOLOGY.

MAMMALS

BIRDS

REPTILES

FISHES

CRUSTACEA

SHELLS

Br S. F. Baird.
John Cassin.
Charles Girard.
Charles Girard.
Charles Girard.
A. A. Gould.

MAMMALS.

BY S. P. BAIRD.

In the following pages it is proposed to present a few points in reference to the species of
mammals collected in Chile, by Lieut. Gilliss, and to- add a list of all the species which have
been noticed in that country. This enumeration as to the species will not he materially
different from that of Gay, from whose work, indeed, a large number of species have been
derived. Some variations of synonymy and of systematic arrangement are believed to be called
for by the present state of science.

Chile has been explored to a greater or less extent, by naturalists of many nations, some of
whom have merely touched at the seaports, while voyaging in connexion with cruises of scien-
tific expeditions, others again spending a considerable time within its limits. The records of
nearly all exploring expeditions, therefore, show evidence of such visits, while the transactions
of many societies, as well as numerous special monographs, have carefully to be searched by
those who wish to be posted up in the natural productions of this great South American republic.
Among those whose writings have more or less reference to the natural history of Chile, are
Molina, Kittlitz, Meyen, Darwin, Dana, Peale, Gould, Tschudi, von Bibra, Bridges, Water-
house, Hartlaub, Cuming, Philippi, and a number of others. To the enterprise of M. Claude
Gay, however, we are indebted for the most systematic and complete work on the general natu-
ral history of Chile, embracing a full record of what was already known, with many additional
details, published for the first time by him. It was scarcely to be expected, therefore, that
Lieut. Gilliss would be able to add new species to the natural history of the State, especially in
view of the fact that his mission was especially an astronomical one, giving but little time for
attention to anything else. The records of the present volume, however, show that he was
quite successful in obtaining new species of birds, reptiles, fishes, Crustacea, and fossils, and of
adding greatly to our knowledge of the distribution of species. The collections made by him,
indeed, embrace all branches of natural history, in some of which they are very full.

FELIS CONCOLOR, L.

Felis concolor , L. Mantissa, 1811, 522, PI. ii.

Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1188, 19, 9.

Fischer, Synopsis Mamm. 1829, 191.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreb. II, 1840, 461.

Schinz, Syn. Mamm. I, 1844, 428.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1841, 65.

Atjd. & Bach. N. Am. Quadrupeds, II, 1851, 305, PI. xcvi, xcvii.
Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, Mamm. I, 1854, 88.

Felis discolor , Schreb. Saugt. Tab. 104.

Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1188, 19.

Felis puma, Shaw, Gen. Zool. I, 1800, 358, PI. lxxxix.

Traill, in Mem. Wern. Soc. IV, 2.

20 *

154

ZOOLOGY.

Guazuara, Azara, Essai I, 1801, 133.

Cuguacuarana, Marcgrave, Hist. Hat. Bras. 1648, 235.

Yulg. Panther , or Pima. Cougar. Leon.

The well-known panther of the United States is one of the few species of mammals belong-
ing to North America that are distributed over the southern half of our continent. It is, how-
ever, as well known in Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile, as in the forests of North America. Its
extreme southern range is to Patagonia, about latitude 53° or 54° in South America, and to
about 49° or 54° in North America. Its habits are much the same everywhere, confining itself
to extensive wooded districts, or the belts of timber along the borders of streams ; not often
seen on the open plains, like the jaguar. The panther is much less dreaded in South America
than the jaguar.

CANIS MAGELLANICUS, Gray.

Cams magellanicus, Gray, Pr. Zool. Soc. Bond. IY, 1836, 88.

Waterh. Zool. Beagle, 1838, 10, PI. v.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, I, 1844, 416.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 89.

Vulpes magellanica, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. I, 1837, 578.

Culpeu, Molina, Comp. Chile, I, 330, 332.

This large fox, exceeding in size all the North American species, excepting, perhaps, Vulpes
macrourus, Baird, was first made known to naturalists by specimens brought from Tierra del
Fuego by Captain King. It is quite abundant in Chile as far north as Copiapo, and has thus
a range of at least 1,600 miles. A remarkable peculiarity in respect to this animal is men-
tioned by Molina, and strongly corroborated by Gay, namely: that when it sees a man it runs
towards him, and, standing at a distance of only a few yards, gazes attentively at him. This,
of course, gives an excellent opportunity for killing the fox ; and it is added, that large num-
bers are annually destroyed in this way, without the acquisition by the race of a wholesome
distrust of mankind.

CANIS AZARAE, Max.

Canis azarae, Max. Beit. Nat. Braziliens, II, 1826, 338.

Ib. Abbild. Taf. xxiii.

Fischer, Syn. Mamm. 1829, 191.

Waterhouse, Zool. Beagle, Mammalia, 1838, 14, PI. vii.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, Saugt. II, 1841, 534, Tab. xcii, A.

Sciiinz, Synopsis Mamm. I, 1844, 418.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia I, 1847, 61.

Burmeister, Tliiere Brasiliens, I, 1854, 96.

Canis brasiliensis, Lund, Bras. Dyrv. Taf. xlii, f. 81-3.

Canis melanostomus, Wagn. Wieg. Archiv. 1843, 358. — 1846, 147.

Agourachay , Azara, Hist. Nat. Quad. Parag. I, 1801, 317.

Yulg. Chilla, in Chile ; Raposo de Mato , Brazil ; Agourachay, Paraguay.

This fox is rather smaller than the Vulpes fidvus of North America ; much less than C. ma-
gellanicus. In size and general appearance it bears no inconsiderable resemblance to the Vulpes
velox, or Kit fox, of the Missouri plains. Gay, however, and others, raise a serious question as
to there being any essential difference between Canis azarae and magellanicus .

This animal has a very wide range ; so extended, indeed, as to excite a strong suspicion that

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there are really several species confounded together. This is confirmed by serious discrepancies
in the descriptions made from specimens of different localities, as from Brazil, Paraguay, Chile,
Patagonia, and the shores of the strait of Magellan. They burrow in the ground, and do not
venture from their holes during the day ; and not being very fleet, are without difficulty taken
by the dogs.

According to Burmeister, the Canis melampus, of Wagner, Wiegman’s Archiv, 1843, 358, is
only a very dark-colored variety of this rather remarkable species, from the interior plateaus of
Brazil.

The Canis azarae belongs to the section Lycalopex of Burmeister, or jackal foxes, character-
ized by a long tail reaching to the ground, and the absence of an elevated parietal crest to the
skull.

GALICTIS VITTATA, Bell.

Viverra vittata, Schreber, Saugt. Ill, 447, Tab. 124.

Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 89.

Gulo vittatus , Desm. Mamm. 175, 268.

Rengger, Paraguay, 226.

Fischer, Synopsis, 1829, 155.

Ursus brasiliensis, Thunb. Mem. Acad. St. Petersh. VI, 401, Tab. 13.

Galictis vittata , Bell, Zool. Jour. II, 551.

Ib. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1837, 39.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. II, 203, Tab. xxxv.

Waterhouse, Zool. Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 21.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, Saugt. II, 1841, 215.

Schinz, Synopsis Mamm. I, 1844, 331.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 51.

Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, I, 1854, 109.

Le Grison, Buee. XV, 65, Tab. viii.

El Huron menor. Azara I, 190.

Vulg. Grison; Huron; Quiqui, (Chile); Cachorino de Mato, (Brazil.)

This species of Galictis has a wide extent of distribution, occurring throughout Guiana, Bra-
zil, Paraguay, Chile, and Patagonia. In Chile it is not rare, and commits great destruction
among the eggs and poultry, having much the same habits in this respect as the weasels and
minks of North America. According to Wagner, the Galictis Allamandi of Bell is only a very
old and dark individual of the present species.

DIDELPHYS ELEGANS, Waterhouse.

Didelphys elegans, Waterhouse, Zoology of the Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 95, PI. xxxi.
Skull. PI. xxxv, fig. 5.

Ib. Naturalist’s Library, IX, 106.

Ib. Natural History of the Mammalia, I, 1846, 515, Pl. xvi, fig. 1.

Gay, Historia de Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 84.

Didelphys hortensis, Reid, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. V, Jan. 1838, (not described.)
Thylamys elegans , Gray, List of Mammalia British Museum, 1843, 101.

Vulg. Comadreja , or Llaca.

To those familiar with the Opossum ( Didelphys virginianus ) of the United States, with its
coarse, heavy appearance and comparatively large size, the application of the same name to

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ZOOLOGY.

the elegant little comadreja would appear highly absurd. Its appearance is much more like
that of a large mouse, although differing in the much more pointed muzzle and very thick tail.
The fur has all the softness and fullness of the flying-squirrel.

This species is said to abound in Chile, especially in its maritime portion, occurring from
Cobija to Curico, in Colcliagua. It climbs trees with facility and feeds upon insects, but is
readily caught in traps baited with cheese or meat.

C A VI A AUSTRALIS, Geoff.

Cavia australis, Is. Geoff, in Mag. de Zool. Ill, 1833, PI. xii.

D’Orbigny, Voyage dans l’Amerique, PI. xviii.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, IV, 1844, 60.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist. Mammalia, II, 1848, 180, PL iii, fig. 2.

Kerodon kingii, Bennet, Pr. Zool. Soc. Bond. Ill, Dec. 1835, 190.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 88.

Gray, List of Mammalia Br. Mus. 1843, 126.

Two specimens of this cavy were taken by Lieutenant MacRae not far from Uspallata, in lati-
tude 33°. The species was first described from Patagonia, and the extreme northern range
assigned by authors is 39°. By this discovery of Lieutenant MacRae, its range in a northern
direction has been extended by six degrees, although, according to the usual law, it is proba-
bly found at a greater height in proceeding towards the equator — the elevation of Uspallata
being 6,000 feet.

This animal, congeneric with the well-known Guinea pig, is very common along the coast of
Patagonia, from the Rio Negro to the straits of Magellan. It frequents the bottoms of
hedges and the ruins of old buildings, and is said to dig deep burrows in the ground. Its
food consists of seeds and green herbage, and it has been observed to ascend trees to feed on
their fruits.

The skull of this species differs in many respects from that of the Cavia aperea, or common
Guinea pig. Its peculiarities are tolerably well represented in the figure of Waterhouse on
Plate vi, fig. 13.

From the general resemblance of this species to a rabbit in its form and color, it generally
bears this name, and has given rise to the impression that the genus Lepus was to be found in
Patagonia. It bears the name of Mountain Rabbit at Uspallata. To Lagomys the resem-
blance is very striking.

The Cavia australis is not included by authors among the animals of Chile, though it not
unlikely occurs on the west side of the cordilleras.

LAGIDIUM CUVIERI, Wagn.

Lagotis cuvieri, Bennet, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. I, 1833.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. I, 46, PI. iv.

Lagidium cuvieri, Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, III, 1843, 306.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist. Mam. II, 1848, 222.
f Lagidium peruanum, Meyen, Nova Acta, XVI, 518.

Tschudi, Fauna Peruana, 164.

Callomys aureus, Is. Geoff. Ann. des Sc. Nat. XXI, 1830, 291.

Vulg. Viscacha.

The two specimens of this species, brought home by Lieutenant Gilliss, resemble most
closely the Lagidium cuvieri, as given by Bennet and Waterhouse, although approximating in

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157

some respects to L. pallipes. They differ decidedly from the Lagotis ( Lagidium ) criniger , of
Gay, both in the skin and the skull ; hut of the affinities of this last-mentioned species with
L. pallipes, I can say nothing. Gay, however, mentions L. pallipes, and considers the two
sufficiently distinct.

This species is said to he quite common on the cordilleras of Chile and Peru, living at an
elevation of from five to fifteen thousand feet. The soft and fine fur is highly prized, and,
mixed with wool, is woven into warm stuffs of various kinds. The skins are, however, less
valuable than those of the true Chinchilla. Chinchilla lanigera is, however, also found in the
cordilleras of Chile and Peru.

The name of Viscacha is applied in Brazil to the Lagostorrms trichodactylus.

SPALACOPUS POEPPIGII, Wagl.

Spalacopus poeppigii, Wagler, Isis, 1832, 1219.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist, of Mammalia, II, 1848, 269, PI. ix, fig. 1.

Poephagomys ater, F. Cuv. Ann. des Sc. Nat. n. ser. I, 1834, 321, PI. xiii.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 82.

Eydoux et Gervais, Voy. de la Favorite, Y, Zoologie, 1839, 17, PI. vii.

Gat, Historia de Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 103.

Psammoryctes noctivagus, Poeppig, in Wieg. Archiv, I, 1835, 252.

Wagner, Suppl. Schreb. Saug. Ill, 1843, 318.

Psammomys, Poeppig, Reise, I, 1835, 166.

Vulg. Cururo, Curucho, Cuyeita.

The collections of Lieutenant Gilliss included several specimens of this curious species, which
most probably is the Mus cyanus of Molina. It appears to he quite abundant in many parts
of Chile, from Copiapo to Cauquenes, and has, to a considerable extent, the habits of the
gopher, or pouched rat ( Geomys), of North America. It excavates long passages in search of
various bulbous roots, which form its principal food, consisting chiefly of a species of Pioscorea,
or “guanque.” The burrows are carried along at a depth of about ten inches, terminating at
times in expanded chambers, used as storehouses. The cheeks are capable of great extension,
although the species is destitute of the external cheek pouches, which render our pouched rats
so conspicuous among rodents. The incisor teeth are very thick and strong.

These granaries of the Cururo are often robbed by the poorer inhabitants of Chile for the
sake of the store of edible roots they are found to contain. The animal is seldom seen in the
day-time, unless in cloudy weather.

MYOPOTAMUS COYPUS, Geoff.

Mus coypus, Molina, Saggio, 1782, 287.

Mus castoroides, Barrow, Linn. Trans. X, 1812, 168.

Myopotamus coypus , (Commers,) Geoee. Ann. du Mus. YI, 1805, 81.
Cuv. R. Anim. I, 214.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 78.

Ib. Nat. Hist. Mammalia II, 1848, 297, PI. xv, fig. 1.
Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, IY, 1844, 12.

Gay, Historia de Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 122.

Hydromys coypus , Geoee. Ann. du Mus.

Desm. Mamm. 1822, 296.

Potamys coypou, Desm. Diet, des Sc. Nat. XLIY, 491.

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ZOOLOGY.

Castor coypus , Fischer, Synopsis, 1829, 288.

Myopotamus bonariensis, Rengger, Saiig. yon Paraguay, 1830, 237.

Hastonotus popelairi, Wesmael, Bull. Acad. Roy. de Brux, 1841, 61.

Guillinomys chilensis, Lesson. Nouv. Tab. du R. A. 1842, 126.

Vulg. Coypu and Nutria.

From the preceding list of synonymes, which might have been greatly extended, it will be
seen that the position among rodents of this large species has occupied to a considerable
degree the attention of systematic zoologists. Until quite recently it has been placed near the
beaver of North America, to which, by the fineness of its fur and some of its features, it bears
a considerable resemblance. Its position has, however, been established by Waterhouse among
the Hystricidce, sub-family Echimyina , where it seems really to belong ; the affinities of Castor,
on the other hand, being essentially with the squirrels.

This species is the one which furnishes the nutria fur of commerce — an article which, from
its abundance and -excellence, has greatly depreciated the value of skins of the North American
beaver and muskrat. It is found all through temperate South America ; but it is in the river
district of La Plata and in the Chonos archipelago thatdhe skins are principally collected for
purposes of commerce. It is strictly aquatic in its habits, much resembling the muskrat of
North America, and, like it, feeds partly on vegetable substances and partly on shell-fish. The
flesh is white and well flavored.

There is a peculiarity in the position of the nipples of the Coypu, found, indeed, in others of
the Hystricidce, but here most strikingly manifested, namely : in their situation on the back,
or at least above the middle line of the flanks ; the foremost is placed behind the shoulders,
and the last one in front of the thigh. The object of this feature is to permit the young to
reach the mammae from the back of the parent while she is swimming in the water, in which
most of their time is passed.

According to Waterhouse and Darwin, the precise range of this species, on the east side of
the Andes, is from Peru to the Rio Chupat, in 43° 20', although it has not been noticed by
naturalists in eastern Brazil. West of the mountains it extends from about latitude 33°, or
central Chile, to 48° south, or still further, but not to Tierra del Fuego.

HESPEROMYS.

The collection of Lieutenant Grilliss contains two specimens of Hesperornys, which, however,
I have been unable to identify, owing to their imperfect condition.

CHLAMYPHORUS TRUNCATUS, Harl.

Plate XI.

Cldamypliorus truncatus, Harl. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. I, Jan. 1825, 235.

Ib. Med. and Phys. Res. 1835.

Ib. Zool. Journ. II, 1825, 163, Pl. vi.

Yarrell, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 544, PI. xvi, xvii, (Osteology.)

Chlamydophorus truncatus, Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, Mam. IV, 1844, 187.

Hyrtl, Sitzb. K. Ak. Wien. Math. Nat. XII, March ’54, 79.

Vulg. Picliiciego.

This species, which has for a long time excited the interest of naturalists since its first
description by Harlan, is still very imperfectly known, and but few specimens have, even at
this late day, heen received into collections of natural history. It was first brought to Phila-
delphia by Mr. W. Colesberry, who obtained it from Mendoza, and furnished almost the only
information we yet have of its habits. This specimen was given to Peale’s Museum, where it

^NLAMYPHORTTS TRHNCATUS - Harl .

/

t

MAMMALS.

159

was described at length and figured by Harlan in the Annals of the New York Lyceum. On
the scattering of the Philadelphia collection, it came into the possession of the Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Sciences, of whose magnificent museum it now constitutes a highly val-
uable component.

The next specimen was received by the Zoological Society of London a few years later, and
its osteology described in considerable detail by Yarrell. As, however, the skin was prepared
for the museum, the bones of the feet were left attached, and could not be described with the
other portions of the skeleton. This animal was preserved in spirits, without the intestines,
and of course these could not be described.

The third specimen made known to naturalists was one in possession of Dr. Gemminger, of
Munich, much more perfect than any of the others, as it was preserved entire, in excellent con-
dition, in alcohol. This was purchased by Dr. Hyrtl, of Vienna, who has for some time past
been engaged in preparing an elaborate monograph, to include all the details of its anatomical
and external structure. From the well-known ability of Dr. Hyrtl, there is no doubt that the
subject will be exhausted, as far as a single specimen will enable him so to do. The memoir
will be published in the Denkschriften of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Vienna, and may
possibly have already appeared, although it has not yet reached this country. Dr. Hyrtl also
obtained a dried skin of the Pichiciego, making, as far as known, three specimens in Europe.

While Lieutenant Gilliss was in Chile, his attention was called to this subject, and he made
several fruitless efforts to procure specimens during his stay. About a year after his return,
however, some friends having procured a fine mounted individual, presented it to him, and it
is now in his possession, having served as the original of the accompanying plate. Another
specimen was sent to Lieutenant Phelps, who gave it to the museum of the Cleveland Academy
of Natural Science.

It will thus be seen that the six specimens on record are equally divided between Europe
and America. There may be others in museums, but I have never seen mention made of them.

Not much is known of the habits of this curious animal, beyond the fact of its existing in
the vicinity of Mendoza, and, on account of its nocturnal habits, appearing to be rarer than it
really is.

AUCHENIA LLAMA, Desm.

AucJienia llama , Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, 1838, 26.

Llama guanaco, Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 153.

I have cited only the above synonymes of the Guanaco, as, according to Tschudi, there are
really several species in what has hitherto been considered as one, and I have not now the ma-
terial for deciding the question. All the specimens brought by Lieutenant Gilliss belong to
the robust form living wild in the mountains of Chile, and referred to by the authors above
quoted. This extends from the wooded islands of Tierra del Fuego to the cordilleras, in Peru.
Going in herds sometimes containing hundreds of individuals, they are generally shy and
extremely wary, though sometimes, like the American antelope, their curiosity gets the better
of their discretion, and they will approach the sportsman, if he lies on the ground and kicks
up his feet in the air, holds up a handkerchief, or otherwise attracts their attention.

The Guanaco of Chile has usually been considered to be the Llama of Peru in a wild state.
As above remarked, however, Tschudi makes them different species.

Note by Lieut. Gilliss. — “ The Guanaco may be found on the entire Andean chain, in
Chile, and is certainly the most abundant of the larger quadrupeds. It attains maturity in
rather less than one year, but continues slowly increasing in size during several years. As
they feed just below the snow-line, and the young are less fleet than full grown animals, the

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ZOOLOGY.

former are easily captured by the muleteers, who bring down snow, and may frequently be
purchased in the streets of Santiago during the months of November and December. At that
time they are from two to three months old ; are very gentle ; will follow one about the house
within a day or two, and soon learn to drink milk voraciously. Their bleat is not unlike that
of the young goat. As they grow older they are less docile ; are very easily displeased, and
will strike the offender with all four feet at once, or eject an acrid saliva at him from a dis-
tance of several feet. At this time they are fond of barley, other small grain, bread, and most
green food, preferring, however, alfalfa, or the young barley straw.

“ It is difficult to raise them — or at least it is difficult to do so in Santiago — perhaps because
of the heat on the plain at the time they are brought from a much colder atmosphere, and the
difficulty of properly regulating their food. Dour died, notwithstanding the care and atten-
tion of our household, aided by the counsels of those who should have been most likely to
afford good advice ; one, a full-grown female, which had been raised in captivity and subse-
quently came into my possession, became so violent in the rutting season that it was necessary
to remove her from the premises of the gentleman who had her in charge. No attacks were
ever made on him ; but whenever his wife came near, the Gruanaco would spring at her with
all four feet drawn together.

“Ina state of nature, one male presides over a herd of females sometimes twenty in num-
ber. They are occasionally driven nearly to the plain by heavy fails of snow, and then guasos
hunt them for their skins. The hunters assemble in a body with a troop of dogs and sur-
round the herd, driving it, if possible, into a ravine with very steep walls, and there, by means
of lassos or bolos, the animals are quickly taken. Large numbers are often captured in this
way, their skins being worth about half a dollar each. In Patagonia the Indians destroy great
numbers of young, whose skins they dress with considerable skill and then sew neatly together,
forming soft and pretty robes, which find ready purchasers in the markets both at Buenos
Ayres and Valparaiso. The meat was never offered for sale at Santiago.”

The following interesting account of the habits of the Gruanaco, from personal observation,
has been furnished by Lieutenant Phelps :

“ It affords me pleasure to comply with your request, and give you such points as I observed
of the habits of the Gruanaco and of their favorite haunts, premising, however, that they will
be limited, and dependant entirely upon memory of casual observations.

u I made hunting expeditions of some length into the cordillera in the summer and fall
months ; and as the snow-line varies very much during these, the Gruanacos were found at
quite different elevations, though generally near the snow, and were often seen far above its
lower limits. In midsummer they are found considerably below this, though I did not find
them near so low as the upper limit of the growth of small trees and bushes that in places
cover the slopes of the mountains quite densely. It seemed that they have about the same
grounds for their principal ranges, descending temporarily from them, according to the quan-
tity and limits of snow. In the south of Chile, and upon the eastern slope of the Andes, they
are found low down in valleys, upon the plains, about lakes and streams, &c. ; but in the por-
tion of the mountains visited by me, I did not know or hear of their descending from high
elevations, except during severe storms, when they go down in great numbers to the plains,
but retire to their accustomed haunts immediately after it ceases.

“ It was a matter of surprise how such numbers could thrive where there appeared to be so
very little vegetation. In the small and watered valleys, or basins, there is a coarse growth of
sedge-grass, and elsewhere mosses, &c. I saw them frequently feeding upon moss-covered
knolls cropping out from beds of frozen snow.

“ They are found in herds of hundreds, in small numbers, in pairs, and singly — this last but
rarely. When startled, especially if in numbers, they bleat an alarm very singular, and heard

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to a considerable distance. It is a prolonged bleat, and metallic in its tone. This I heard
only when they were alarmed.

“ When I first went into the mountains — in company with a haciendado and a number of his
peons, who were going up to collect and drive down the cattle that range in summer upon very
elevated plains — the men amused themselves very much at the idea of shooting Guanacos, par-
ticularly with the little rifle I had with me, because, they said, ‘they were very wild, and
though they might not see one approaching them, they could smell the hunter a mile off;’
but after that expedition I had no difficulty in finding plenty of the same men ready to follow
me on a hunt ; for with their mules they brought down the flesh so quickly dried in those alti-
tudes, and they frequently met with valuable prizes in the bezoars found in the stomachs of the
animals, and which the druggists purchase.

“ The sight of the Guanaco is marvellously quick and clear, and their sense of smell won-
derful. At distances of one, two, and even three miles I have startled droves of them from
their feeding-grounds, myself only able to see them upon some distant ridge by the projection
of their forms upon the deep blue of the sky as a back-ground. When so seen, with their
fronts towards one and head erect, they look like the cactus stalks common upon the nearly
barren hills below. At such times they frequently started off upon a fleet gallop, which I soon
learned to regard as a sign that it were folly to pursue them. When startled by sudden ap-
pearance of danger, the character of which they have discovered by sight or scent, they run at
great speed, selecting generally the most inaccessible ways — running with ease along the side
of a mountain ridge or ledge where a person exceedingly expert in such footing would find it
difficult to walk at all. The earthquakes have caused the spreading out of beds of small and
angular stones upon the mountain sides to such an extent as "to peril the footman’s life ; and
during the tremors of the earth, these rattle down in a way desirable to witness only at a safe
distance. Over such beds, whether up or down, or along the hill-side, the Guanaco runs with
ease and speed. When struck by a ball, I observed they invariably sprang over the ledges, or
down the precipitous banks of gorges — as it was in such places that I found it possible to ap-
proach them — and sometimes these leaps were frightful to witness. One shot through the
heart went over a rocky wall of six hundred feet in height, as estimated by the party. Firing
across a chasm once, my person completely hidden by rocks, I made three shots before the flock
took to flight, and then one, being struck, plunged down into the deep gorge, the others fol-
lowing. The report of the rifle appeared to he strange, and to excite the utmost curiosity ; but
in general I did not see this trait having the effect to overcome timidity, and found, to my
experience, that their instinct of flight overcame the weakness, and sent them at least to the
most prominent neighboring height before they stopped to indulge it. In regions rarely visited
by man, no doubt they are less timid, and display more of the curiosity I heard' attributed to
them. The eye, in their wild state, is exceedingly beautiful — large, black, clear, and soft as
the Gazelle’s. This particularly excited my attention when a drove approached from wind-
ward (a strong wind blowing) to within a few feet of me, where they stopped alarmed, and,
raising their heads to their utmost height, gazed intently at the rocks among which I had
hidden myself, taking care to find a crack through which I could see tire trail that I had anti-
cipated their taking when disturbed at another point by the men.

“ The affectionate solicitude for a wounded member of the troop that is attributed to them I
never witnessed, except in cases where there were but two or three together ; then the com-
panions several times were quite reckless of danger. Where there were large numbers, they
all invariably made off, regardless of the wounded. Nor did I observe anything like the abso-
lute leadership and control of the troop, related as being exercised by a hardy and veteran
male, and the battles described as taking place among the males. Contests, involving this sole
control and leadership of a large number of females herded together, I never witnessed, nor
anything corroborative of it, though it may be entirely true. I have already stated having
21*

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ZOOLOGY.

found them in numbers from one to hundreds. The guasos did not relate having themselves
witnessed these contests.

“ Though the times of my visits to the mountains ranged through several months of the
year, I cannot determine what is their season of hearing young ; for I found them at all times,
of every size and apparent age, from the recent horn to the veteran of the herd, whose woolly
covering had been bleached to an almost snowy white by the storms and tempests of many
winters.

“ The Guanaco does not range indiscriminately over the Chilean Andes, but has favorite
haunts which it never forsakes ; and there are extensive regions where it is never found.

“ The common people of the country hunt them by forming rodeos — that is to say, numbers
go into the mountains, and having formed a large circuit about some place previously selected
as favorable for the purpose, they gradually drive all the animals within the circuit towards
this, and closing up, finally have them surrounded at close quarters, more often floundering in
the deep snow at the bottom of a ravine, the passes from which are blocked up, where they fall
an easy prey, and are killed by dogs, lassos, &c. These people dry the meat, use the skins,
and sell the bezoars. I have tried the flesh, and though not partial to it, could live upon it if
hard pushed.”

LIST OF MAMMALIA FOUND IN CHILE.

CHEIROPTERA.

INSECTXVORA.

STENODERMA, Geoff.

chilensis, Gay. — Hab. Very rare in Chile.

Stenoderma cliilensis , Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 30, Lam. i.

DESMODUS, Max.

d’orbignyi, Waterh. — Hah. Northern provinces of Chile.

Desmodus d’orbignyi, Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 1, PI. i and
xxxv, f. 1.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 33.

DYSOPES, Temm.

nasutus, Temm. — Hah. South America generally.

Dysopes nasutus , Temm. Mon. Mamm. 1, 233.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 6.

Molossus nasutus , Spix. Sim. et Yespert. Bras. 60.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 35.

NYCTICEJUS, Eaf.

varius, Schinz. — Hah. Central Chile.

Nycticejus varius, Schinz. Syn. Mamm. I, 1844, 199.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 37.

Vulg. Murcielago Colorado.

macrotis, Fisch. — Hah. Santiago to Araucania.

Nycticejus macrotis , Schinz, Syn. Mamm. I, 1844, 199.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 38.

VESPERTILIO, L.

velatus, Fisch. — Hah. Near Santiago.

Vespertilis velatus , Fischer, Synopsis Mamm. 1829, 118.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 40, Lam. i.

Plecotus velatus , Geoff. Mag. Zool. 1832.

Vulg. Orejudo.

chiloensis, Waterh. — Hah. Chiloe.

Vespertilio chiloensis, Waterh. Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 5, PI. iii.
Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 42, Lam. i.

164

ZOOLOGY.

RAPACIA.

Fam. CARNIVORA.

FELEDiE.

FELIS, L.

concolor, L. — Hab. South America generally.

Felis concolor, L. Mantissa, 1771, 522, PL ii.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 65.

Aud. and Bach. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 305, PI. xcvi, xcvii.
Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, I, Mamm. 1854, 88.

Vulg. Panther, Cougar, Puma, Leon.

pajeros, Desm. — Hah. Chile, Paraguay, and Patagonia.

Syn. Felis pajeros, Desm. Mamm. 1820-1822, 231.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 18, PI. ix.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 69, PI. iv.

Chat pampa, Azara, Hist. Nat. Par. I, 1801, 179.

Vulg. Guiha, Pampa Cat.

guigna, Mol. — Hah. Chile.

Syn. Felis guigna, Mol. Saggio, 1782, 295.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 70.

Vulg. Guiha.

colocolo, Mol. — Hah. Chile and Guiana?

Syn. Felis colocolo, Mol. Saggio, 1782, 295.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 71.

Vulg. Colocolo.

Fam. CANIDS.

CANIS, L.

fulvipes, Martin. — Hah. Chiloe and the Chonos Archipelago.

Syn. Canis fulvipes, Martin, Pr. Zool. Soc. Bond. 1837, 11.

Waterhouse, in Zool. of Beagle, I, 1838, 12, PI. vi.
Gay, Hist. Chile, I, 1847, 58.

Canis lagopus, Molina.

Vulg. Zorra , Paineguru.

magellanicus, Gray. — Hah. Chile and Patagonia.

Syn. Canis magellanicus, Gray, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1836, 88.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 10, PI. v.
Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 59.

Vulpes magellanicus, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. I, 1837, 578.

Vulg. Culpeu.

azarse, Max. — Hah. Chile, La Plata, and Patagonia.

Syn. Canis azaraz, Max. Naturg. Brasiliens, II, 1826, 338.

Waterhouse, Zool. Beagle, Mam. 1838, 14, PI. vii.
Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 61.

Canis ( Lycalopex ) azaraz, Burm. Thiere Bras. I, 1854, 96.
Agouaracliay, Molina, Essais. 317.

Vulg. Ghilla.

MAMMALIA.

165

Fam. MUSTELID^l.

a MARTINS.

GALICTIS, Bell.

vittata, Bell. — Hab. Guiana, Brazil, and Chile, to Patagonia.

Syn. Viverra vittata, Schreber, Saiigt. Ill, 447, Tab. 124.

Gm. Syst. Hat. I, 1788, 89.

Gulo vittatus, Desm. Mamm. 175.

Ursus Brasiliensis, Thunb. Mem. Ac. St. Pet. YI, 401, Tab. xiii.
Galictus vittata , Bell, Zool. Jour. II, 251.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. Bond. II, 203, Tab. xxxv.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 51.

Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, I, 1854, 109.

Le Grison, Buff. XV, 65, Tab. viii.

Vulg. Grison. Huron. Quique, (Chile,) Cachorino de Mato, (Braz.)

b MELINjE.

MEPHITIS, Cuv.

chilensis, . — Hab. Northern and Central Chile.

Syn. Mephitis chilensis, St. Hilaire.

Licht. Berl. Abh. 1838, 272.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 49.
Mephitis furcata , Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, II, 1841, 192.
Vulg. Ghingue. China. Skunk.

patagonica, Licht. — Hab. Patagonia and Southern Chile.

Syn. Mephitis patagonica, Licht. Abh. Berl. 1838, 275.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 50.

Conepatus humboldtii, Gray, Loudon’s Mag. I, 581.

? molinse, Licht. — Hab. Chile.

Syn. Mephitis molince, Licht. Abh. Berl. 1838.

Viverra cliinga, Molina, Saggio, 240.

Obs. This is a very doubtful species.

c LUTRINfE.

LUTRA, Eay.

felina, Gay. — Hab. Coast of Chile.

Sup. Mustela felina, Mol. Saggio, 1782, 330.

Lutra felina, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 45, Lam. ii.
Lutra chilensis, Benn. Pr. Com. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1832, 1.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1838, 22.

Vulg. Gato del Mar. Nutria. Chinchimen. Chungungo. Otter.

huidobria, Gay. — Hab. Colchagua to Valdivia.

Syn. Castor huidobria, Molina, Saggio, 321.

Lutra huidobria, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 47.

Vulg. Guillin. Otter.

166

ZOOLOGY.

Sub Order PENNIPEDIA.

Fam. PHOCIDJ3.

OTARIA, Per.

porcina, Desm. — Hab. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Phoca porcina, Molina, Saggio, 260.

Otaria porcina, Desm. Nouv. Diet. XXY, 602.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 75.
Vulg. Lobo del Mar.

jubata, Desm. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Plioca jubata, Schreb. Saugt. 300.

Otaria jubata, Desm. Mamm. 248.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 75.

Vulg. Leon Marino.

flavescens, Desm. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Phoca flavescens, Shaw, Gen. Zool. I, 1800, 260.

Otaria flavescens, Desm. Mamm. 252.

Schinz, Syn. Mamm, I, 1844, 475.

Otaria molossina, Less, and Garnet, Bull, des Sc. Nat. VIII.
Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 77.

ursina, Desm. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Phoca ursina, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 12, I. 1766, 55.

Otaria ursina, Desm. Mamm. 249.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 78.
Arctocephalus ursinus, F. Cuv. Diet, des Sc. Hat. XXXIX, 554.
Vulg. Sea Lion. Sea Bear.

STENORHYNCHUS, F. Cuv.

leptonyx, F. Cuv. — Hah. Southern Pacific Ocean.

Syn. Phoca leptonyx, Blainv. Jour, de Phys.

Stenorhynchus leptonyx, F. Cuv. Diet, des Sc. Nat. XXXIX, 549.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 79.

Phoca homei, Less. Diet. Class XIII, 417.

MACRORHINUS, F. Cuv.

leoninus.

Syn. Phoca leonina, L. Syst. Nat. I, 1766.

Fischer, Synopsis Mamm. 1829, 234.

Phoca proboscidea, Desm. Mamm. 1820-’22, 238, 368.

Macrorhinus proboscideus, F. Cuv. Diet, des Sc. Nat. XXXIX, 552.

Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 80.

Vulg. Elefante del mar. Sea Lion. Sea Elephant.

MARSUPIALIA.

DIDELPHYS, L.

elegans, Waterh. — Hab. Central Provinces of Chile.

Syn. Eidelphys eleejans, Waterii. Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 95, Pl.
Ib. Nat. Hist. Mamm. I, 1846, 515, PI. xvi, fig. 1.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 84.

MAMMALIA.

167

Didelphys hortensis, Reid, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. V, 1837, 4.
Thylamys elegans. Gray, List Mamm, Br. Mus. 1843, 101.
Vulg. Coviadrejci, Llaca.

RODENTIA.

Pam. HYSTRICIDAX

CAVIINiE.

CAYIA, Erx.

australis, Is. Geoff. — Hat). Andes, from Lat. 33° S. to Patagonia.

Syn. Cavia australis , Is. Geoff. Mag. de Zool. Ill, 1833, PI. xii.

Waterhouse, Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 180, PI. iv.
Kerodon Tcingii, Benn. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. Ill, 1835, 190.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1839, 88.

Vulg. Mountain Rabbit.

CHIN CHXLL3NA3.

LAGIDIUM, Meyen.

cuvieri, Wagn. — Hab. Andes of Chile, Pern, and Bolivia.

Syn. Lagotis cuvieri , Benn. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. May, 1833.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. I, 46, PI. iv.

Lagidium cuvieri , Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, III, 1843, 306.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 222, Pl. vii.

? Lagidium peruanum, Meyen. Nova Acta Acad. K. L. C. XVI, 578.
fCallomys aureus, Geoff. D’Orb. Ann. des Sc. Nat. XXI, 1830, 291.
Vulg. Biscacha , or Viscacha.

criniger, Gay. — Hab. Colchagua.

Syn. Lagotis criniger , Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1848, 92, Lam. v, vi.
Lepus viscacha, Molina, Saggio, 348.

Vulg. Biscacha, or Viscacha.

pallipes, Wagner. — Hab. Andes of Chile and Peru,

Syn. Lagotis pallipes, Bennet, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. Ill, May, 1835, 67.
Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. I, 331, PI. xlii.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 95.

Lagidium pallipes, Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, Satight, III. 1843, 308.
Tschudi, Fauna Peruana, 1845, 165.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 228.

Vulg. Biscacha , or Viscacha.

CHINCHILLA, Benn.

lanigera, Benn. — Hab. Northern Chile and Bolivia.

Syn. Mus laniger, Molina, Saggio, 1789, 267.

Callomys laniger, Gfoff. and D’Orb. Ann. des Sc. Nat. 291.
Chinchilla lanigera , Benn. Garden’s Monog. Zool. Soc. Lond. I, 1.
Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. I, 59.

Waterhouse, Nat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 236.
Chinchilla laniger, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool, I, 1847, 90,

Vulg. Chinchilla.

168

ZOOLOGY.

OCTODONTINJE.

HABROCOMA, Waterh.

bennetti, Waterh. — Hah. Central Provinces of Chile.

Syr. Abrocoma bennetti , Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1837, 31.

Ib. Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1839, 85, PL xxviii.

G-ay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 97.

Habrocoma bennetti , Waterh. Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 248, PI. vii, f. 2.
Habrocoma helvina , Wagner, Wiegm. Archiv. 1842.

CUVieri, Waterh. — Hah. Hear Valparaiso.

Syn. Abrocoma cuvieri, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1847, 32.

Ib. Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 86, PI. xxix.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 98.

Habrocoma cuvieri , Waterh. Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 251.

OCTODON, Benn.

degus, Waterh. — Hah. Central Chile.

Syn. Saurus degus , Molina, Saggio, 1782, 303, 342.

Dendrobius degus, Meyen. Acta Acad. K. L. C. XVI, 1833, 601, PI. xliv.
Octodon degus, Waterh. Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 253, PI. xi, fig. 2.
Octodon cumingii, Benn. Pr. Zool. Soc. II, 1832, 47.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. II, 81, Pl. xvi.

PTschudi, Fauna Peruana, 171, PL xii.

Gay. Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 99.

Vulg. Bori, JDegu.

bridgesii, Waterh. — Hah. Colchagua.

Syn. Octodon bridgesii, Waterhouse, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1844, 153.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 101.

Waterhouse, Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 259.

SCHIZODON, Waterh.

fllSCUS, Waterh. — Hah. Andes of Chile.

Syn. Scliizodon fuscus, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1841, 91.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 102.

Waterhouse, Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 265, Pl. xi, fig. 2.

SPALACOPUS, Wagler.

poeppigii, Wagler. — Hah. Chile, Copiapo to Cauquenes.

Syn. Spalacopus poeppigii, Wagler, Isis, 1832, 1219.

Waterh. Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 269, Pl. ix, f. 1.
Poephagornys ater, F. Cuv. Ann. des Sc. Hat. 2d ser. I, 1834, 321, Pl. xxi.
Waterh. Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1839, 82.

Eydoux and Gerv. Favorite, V, Zool. 1839, 17, Pl. vii.
Psammoryctes noctivagus, Pceppig in Wiegm. Archiv. I, 1835, 252.

? Mus cyanus, Molina, Saggio, 1782, 308.

Vulg. Cururo. Curucho.

CTENOMYS, Blainv.

magellanicus, Benn. — Hah. Straits Magellan. Chile.?

Syn. Ctenomys magellanicus, Benn. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1836, 190.

Ib. Trans. Zool. Soc. II, 84, Pl. xvii.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 106.

Waterhouse, Hat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 283, Pl. ix, f. 2.

MAMMALIA.

169

ECHYMYINAS.

MYOPOTAMUS, Geoff.

coypus, Commers. — Ha"b. Chile, Peru, and Brazil, to Patagonia.

Syn. Mus coypus , Molina, Saggio, 1782, 287.

Myopotamus coypus , (Commers.) G-eoff. Ann. du Mus. YI, 1805, 81.
Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 122.

Waterh. Nat. Hist. Mamm. II, 1848, 297, PI. xv, f. 1.
Vulg. Coypu. Nutria.

MURID M.

MUHINA.

OXYMICTERUS, Waterh.

scalops, Gay. — Hah. Central Chile.

Syn. Oxymicterus scalops , Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 108, Lam. vi.

megalonyx, Gay. — Hah. Quintero, Central Chile.

Syn. Hesperomys megalonyx, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1844, 154.
Oxymicterus megalonyx, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 109.

HESPEROMYS, Waterh.

longipilis, Waterh. — Hah. Central and Northern Chile.

Syn. Mus longipilis, Waterh. Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 55, PI. xvi.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 113.

Hesperomys longipilis, Waterh. 1. c.

renggeri, Waterh. — Hah. Near Valparaiso.

Syn. Mus olivaceus, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1838, 16.

Mus renggeri , Waterh. Zool. of Beagle, 1839, 51, PI. xv, f. 1.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 114.

Hesperomys renggeri, Waterh. 1. c. 1839.

brachyotis, Waterh. — Hah. Chonos Archipelago.

Syn. Mus brachyotis, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1837, 17.

Ib. Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1839, 115, PL xiv.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 115.

Hesperomys brachyotis , Waterh. 1. c.

Irupestris, -. — Hah. Chile.

Syn. Mus rupestris, Gervais, Yoy. de la Bonite, I, 51.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 115, Lam. vi, vii.

xanthorhinus, Waterh. — Hah. Straits of Magellan.

Syn. Mus xanthorhinus, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1837, 28.

Ib. Zool, of Beagle, 1839, 53, PI. xvii, f. 1.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zool. I, 1847, 116.

Hesperomys xanthopygus, Waterh. l.c. (part.)

darwinii, Waterh. — Hah. Province of Coquimho.

Syn. Mus darwinii, Waterh. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1837, 28.

Ib. Zoology of Beagle, Mammal. 1839, 117.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 117.

Hesperomys darwinii, Waterh. 1. c.

22*

170

ZOOLOGY.

liltescens, Gay. — Hab. Central Provinces of Chile.

Syn. Mus lutescens, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 118, Lam. vi, vii.

longicaudatus, Waterh. — Hah. Central Chile.

Syn. Mus longicaudatus, Benn. Pr. Com. Zool. Soc. Bond. 1832, 2.

Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mammalia, 1839, 39, PI. xi.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 119.

Hesperomys longicaudatus , Waterh. 1. c.

darwinii, Waterh. — Hab. Province of Coquimbo.

Syn. Mus darwinii, Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1839, 64, PI. xxiii.
Hesperomys darwinii, Waterh. 1. c.

REITHRODON, Waterh.

chinchilloides, Waterh. — Hab. Straits of Magellan.

Syn. Reithrodon chinchilloides, Waterh. Zool. of Beagle, Mamm. 1849, 72,
PI. xxvii.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 120.

EDENTATA.

Sub Order EFFOBXENTIA,

DASYPUS, L.

minutus, Desm. — Introduced in Chile from the pampas of Buenos Ayres.

Syn. Dasy pus minutus, Desm. Encyclop. Meth. 371.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 131.

Vulg. Quirquincho ; Tato ; Govur.

CHLAMYPHORUS, Harl.

truncatus, Harl. — Hab. Mendoza, and probably the Chilean Cordilleras.

Syn. Chlamyphorus truncatus, Harl. Ann. N. Y. Lyceum, 1825.

Ib. Zool. Jour. II, 1825, 163.

Ib. Med. and Physical Researches.

Yarrell, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 544, PI. xvi, xvii.
Ghlamydophorus truncatus, Wagner, Suppl. Schreber, Saiigt. IY, 1844, 187.

Hyrtl. Sitzb. K. Ak. Wien ; Math. Nat. XII, 1854, 79.

Vulg. Pichiciego nocturno.

RUM1NANTIA.

Fam. CAMELIDiE.

AUCHENIA, 111.

llama, Desm. — Hab. Cordilleras of Chile.

Syn. Auchenia llama, Waterhouse, Zool. of Beagle, Mam. 1838, 26.
Lama quanaco, Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 153.

Vulg. Guanaco.

MAMMALIA.

171

Fam. CERVIDA1.

CERVUS, L.

pudu, Gerv. — Hab. Chile and Chiloe.

Syn. Cervus pudu, G-erv. Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1830.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 158, Lam. ix, x.
Cervs humilis, Bennet, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1831.

Vulg. Venado, Pudu.

hilensis, Gay. — Hah. Cordilleras of Chile.

Syn. Cervus chilensis, Gay and Gervais, Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1846.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 159, Lam. x, xi.
Vulg. Guamul, or Hiiemul.

CETACEA.

Fam. DELPHINIDiE .

DELPHINUS, L.

lunatus, Less. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Delpliinus lunatus, Less. Voy. de la Coquille, 182, PI. ix, f. 4.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 175.

Vulg. Tunina.

albimanus, Peale. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Delpliinus albimanus, Peale, Mam. U. S. Ex. Ex. 1848.

Fam. PHYSETERIDiE.

PHYSETER, L.

macrocephalus, L. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Physeter macrocephalus , L. Syst. Nat. 1766.

Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 177.
Vulg. Cachalot: Sperm Whale.

Fam. BALiENIDiE.

BALiENA, l.

antarctica, Klein. — Hah. Coast of Chile.

Syn. Balcena antarctica , Gay, Hist. Chile, Zoologia, I, 1847, 181.

Vulg. Right Whale.

Obs. — I have omitted the synonomy of this species, not being able clearly to refer it to those
of other authors than Gay.

BIRDS,

BY J. CASSIN.

Order L RAPTORES.

SARCOEAMPHUS GRYPHUS, (Linn.)

Vultur gryplius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 121.

Vultur magellanicus, Siiaw, Mus. Lev. 1192, 1.

Vultur condor, Shaw, Gen. Zool. VII, 1809, 2.

Sarcoramphus condor, Less. Gay, Fauna Cliilena, Aves, 194.

Vulg. Condor, Condoro, and Buitre, of the Chileans.

Figures. — Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, PL xxii.

“ Temm. PL col. 133, 408, 464.

11 Humb. Obs. Zool. Pl. viii.

“ Voy. Bonite Zool. PI. ii.

“ Shaw, Mus. Lev. PI. i.

Of six specimens in the collection, all those labelled as females hear a close resemblance to
the males, but are invariably smaller. The colors are the same, though of somewhat duller
shades, but not brown, as stated by Molina, though the present specimens corroborate his state-
ment respecting the relative sizes of the sexes of this species. (“ La femmina e inferiore in
tutte le sue parti al maschio, e di color bruno.” — Saggio sulla Storia Naturale del Chili, p. 224,
second edition, quarto ; Bologna, 1810.)

This bird, the largest of the family of Vultures, is abundant in nearly all parts of Chile,
and particularly in the valleys of the Andes. The brown plumage alluded to above is that of
the young bird.

Relating to this celebrated bird, we find the following in the notes which have been kindly
placed at our disposal by Lieutenant Gilliss : “ Males are distinguishable from females by a
prominent caruncle, almost as marked as in the domestic cock. When young, the plumage is
downy and bluish black, and the circlet around the neck at that time is very little different in
color from the adult. Between the age of one and two years, the down nearly all disappears,
but the bird remains near the nest, I was informed, until quite two years old. I saw two in San-
tiago that had been there more than a year, and were still unable to fly. As the birds grow
older the wing and back feathers gradually become of brown or ashy gray, and the age may be
known by the extent and brightness of the lighter colored plumage.”

CATHARTES JOTA, (Molina.)

Vultur jota, Mol. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chile, 1782.
Catliartes aura, Illig. Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 202,
Vulg. South American Turkey Vulture. Jote.

Figures. — Vieill, Gal. des Ois. I, PI. iv?

BIRDS.

173

This species, though nearly related to the North American Oathartes aura, constantly pre-
sents characters very probably sufficient to constitute specific distinction. It is apparently, or
so far as can he ascertained from prepared specimens, a more slender bird, and longer in all its
measurements. The last character is particularly applicable to the wings.

Of several specimens of this Vulture in the collection of the Expedition, those labelled as
females are invariably the smaller. This character distinctive of the sexes we are disposed to
regard as prevailing throughout the family of Vultures, as previously mentioned by us, in
“ Illustrations of the Birds of California and Texas,” I, p. 113 ; in this respect differing from
the family Falconidas, in which the female is the larger.

This Vulture is of common occurrence in Chile, and resorts to the seacoast in large numbers
for the purpose of feeding on dead fishes and other marine animals.

CATHARTES ATRATUS, (Bartram )

Vultur atratus, Bartram, Travels, 1791, 289.

Vultur urubu, Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. 1807, 53, PI. ii.

Cathartes urubu, (Vieill.) Gat, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 200.

Vulg. Black Vulture. Jotecillo. Gallinazo.

Figures. — Wilson, Am. Orn. IX, PL lxxv, Fig. 2.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. cvi; oct. ed. I, PL iii.

A single specimen in mature plumage and excellent condition is exactly identical in size and
other characters with the common species of the southern parts of North America. It is the
only specimen presenting this similarity that we have ever seen from South America, and is
larger and in other respects different from the allied Cathartes brasiliensis, which is an inhab-
itant also of that division of this continent.

This species is not abundant in Chile, though represented to be occasionally met with in the
interior.

POLYBORUS THAR US, (Molina.)

Falco tharus, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. del Chile, 1782.

Falco clieriway, Jacquin, Beytr. Gesch. der Vog. 1784, 17.

Falco brasiliensis, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 262.

Polyborus vulgaris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 257.

Caracara vulgaris, (Vieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 207.

Vulg. Caracara Eagle. Traro.

Figures. — Jacquin, Vog. Pl. iv.

<c Vieill. Gal. I, Pl. vii.

“ Spex. B. of Birds, I, Pl. i.

“ Aud. B. of Am. Pl. clxi; oct. ed. I, Pl. iv.

“ Swainson, Zool. 111. I, Pl. ii.

“ Gay’s Chile, Orn. Pl.-i.

Abundant, and for the greater part exhibiting the characters of a Vulture.

Lieutenant Gilliss observes of this bird: “ Exceedingly numerous throughout central and
southern Chile. It is constantly found along the roads and wherever there is a chance of ob-
taining a particle of flesh or offals. At the annual slaughtering of cattle, they congregate by
hundreds, and remain without the corral awaiting their share of the rejected parts. It is so
tame from being little molested, that it may be taken with the lasso, but when captured will
fight desperately. When provoked in captivity it utters a noise not unlike that of the male
Turkey, though much more shrill, and ends by throwing the head back, closing the eyes in
impotent wrath. No amount of kindness or attentive treatment reconciles it to deprivation of
liberty.”

174

ZOOLOGY.

MOEPHNUS UNICINCTUS, (Temm.

Falco unicinctus, Temm. PI. col. I, 1827.

Falco Harrisii , Aud. Orn. Biog. Y, 1839, 30.

Polyborus tceniurus, Tschudi, Wiegm. Archiv. X, 1844, 263.

Buteo unicinctus , (Temm.) G-ay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 216.

Vulg. Bed-winged Fdawlc. Peuco.

Figures. — Temm. PI. col. 313.

“ Aun. B. of Am. PI. 392; oct. ed. I, PI. 5.

11 Tschudi, Fauna Peruana, Orn. PI. 1.

Of this fine species, which is of common occurrence in Cliile, Peru, and other countries of
western South America, and in Mexico, and of interest to the student of North America from
the fact that it has heen met with also in Texas and Louisiana, numerous specimens of adults
and young birds are in the collection. The adult plumage is well represented in the plates of
Temminck and Auduhon, as cited above.

The young bird presents very considerable differences from the adult, though in all the spe-
cimens that we have seen preserving more or less of the fine rufous of the large patch on the
shoulder or wing-coverts. The inferior parts of the body, instead of being of a clear and uni-
form dark brown, are striped longitudinally with dark brown and yellowish white, every feather
having a central stripe of the former and edged with the latter. In some specimens there are
transverse stripes of white on the abdomen. The plumage of the upper parts is more or less
edged with rufous.

In Mexico and Texas this bird is partial to the neighborhood of rivers, and is dull and slug-
gish in its general habits.

MILYAGO CHIMANGO, (Vieill.)

Polyborus chimango, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. Y, 1816, 260.

Aquila pezopora, Meyen, Nov. Acta XYI, Supp. 1834, 62.

Garacara chimango, (Vieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 211.

Vulg. Tiuque.

Figures. — Grav, Genera of Birds I, PI. v.

u Nov. Acta Acad. Breslau XVI, Supp. PI. vi.

Very abundant in Chile and other countries of western South America.

Lieutenant Gilliss observes : et Associated with, and has the same general, though much more
sluggish habits than the Traro ( Polyborus tharus .) In Chile it may be found on all the plains
west of the Andes. At times it will scarcely get out of the road for a horseman.”

PONTOiETUS MELANOLEUCUS, (Vieill.)

Spizcetus melanoleucus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XXXII, 1818, 57.
Falco aquia, Temm. PI. col. I, (not paged.)

Pontocetus melanoleucus, (Gray,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 221.
Vulg. Aquila.

Figure. — Temm. PI. col. I, PL cccii.

Represented as rare, and inhabiting the mountains.

BIRDS.

175

BUTEO ERYTHRONOTUS, (King.)

Halicetus erythronotus , King, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 424.

Buteo tricolor and unicolor, D’Orb. et Lafres, Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 6, 7.

Buteo erythronotus, (Gould,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 215.

Vulg. Bed-backed Buzzard. Aguilucho.

Figures. — D’Orb. Voy. l’Am. Mer. Birds, PI. iii, Figs. 1, 2.

This, in its adult plumage, is one of the handsomest of the Rapacious birds. It extends its
range over the greater part of South America, hut is not common in Chile.

ELANUS LUC URUS, (Vieill.)

Milvus lucurus, Yieill. Nouv. Diet. XX, 1818, 563.

Falco dispar, Temm. PI. col. I, about 1824.

Elanus dispar, (Temm.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 33.

Yulg. White-tailed Hawk. Bailarin.

Figures. — Bonap. Am. Orn. II, PI. xi, Fig. 1.

“ Temm. PI. col. I, PI. cccxix.

11 Aud. B. of Am., PI. ccclii ; oct. ed. I, PI. xvi.

“ Gay’s Chile, Orn. PI. ii.

Several specimens of this handsome bird are precisely identical with others, to which we have
referred for comparison, from the southern States of this Union. This species has therefore an
extensive range of locality, embracing the southern portion of the United States, Mexico, Cen-
tral America, and the countries of western South America. In Lieut. Gilliss’s notes we find
the following : “ Quite numerous. The nestis composed of small sticks, and the female lays
from four to six eggs, of a dirty yellowish white, with brownish spots. Its vulgar name is de-
rived from bailar, to dance or balance, from the easy and graceful manner in which the bird
seems almost to float upward or sink through the air.”

CIRCUS CINEREUS, Yieill.

Circus cinereus, Yieill. Nouv. Diet. IV, 1816, 454.

Falco histrionicus , Quoy and Gaim. Yoy. Uranie, Zool. 1824, 93.

Circus cinereus, (Vieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 239.

Yulg. Nebli.

Figures. — Quoy and Gaim, Yoy. Uranie, Zool. Atlas, Birds, PI. xv, xvi.

This handsome Harrier is common in Chile, and preys on small quadrupeds, reptiles, and
insects.

CIRCUS MACROPTERUS, Vieill.

Circus macropterus, Yieill. Xouv. Diet. IY, 1816, 458.

Falco palustr is, De Wied, Beitr. zur Nat. Bras. Ill, 1830, 224,

Circus super ciliosus, Sess. Traite d’Orn. I, 1831, 87.

Figure. — Temm. PI. col. I, PI. xxii.

Of rare occurrence in Chile, though represented as abundant in other parts of South America.

176

ZOOLOGY.

FALCO NIGRICEPS, Cassin.

Plate XIV.

Fdlco nigriceps, Cassin, Birds of California and Texas I, 1853, 87.

Description. — Very similar in general appearance to Falco anatum of North America, and to
Falco peregrinus of Europe and Asia, hut differs from both in size, in the colors of the young,
and in other characteristics. The hill is disproportionately weaker than in either of those birds.
Adult. Erontal hand of white very narrow; head, and neck above, and cheeks, clear black with
a tinge of cinereous ; other upper parts bluish cinereous, every feather having transverse strips
of brownish black, lighter on the rump and other coverts of the tail. Throat and breast pale
reddish white ; other parts lighter, with circular spots and transverse bands of black, and with
a tinge of cinereous on the flanks and abdomen. Tail above pale bluish cinereous, with trans-
verse bars of brownish black, and narrowly tipped with white. Patch of black on the cheek
very large, and scarcely separated from the same color of the head above and neck. Younger.
Entire plumage above, dark brown ; many feathers, especially on the rump, tipped and edged
with rufous. Tail above brown, with a tinge of ashy, and barred with ferruginous on the
inner webs. Under parts pale reddish ferruginous; paler on the throat; all the feathers with
broad longitudinal stripes of black, and many of them with irregular transverse stripes of the
same color, which predominates on the flanks and under coverts of the wings, which latter are
marked with reddish- white bars and circular spots. Tibiae, with transverse bars of brownish
black. Total length, female, (of skin,) about 47 inches, wing 12 to 13, tail 6 to 6| inches.
Male smaller.

Beautiful specimens of this bird are in the present collection, and we have seen others, which
appear to be identical, from California and New Mexico. They are uniformly smaller than
Falco anatum , and with the bill comparatively weak. The young bird of the species now before
us is of a deeper and different shade of reddish than in that just mentioned, but more resem-
bles Falco peregrinator of India, and Falco puniceus of Africa. The cheeks in the present
species are as strongly marked with black as in Falco melanogenys of Australia. It is of unu-
sual occurrence in Chile, and probably only visits that country in the course of its winter migra-
tion from the north.

TINNUNCULUS SPARVERIUS, (Linn.)

Falco sparverius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 128.

Falco dominicensis , Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 285.

Falco gracilis, cinnamominus and isabellinus, Sw. Cab. Cy. Birds, Part III, 1838, 281.
Falco sparverius, (Linn.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 227.

Vulg. Sparrow-Hawk. Cermcalo.

Figures. — Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. I, PI. xii, xiii.

“ Wilson Am. Orn. II, PL xvi, Fig. 1.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PL xlii, oct. ed. Pl. xxii.

“ Buefon, Pl. Enl. 465.

In specimens of this bird in the present collection, and in many other specimens from South
America that have come under our notice, we have failed to find any characters distinguishing
them from the common bird of the United States. It is of frequent occurrence in Chile, and
has been observed in Patagonia, In the former country it is a constant resident.

ILSJvAil.lixp

Hale XLV.

P S Duval &C° steam litli press Phil

FAlCO NIGRICEPS. CASSIN.

Male.

BIRDS.

m

HYPOTRIOKCHIS FEMORALIS, (Temm.)

Falco femoralis, Temm. PI. col. I, livraison 58.

Harpagus bidentatus , (Gray,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 230.

Vulg. Alcon or Halcon.

Figures. — Temm. PI. col. I, PI. cxxi, cccxliii.

A very handsome South American Hawk, recently added to the fauna of the United States by
Dr. Hermann, who observed and obtained fine specimens in New Mexico.

This species is trained for the pursuit of the smaller gallinaceous birds, and is highly esteemed
by the Chilean falconers. It is stated by Mr. Bridges (Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1843, p. 109)
to become docile and to follow its master in so short a period as fifteen days after its capture.

STRIX PERLATA, Licht.

Strix perlata, Licht. Yerz. 1823, 59.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 257.

Yulg. South American Barn Owl. Lecliuza.

A species peculiar to South America, and much resembling Strix pratincola of North America
and the European Strix Jlammea. The most readily observed distinctive character is the longer
legs, and especially the tarsi of the present bird, (as indicated in the description of Prof. Licht-
enstein,) in addition to which, it is much smaller than the North American species, and smaller
also than Strix Jlammea.

This Owl is represented as of rather unusual occurrence in Chile, hut inhabits sparingly
decayed buildings in all parts of the country. It appears to be very similar in its habits to the
common species of this genus.

BUBO CRASSIROSTRIS, (Vieill.)

Strix crassirostris, Yieill. Nouv. Diet. YII, 1817, 44.

Ultda crassirostris, (Yieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 254.

Strix macrorhyncha, Temm. PI. Col. II, about 1823.

Yulg. South American Horned Owl. Tucuquer.

Figure. — Temm. PI. Col. II, Pl. lxii.

Of this large species excellent specimens of both sexes are in the collection of the Expedition.
It has occasionally been confounded with the Great American Horned Owl of the United States,
( Bubo virginianus ,) but is clearly distinct, and may always be distinguished from that species
by its much larger and more powerful bill.

This is one of the largest Owls of western South America, and is rather an uncommon bird
near cities in Chile, though occasionally met with in the mountains.

OTUS BRACHYOTUS, (Forster.)

Strix brachyotus, Forst. Phil. Trans. London, LXII, 1772, 384.
Strix Georgica, Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. I, 1801, 15.

Ulula otus, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 251.

Yulg. Short-eared Owl. Nuco.

Figures. — Wilson, Am. Orn. IY, PI. xxxiii, Fig. 3.

“ Aud. B, of Am. PI. ccccx ; oct. ed. I, PI. 38.

23*

178

ZOOLOGY.

Some of the finest specimens that we have ever seen of this kind are in the present collection.
We regard them, however, as identical with the bird of North -America. This species is repre-
sented to he rare in Chile.

ATHENE CUNICULAKIA, (Molina.)

Strix cunicularia, Mol. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Strix californica, Aim. B. of Am. PI. ccccxii; (name on plate.)

Athene patagonica, Peale, Zool. Exp. Exp. Vincennes, Birds, *78, first edition 1848.

Noctua cunicularia, (Linn) Gay, Fanna Chilena Aves, 245.

Vulg. Burroicing Owl. Pequen.

This species, very similar to the Burrowing Owl of North America, is abundant on the Pam-
pas, and, like that species, is found in large communities. It lives in holes in the ground,
which, in some instances, it excavates for itself, hut prefers appropriating those made hy various
small quadrupeds, and is one of the few Owls that habitually venture abroad by daylight.

This bird is larger than, and quite distinct from, the North American species, ( Athene
hypugoca,) though apparently very similar in its habits.

Lieutenant Gilliss remarks : “This is the most common of the Owl tribe in Chile, and a pair
may often be encountered in daylight watching from a cactus or hedge an opportunity to strike
one of the numerous field-rats, lizards, &c., which have their holes in the vicinity.”

GLAUCIDIUM NANUM, (Vigors.)

Strix nana, Vig. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 427.

Strix ferox, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. VII, 1817, 22.

Noctua pumila, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 244.

Vulg. Dwarf Owl. Chuncho.

Figure. — Gray’s Gen. of Birds, I, PL xii.

One of the smallest of the birds of this family, and of frequent occurrence in Chile.

Order II. INCESSORES.

Tribe I. CONIROSTRES.

PSARACOLIUS CURAEUS, (Molina.

Plate XV. Adult male.

Sturnus curaeus, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Sfurnus aterrimus, ICittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1334, 467.

Leiestes niger, Swainson, Cab. Cy. Birds, Pt. Ill, 1838, 304.

Agelaius curaeus (Molina,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 348.

Vulg. Chilean Blackbird. Tor do.

This bird, allied to the Grakles and Blackbirds of North America, is abundant in Chile and
other countries of western South America, and, like its relatives of the north, congregates in
large flocks at seasons when not occupied with the duties of incubation. It habitually frequents

IT. S .21 As tr I Kxp ed?

Plate XV

W Draser. Del

Ka.tv.ra_ Size.

PSARACOLHJS CURAEUS. iMOLINA]

U S N.Ast. Exp-

Plate XVI.

I AGELAIUS THILIUS [ MOLINA

Male .

p-S TnivaittCo. steamlilK. press. Diil 5

2 STURNELLA MILITARIS (LINN.)

Male

BIRDS.

179

fields and open plains, running on the ground and attracting attention by its incessant chat-
tering. Being readily domesticated, it is frequently met with in cages at the houses of the
inhabitants.

“In captivity,” says Lieutenant Gilliss, “this bird is taught to pronounce words quite dis-
tinctly. It is one of the farmer’s pests, and many are destroyed; hut though the flesh is good,
it is not esteemed by natives.”

AGELAIUS THILIUS, (Molina.)

Plate XVI, Fig. 1.

Turdus tliilius , Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Xanthornus cayennensis, (Gray,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 346.

Vulg. Yellow-winged Blackbird. Trille.

Another species related to the northern Blackbirds, especially the Bed-wing and others of
the same group. It is, however, strongly characterized and easily distinguished by its yellow
shoulders, agreeably contrasting with the deep black of its other plumage.

This bird inhabits marshes and other localities in the vicinity of water, and is frequently met
with. “This is the bird,” observes Lieut. Gilliss, “from which it has been said came the
name of the country, the notes it utters greatly resembling Ghil-li, Chil-li. It is very abundant
about ploughed fields in the spring of the year.”

STURNELLA MILITARIS, (Liun.)

Plate XVI, Fig. 2. Adult male.

Sturnus militaris, Linn. Mantiss, 1770, 527.

Leistes Americanus, Yig. Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 350.

Vulg. Chilian Lark. Loica.

This handsome bird is intimately related in general form to the meadow lark of the United
States, ( Sturnella ludoviciana ,) but in colors is entirely different. Its habits are, too, very
similar, being found on the plains, and building its nest on the ground.

Several distinct but closely allied species are now known to have been indiscriminately
referred to as Sturnella militaris by naturalists and travellers. The present species, however,
appears to be that really entitled to this designation. It is abundant in Chile.

, PHRYGILUS FRUTICETI, (Kittlitz.)

Fringilla fruticeti, Kittlitz ,Kupf. der Yog. 1833, 18.

Emberiza luctuosa , Eydoitx and Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1836, 24.

Chlorospiza fruticeti, (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 357.

Figures. — Kittlitz, Kupf. PL xxiii, Fig. 1.

“ Guerin Mag. de Zool. 1836, PI. lxxi.

This little Finch frequents fields and shrubbery, but is not a common species. It extends its
range over the whole of western South America, but having been seldom seen by the members
of the Expedition, may be regarded as rare in Chile.

180

ZOOLOGY.

PHRYGILUS UNICOLOR, (D’Orbigny.)

Emberiza unicolor, D’Orbigny, Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 79.

Figure. — Jardine’s Contributions to Ornithology, 1849, PI. xxii.

This bird, like the preceding species, was noticed both in the mountains and plains, but not
in abundance.

PHRYGILUS DIUCA, (Molina.)

Fringilla diuca, Mol. Hist. Hat. del Chile ; Gay’s Fauna Chilena I, 359.

Pipilo cinerea, Peale, Zool. U. S. Ex. Exp. Birds, 1848, 123.

Yulg. Diuca.

Figures. — Kittl. Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. I, PI. xi.

“ Yoy. Favorite Zool. PI. xvii.

“ Guerin’s Mag. 1836, PI. ix.

One of the most abundant and long known birds of western South America. Lieutenant
Gilliss’s notes on this species are as follows: “This is one of the commonest and most widely-
spread birds in Chile. At certain seasons it is found in quite large numbers near the thresh-
ing-fields, or where cattle have stood near a wayside tavern. It is also quite domestic, and
will be found in any street of all the cities. It builds in bushes, returning year after year to
the same nest, and is certainly one of the earliest risers, for I have often heard its sprightly
notes about Santa Lucia before the first streaks of dawn were fairly peering over the Andes.”

PHRYGILUS G A YI, (Eydoux and Gervais.)

Fringilla Gayi, Eyd. and Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1834, (not paged.)

Chlorospiza Gayi, (Eyd. and Gerv.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 355.

Yulg. Gay's Finch.

Figures. — Guerin’s Mag. de Zool. 1834, PI. xxiii.

“ Yoy. Favorite, Ois. PI. xxiii.

A beautiful little Finch, abundant in the vicinity of the cities and about farm-houses, but
retiring to the mountains in the season of incubation. It migrates southward to Patagonia.

ZONOTRICHIA MATUTINA, (Lichtenstein.)

Fringilla matutina, Light. Yerz. 1823, 25.

Tanagra rujicollis, Spin Av. Bras. II, 1825, 39.

Fringilla Mortonii , Aud. Orn. Biog. Y, 1839, 312.

Fringilla matutina, Liciit. Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 360.

Yulg. Collared Sparrow. Chincol.

Figures. — Kittlitz Kupf. PI. xxiii, Fig. 3.

“ Dubois Orn. Gal. PI. xlii.

“ Spix Av. Bras. PI. liii, Fig. 3.

“ Aud. B. of Am. oct. ed. Ill, PI. clxl.

This Sparrow is one of the most abundant of the birds of Chile, and is found diffused also
over almost the whole of South America. In Chile it inhabits the cultivated districts, and is
found also in the mountains at an elevation of several thousand feet.

u S- .V, Astr1 Exped3?'

Plate xvn

“W Dreser, De'.

Size.

CHRYSOMITRIS MARGINALIS, [BONAPARTE^

mw; and female

I. CALLISTE CYANI COLLI S, [d’ORBIGNY.]

2 CALLISTE LARVATA, [□ LI BUS]

l\ SAX As tr1 Expect”

T Sinclair's lith, PluLa

Plate JLVIU.

Adult Male

Adult Male

BIRDS.

181

This bird, though apparently belonging to this genus, does not strictly accord with the char-
acters of that group embracing the North American species. It is well figured in all the plates
cited above, especially in those of Spix and Audubon. The last author erroneously gave it as
a North American bird, from the fact that specimens were contained in the collection sent
home by the late Dr. Townsend, which were, however, obtained in the vicinity of the city of
Valparaiso. It is found in Peru, Brazil, and Patagonia, and exhibits the harmless and unsus-
picious habits characteristic of many of the birds of this family.

CRITHAGRA LUTEI VENTRIS, (Meyen.)

Fringilla luteiventris, Meyen Nova Acta XVI, 1834, 87.

Figure. — Nova Acta Acad. Breslau XVI, PI. xii, Fig. 3.

Several specimens of this bird are labelled as having been obtained in the Andes.

CHRYS OMITRIS ATRATUS, (D’Orb. and Lafres.)

Carduelis atratus, D’Orb. and Lafr. Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 83.

Figure. — D’Orbigny Voy. Am. Mer. Ois. PI. xlviii, Fig. 2.

Specimens are labelled as having been obtained in the interior. This little bird is stated to
appear occasionally in flocks, though it probably visits Chile only in the season of migration.

CHRYSOMITRIS MARGINALIS, Bonap.

Ptate XYII. Male and female.

Chrysomitris marginalis, Bonap. Cons. Av. 1850, 517.

Of this singular new Goldfinch two specimens only are in the collection, which are, however,
male and female. It bears a great resemblance to the European Chrysomitris spinus, but is
larger, and the bill is much stronger ; in fact, the latter character is sufficient to distinguish it
from any other species of this genus with which we are acquainted.

Male, with the head above and large space on the throat, black. Back, yellowish green,
with obscure longitudinal stripes of brownish ; rump and upper tail coverts yellow ; quills
brownish black, at their bases yellow, forming a conspicuous mark on the wing; tail brownish
black ; under parts (except the throat) pale ashy yellow ; bill short, thick. Female very simi-
lar to the male, but with no black on the head and throat, and with the yellow markings on
the wings less conspicuous. In all its colors this bird almost precisely resembles the European
species above mentioned. We have no account of its habits or history.

CALLISTE CYANICOLLIS, (D’Orbigny.)

Plate XYIII, Fig. 1. Adult male.

Aglaia cyanicollis, (D’Orb.) Guerin’s Mag. de Zool. 1837, 33.

Aglaia cacruleocephala, Swains. Cab. Cy. Birds, Pt. Ill, 1838, 356.

Vulg. Blue-headed Tanager.

Of this species, hitherto known as a bird of Peru, one specimen only is in the collection,
without label. Though it is not in our power to present any facts in the history of this beau-

182

ZOOLOGY.

tiful species, we have availed ourselves of the opportunity to figure it in the plates accom-
panying this catalogue. For the convenience of comparison we have figured also —

Plate XVIII, Fig. 2. Adult male.

Calliste larvata, Du Bus. Esquisses Ornithogiques, Pt. II, 1846.

Aglaia Fanny , Lafres. Rev. Zool. 1841, 12.

This bird is a native of Central America and New Grenada. It is closely related to the
species immediately preceding.

CALLISTE GYROLOIDES, (Lafresnaye.)

Plate XIX, Fig. 1.

Aglaia gyroloides, Fafres. Rev. Zool. 1841, 211.

Calliste cyanoventris, Gray, Genera II, 366.

Aglaia peruviana, Swains. Cab. Cy. Birds, Pt. Ill, 356.

Vulg. Peruvian Tanager.

This handsome Tanager has also been known as a bird of Peru. It belongs to a group con-
taining several very nearly allied species which inhabit different parts of South America. The
two last names given above have priority of date over the one that we adopt, hut both were
previously used for species which appear to belong to this group. We have inserted in the
present —

Plate XIX, Fig. 2.

Calliste Desmarestii, Gray, Gen. II, 1804, 366.

Aglaia viridissima, Lafres. Rev. Zool. 1841, 211.

This species inhabits the more southern of the West Indies, and probably the northeastern
part of South America. Another species nearly related to the present two birds is found in
Brazil. It is Calliste gyrola., (Linn.,) and is very similar in general coloring to the birds now
before us, hut may readily he distinguished by its having the shoulders (or lesser-wing coverts)
golden yellow, and its under parts tinged only with blue.

EUPHONIA EUFIVENTRIS, (Vieill.)

Plate XX, Fig. 1. Adult male.

Tanaga rufiventris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. PXXII, 426.

Euplionia bicolor , (Strickland,) Jardine’s Cont. to Orn. 1850, 48.

Of this handsome little bird, previously known as an inhabitant of Peru, one specimen only
is in the collection. It is clearly distinct, though nearly related to others of this group.

In the present we have taken the liberty of inserting, as further illustrating this family
of birds —

Plate XX, Fig. 2. Adult male.

Cldorophonia occipitalis, (Du Bus.)

Euplionia occipitalis, Du Bus, Esqu. Orn. Pt. Ill, 1841.

This is one of the most beautiful of the family of Tanagers, and has escaped the notice of
naturalists until the recent date above given. It is a native of Mexico, and the male has not
before been figured, though the female is given by Du Bus in the work above cited. (PI. xiv.)

IT. S N. Astrl ExpeclJI

Plate Iff

I. CALLISTE GYROLOI DES, [LAFREs]

Adult male .

2. CALLISTE DESM AR ESTI I , [GRAY]

Adult male.

Nate AT

»» ureser j.3;

Sinclairs lit h, 1 'li. .

I. EUPHONIA R U FI V E IN TR I S , [VIEILL]

Adult male

2. CHLDROPHONIA OCCIPITALIS, DU BUS.

Adult made

BIRDS.

183

PHYTOTOMA EARA, Molina.

Phytotoma rara, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Cliili, 1182.

Phytotoma silens, Kittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, 1831, 115,

Phytotoma Bloxhami, (Children,) Griffith’s ed. Cuv. Reg. An. II, 1829, 319.

Phytotoma rara, (Mol.) Gay, Fauna Cbilena, Aves, 363.

Vulg. Ear a.

Figures. — Jard. and Selb. 111. Orn. I, PI. iv.

“ Guerin, Mag. de Zool. 1844, PI. 5.
u Kittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, PI. i.

This bird is of frequent occurrence in Chile, and is one of the most remarkable of the birds
of that country. It is provided with a short, strong hill, with the edges of both mandibles
serrated, and well adapted to the destruction of tender plants or the buds of fruit trees, on
which it subsists, and does much injury to orchards and gardens.

This may he regarded as the only well known species of this singular group of birds, though
several others have been described by naturalists as inhabiting various parts of South America.

Excellent specimens are in the collection of the expedition, mostly obtained in the vicinity of
Santiago, though this bird is found throughout the country from Coquimbo to Chiloe.

Tribe II. DEMIEGSTEES.

AGRIORNIS LIVIDUS, (Kittlitz.)

Thamnophilus lividus, Kittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1834, 465.
Tyrarinus gutturalis , Eyd. and Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1836, 6.

Dasycepliala livida, (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 327.

Vulg. Mero.

Figures. — Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, PL i.

“ Guerin’s Mag. de Zool. 1836, PI. 63.

This species is of frequent occurrence throughout Chile.

MIMUS THENCA, (Molina.)

Turdus thenca, Mol. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 333.

Vulg. Chile Mocking Bird. Thenca , or Trenca.

A species nearly allied to the Mocking Bird of North America, (hlimus polyglottm,') and, like
it, possesses remarkable powers of song. It is a common bird of Chile, and a universal favorite,
frequenting the cultivated parts of the country.

Of the birds of this group, several other species inhabit South America, all of which are more
or less intimately related to our famed northern songster, and possessing considerable reputa-
tion themselves as performers in the same line. The present species is regarded as the best.

MERULA FALKLANDIC A, (Quoy and Gaimard.)

Turdus falklandicus, Quoy and Gaim. Voy. Uranie Zool. I, 1824, 104.
Turdus magellanicus, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 14.

Turdus falklandicus , (Quoy and Gaim.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 331.

184

ZOOLOGY.

This bird is abundant throughout Chile, inhabiting cultivated grounds, and migrating south-
ward. It hears a strong general similarity in colors to the Robin of North America, ( Merula
migratoria .)

Several fine specimens in the collection of the Expedition differ from each other in the shades
of color, though apparently presenting no other different characteristics. There are, however,
several closely allied species of this genus known to inhabit various countries of South America.

MERULA FUSCATEE, (D’Orb. et Lafr.)

Turdus fuscater, D’Orb. et Lafr. Mag. Zool. 1836, 16.

(D’Orb. and Lafr.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 331.

Yulg. Zorzal.

Figure. — D’Orb. Yoy. Am. Mer. Ois. PL ix.

Much resembling the preceding in general character and appearance.

Of this bird Lieut. Gilliss observes: “The Zorzal is extremely common, and one of the
greatest pests of the vineyard when the fruit is maturing. It is exceedingly sluggish in its
habits, and will suffer hoys to drive it between two gradually inclining hedges, until the space
is so narrow that it rises with difficulty, if at all, and is knocked on the head, to find its way
to the tables of the better classes, by whom its flesh is greatly esteemed. It is also occasionally
captured and retained in cages, but I never heard one sing. Albinoes of this species are not
uncommon.”

PTEROPTOCHUS MEGAPODIUS, Kittlitz.

Pteroptochus megapodius, Kittlitz Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, 1830, 182.

Megalonyx ru/us, Less. Cent. Zool. 1830, 200.

Yulg. Great-footed Ground Thrush. Turco.

Figures. — Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, PL iv.

“ Less. Cent. Zool. PI. lxvi.

This is one of the most singular of the birds of Chile. It is about the size of the robin of
North America, of plain colors — brown above and yellowish white below — with a short tail,
and the legs and feet so disproportionately large as almost to appear deformed. Frequenting
the ground, and moving with a gait more of the character of hopping than walking, and with
its tail habitually carried erect, it attracts attention by its grotesque appearance. “On first
seeing it,” says an excellent naturalist and very agreeable writer who visited Chile, (Mr.
Charles Darwin, M. A. F. R. S.) “one is tempted to exclaim, ‘ a vilely-stuffed specimen has
escaped from some museum, and has come to life again!’ ”

This species subsists on insects, and is frequently met with throughout the country.

PTEROPTOCHUS ALBICOLLIS, Kittlitz.

Pteroptochus albicollis, Kittlitz Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, 1830, 180.
Pteropjtochus megapodius , (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 302.
Megalonyx rnedius , Lesson 111. Zool. 1831, (not paged.)

Yulg. White-throated Ground Thrush. Tapaculo.

Figures. — Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, PI. iii.

“ D’Orbigny Yoy. Am. Mer. Ois. PL viii, Fig. 2.

“ Less. 111. Zool. PL lx.

“ Kittl. Kupf. PI. xvi, Fig. 2.

BIRDS.

185

This bird, though smaller than the preceding, is, like it, remarkable on account of its
appearance and odd movements. It is an abundant species, and lives in waste lands, always
frequenting the ground. Both the species now mentioned have loud and very peculiar notes ;
another of this group, related to the present species, has, from its voice, obtained the name of
“the harking bird.” The name of the bird now before us as given above, and by which it
appears to he known in the districts it inhabits, Tapacido, it would not perhaps befit us to
translate literally into English on the present occasion. It seems to have been derived, how-
ever, from its habit of carrying its tail erect, probably to the disadvantage, as the artists say,
of the posterior view. Lieutenant Gilliss says, however: “This bird may he heard on all the
hills of the interior in the central provinces uttering its tap-pa-ciil, tap-pa-ciil, which is most
probably the origin of its common name.”

LICHENOPS ERYTHROPTERUS, Gould.

Lichenops erythropterus , Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 1841, 52.

Lichenops perspicillatus, (Gray,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 337.

Motacilla perspicillata, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 969.?

Vulg. Colegial.

Figure. — Voy. Beagle, Birds, PI. ix.

A handsome little bird, frequenting the ground, and usually met with in the vicinity of
streams of water and other damp localities.

This species has been regarded by late ornithologists as the female or young of Lichenops
perspicillatus , though it appears to us to present peculiar characters. All the specimens in the
collection of the Expedition are in the plumage described by Mr. Gould as above.

TiENIOPTE R A PYROPE, (Kittlitz.)

Mnscicapa pyrope, Kittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Peters. I, 1830, 191.

Tceniopter a pyrope, (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 335.

Vulg. Garnet-eyed Fly-catclier . Diucon.

Figure. — Mem. Acad. St. Peters. I, PI. x.

This plain but interesting Fly-catcher is abundant in Chile and other countries of the western
coast of South America. It is related, not remotely, to various species of the northern tyrant
fly-catchers.

This bird is particularly remarkable on account of its bright red irides, from which has been
derived its specific name.

PTYONURA MENTALIS, (Lafresnaye.)

Muscisaxicola mentalis, Lafres. Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 66.

Figure. — D’Orbigny, Voy. Am. Mer. Ois. PI. xli, Fig. 1.

A little Fly-catcher much resembling in color and general characters the common pewee Fly-
catcher of North America, ( Tyrannulct fusca), but, unlike it, lives habitually in the low bushes
and on the ground. It inhabits the most barren districts in the mountains, and at some seasons
ranges over the plains in small flocks. It is partial to the vicinity of streams of water and of
marshy places.

24*

186

ZOOLOGY.

PTYONURA RUFIVERTEX, (Lafresnaye.)

Iluscisaxicola rufivertex, Laf. Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 66.

Figure. — D’Orb. Voy. Am. Mer. Ois. PI. xl, Fig. 2.

Of this Fly-catcher fine specimens are in the collection of the Expedition. It inhabits the
mountains.

CYANOTIS OMNICOLOR, (Vieill.)

Regulus omnicolor, Vieill. Gal. des Ois. 1, 1825, 271 ; Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 319.

Sylvia rubigastra, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XI, 1807, 277.

Regulus Byronensis, Gray, Giff. Cuv. VII, 1829, 42.

Vulg. Siete-color.

Figures. — Gay’s Chile, Birds, PI. iii.
t£ Vieill. Gal. I, PI. clxvi.

One of the most beautiful of the birds of western South America, though not abundant in
Chile. It is allied to the crested wrens of North America and Europe, and appears to resemble
them in habits, living in the forests and subsisting on small insects.

Lieutenant Gilliss observes of this species : £ £ This is undoubtedly the most brilliant bird of
Chile, hut is not very abundant. It lives in the vicinity of marshy ground where the typha
angustifolia grows, on one of the stalks of which its nest is usually constructed. The nest is
correctly represented in Gay’s Fauna Chilena.”

Tribe III. — FISSIRQSTRES.

STENOPSIS PARVULUS, (Gould.)

Caprimulgus parvulus, Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 1841, 37.

Gaprimulgus bifasciatus, (Gould) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 261.

Vulg. Gallina ciega.

This little Night-Hawk appears to be frequent in open lands near the foot of the mountains.
It is a very distinct and well-marked species, and one of the smallest of the Caprimulgidce which
are known to inhabit America.

Tribe IV. — TENUIROSTRES.

TEOCHILUS GIGAS, Vieill.

Trochilus gigas, Vieill. Gal. I, 1825, 296.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 273.

Ornismya tristis, Less. Hist. Nat. des Ois. Mouches, 1829, 12.

Ornismya gigantea, D’Orb. and Lefr. Guerin’s Mag. 1838, 26.

Vulg. Giant Humming-Bird. Picaflor grande .

Figures. — Vieill. Gal. des Ois. I, PI. 180.

££ Less. Ois. Mouches, PI. iii.

This Humming-Bird, the largest yet discovered of its family, is one of the most abundant of
the species of these birds found in Chile.

BIRDS.

187

TEOCHILUS GALERITUS, Molina.

Trochilus galeritus, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Mellisuga Kingii, Vigors. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 432.

Ortliorliynclius seplianoides , Lesson, Voy. Coquille Ois. I, 1826, 681.

Trochilus seplianoides , (Less.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 275.

Vulg. Fire-crowned Humming-Bird. Picajlor. Pinuda.

Figures. — Gould, Mon. Troch. Pt. Ill, PI. i.
u Voy. Coquille Ois. PL xxxi, Fig. 2.

This beautiful species of Humming-Bird, remarkable for its red crest, is found in abundance
in Chile, and ranges over a great extent of the other countries of the western coast of South
America.

TROCHILUS LEUCOPLEURUS, (Gould.)

Oreotrochilus leucopleurus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. Soc., London, 1847, 10.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 277.

Vulg. White-sided Mountain Humming-Bird.

Figure. — Gould. Mon. Troch. Pt. I, PI. iii.

Several specimens of this beautiful and curious Humming-Bird are in the collection of the
Expedition, and were all obtained in the Andes at an elevation of several thousand feet. It
appears to he exclusively an inhabitant of the higher valleys and approaches to near the line of
perpetual snow.

CINCLODES VULGARIS, (D’Orb. and Lafr.)

Uppucerthia vidgaris, D’Orb. and Lafr. Guerin’s Mag. 1838, 22.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 282.

Vulg. Churrete.

Figures. — D’Orb. Voy. d’Am. Mer. Ois. PI. lvii, Fig. 1.

A species found sparingly in Chile, hut more abundant in other parts of South America. It
is one of a curious group of birds, reminding us of the wrens, though of greatly increased di-
mensions.

The present bird is found along streams of water, running on the ground and subsisting on
insects.

CINCLODES NIGROFUMOSUS, (D’Orb. and Lafr.)

Uppucerthia nigr of umosa, D’Orb. and Lafr. Guerin’s Mag. 1838, 23.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 283.

Opetiorliynchus lanceolatus, Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 1841, 68,

Vulg. Molinero.

Figures. — Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds, PI. xx.

“ D’Orb. Voy. Am. Mer. PI. lvii, Fig. 2.

This bird lives almost exclusively on the shores of the sea, though occasionally met with on
the margins of rivers and the smaller streapas of water in the interior. It runs on the ground
with facility, and is abundant on the coast of Chile.

188

ZOOLOGY.

UPPUCERTHIA DUMETORIA, Geoffr.

Eppucertliia dumetorico, Geoffroy, Nouv. Ann. du Mus. I, 1832, 394.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 284.

Figure. — Voy. Beagle, Birds, PI. xix.

Another of the birds of the same general habits as the two preceding. This fine species in-
habits all parts of the country, hut is most frequently seen in the plains, and frequently in the
most barren districts. It is, however, occasionally met with in the Andes, as indicated by labels
attached to specimens in the present collection. It is of common occurrence in Chile, and in
other countries of western South America.

ERICORNIS MELANURA, Gray.

Plate XXI, Fig. 1. Adult male.

Ericornis melanura, G. B. Gray, Gen. Birds, I, 1847, 133.

Wings short, fourth quill slightly longest ; tail rather long, rounded ; hill very straight,
slender ; tarsi and toes strong. Head above and hack pale brown, tinged with cinereous ; rump
and upper coverts of the tail bright rufous ; quills dark brown, with the basal half of the
shorter primaries and of the secondaries rufous. Throat and breast silky white ; abdomen ashy;
ventral region and under coverts of the tail rufous, darker on the latter. Bill dark, under
mandible white at base ; legs dark. Total length (of skin) about 7 inches, wing 3i, tail 3|.

Several specimens of this bird are in the collection of the Expedition, all of which agree very
nearly in markings, and uniformly present the black tail, which distinguishes this species from
E. plicenicura , (Gould.)

This bird habitually frequents the ground, and subsists on insects.

SYNALLAXIS D O R S O-M A C UL AT A, D’Orb and Laf.

Synallaxis dorso-maculata , (D’Orb and Lap.) Guerin’s Mag. 1837, 21.

Sylvia melanops. (Vieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 293.

Figures. — D’Orb. Voy. Am. Mer. Ois. PI. xiv, Figs. 1 and 2.

This little bird is labelled as having been obtained in the interior. It inhabits the vicinity
of water-courses, but is not abundant.

SCYTALOPUS FUSCUS, Gould.

Plate XXI, Fig. 2.

Scytalopus fuscus , Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1836, 89.

Scytalopms obscurus, (Gould) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 308.

Vulg. Chircan Negro,

A single specimen only is in the collection of the Expedition. It is labelled as being a male
bird, and the entire plumage is uniform dark slate color. Senor Salinas informed Lieut. Gilliss
that this bird had wholly escaped his attention previously, perhaps because of its frequenting
marshy ground, as much as from its obscure color.

It was obtained in the vicinity of Santiago.

II.S.N.Astrl Expcd”

Plate XXI

T Sinclair's lith, Phila'

Natural Site

1. ERICORNIS MELANURA,[GRAY] 2. SCYTAL0PU5 FUSCUS, [GOULD.]

Adult

Adult

D. S. If. Astr! Exped

PSITTACUS OCHROCEPHALUS, G M ELI N .

BIRDS.

189

Tribe V. SCANSORES.

CONURUS CYANOLYSIOS, (Molina.)

Psittacus cyanolysios, Mol. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 367.

Psittacus patagonus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XXV, 1817, 367.

Vulg. Patagonian Parrot. Loro.

Figures. — Lear’s Parrots, PI. x.

“ Voy. Coquille Ois. PI. xxxv.

Of this interesting species, Lieut. Gilliss remarks: “ Among the most numerous of all birds
in the central provinces of Chile, congregating in flocks of hundreds to feed in the wheat fields
in December, and on the seeds of the cardo (Cynara cardunculus,) when mature, during the
month of April. Its nest is formed in holes along the river hanks, from which flocks issue
screaming most discordantly. In earthquakes they quit their nests in great terror, flying
round and round, uttering their shrillest notes. The young birds are considered delicacies,
and may always he found in the markets during the breeding season.”

Several fine specimens of this bird are in the collection of the Expedition. This species shows
a remarkable affinity to the Ground Parrots of Australia.

PSITTACARA LEPTOEHYNCHA, King.

Psittacara leptorhyncha, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 14.

Psittacus rectirostris, Meyen, Nova Acta. XVI, 1834, 95.

Leptorliynclius ruficaudus , Swainson, Cab. Cy. Birds, II, 1837, 300.

Enicognathus leptorliynclius (King,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 370.

Psittacus cheroyeus, Molina.

Vulg. Choroy.

Figures. — Lear’s Parrots, PL xi.

“ Nova Acta, Breslau, XVI, PL xv.

Two specimens in the collection are labelled as having been obtained in the interior of Chile.
It is remarkable for its pointed and attenuated upper mandible, and very probably presents
habits differing from those usually possessed by birds of this family. We much regret that no
notes relating to this species are in our possession.

PSITTACARA SMARAGDINA, (Gm.)

Psittacus smarcigdinus, Gmelin,- Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 322.

Figure. — Bufe, Pl. Enl. lxxxv.

A single specimen of this species is labelled as having been obtained in Chile.

PSITTACUS OCHROCEPHALUS, Gmelin.
Plate XXII. Adult male.

Psittacus ochroceplialus , Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 339.
Vulg. Clioroy.

Total length (of skin) about 15 inches, wing 8^, tail 5£ inches.

190

ZOOLOGY.

One specimen only is in the collection, and is labelled as having been obtained in the interior
of the country. This appears to be the bird entitled to the name above cited, though it has
been applied to other species of the same group nearly allied and somewhat difficult to distin-
guish.

COLAPTES PITIUS, (Molina.)

Ficus pitius, Mol. Sagg.'Stor. Nat. Chile, 1782.

Ficus chilensis, Lesson, Yoy. Coquille Ois. 1826, 241.

Golaptes pitiguus, (Mol.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 373.

Yulg. Carpintero, Pitigiie.

Figure. — Voy. Coquille Ois. PI. xxxii.

This fine species, allied to the northern Golden Shafted Woodpecker, or Flicker, ( Golaptes
auratus ,) is common throughout the southern part of Chile, and is met with sparingly in the
north. It is an inhabitant of the plains, and habitually frequents the ground, subsisting on
small insects.

PICUS LIGNARIUS, Molina.

Picus lignarius, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Ficus melanocephalus, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 14.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 372.

Picus puncticeps, D’Orbigny, Yoy. Am. Mer. Ois. 1835, 379, PI. lxiv, Fig. 1.

Inhabits wooded and mountainous districts, and is extensively diffused throughout western
South America.

Order III. RASORES.

COLUMBA AEAUCANA, Lesson.

Columba araucana , Lesson Yoy. Coquille Zool. I, 1826, 706.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 376.

Golumba denisea, Temm. PL col. I, (not paged.)

Golumba Fitzroyi, King Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 15.

Vulg. Torcassa.

Figures. — Yoy. Coquille, Atlas, Birds, PL xl.

“ Temm. Pl. col. 502.

This very handsome bird, one of the largest of the Pigeons of South America, inhabits nearly
the whole of Chile, rearing its young in the forests and mountainous districts, and at other
seasons congregating in flocks. It extends its range southwardly to Cape Horn and Tierra
del Fuego.

Lieutenant Gilliss observes: “This is a much finer bird for the table than the pigeon of North
America, being larger and more juicy. Like it, the species congregates in flocks during the
latter part of autumn and winter, and large numbers are brought to the market in Santiago
from the woody hills in the vicinity. At times it is so abundant that four birds may he bought
for a rial; hut during the autumn and winter of 1852 (May to September) there were scarcely
any seen. It migrates southward.”

BIRDS.

191

ZENAIDA AURITA, (Temminck.)

Columba aurita, Temm. Pig. et Gall. II, 1811, 60.

Peristera auriculata, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 1847, 381.

Vulg. Tortola , Tortolita. >

Figures. — Temm. Pig. II, PI. xxv.

“ Gay, Chile, Aves, PI. vi.

Several specimens of this bird are in the collection, and it is represented to he the most
abundant of the doves of Chile. Although our specimens appear to he the species figured by
Temminck as above, they bear a strong resemblance to that described and figured as a distinct
bird by Gay. We suspect that they are identical.

The present bird is of common occurrence throughout the country, and is killed for the table.
At some seasons it assembles in large flocks, and in its migrations extends its range south-
wardly.

COLUMBINA STREPITANS, (Spix.)

Columba strepitans, Spix Av. Bras. II, 1825, 57, PI. lxxv, Fig. 1.

Vulg. Tortolita Cordillerana.

The specimens of this pretty little species are labelled as having been obtained in the mount-
ains. It is usually found on the ground, and appears to be partial to the vicinity of streams
of water.

THINOCORUS ORBIGNYIANUS, Less.

Thinocorus Obignyianus, Less. Cent. Zool. 1830, 137.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 387.

Vulg. Agachadera. Petaquito.

Figure. — Lesson Cent. Zool. PI. xlix, 1.

This is a bird of a singular group, the species of which appear to be peculiar to the countries
of western South America.

The present species inhabits the plains, and is found also in the valleys of the Andes. Our
specimens bear labels indicating the latter locality. It frequents the ground, on which it runs
with great swiftness, and occasionally congregates into flocks.

THINOCORUS RUMICIVORUS, Eschsch.

Thinocorus rumicivorus, Eschscholtz, Zool. Atlas, 1829, 2.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 387.

Thinocorus Eschscholtzii, Less. Cent. Zool. 1830, 140.

Ocypetes Torquatus, Wagler.

Vulg. Agadachera de la Cordillera. Perdizita.

Figures. — Eschsch. Zool. Atl. PL ii.

“ Less. Cent. Zool. PI. 1. * -

A larger species than the preceding, and is an inhabitant of the higher mountain valleys,
but not exclusively, being found also on the plains.

In addition to the two species here given, and which are well known as birds of Chile, we

192

ZOOLOGY.

have seen a third, T. Swainsonii, Lesson, also from that country. All these very considerably
resemble each other in colors and other characters, hut differ so materially in size as to leave
no doubt of their specific distinctness. T. rumicivorus is the largest, T. Swainsonii the smallest.

ATTAGIS GAYII, Less.

Attagis Gayii, Lesson Cent. Zool. 1830, 135.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 384.

Yulg. Perdiz Cordillerana.

Figures. — Less. Cent. Zool. PI. xlvii.

Gay’s Fauna Chilena Orn. PI. (not numbered.)

Several fine specimens of this remarkable bird were obtained in the Andes, which it inhabits
at a considerable elevation. It lives entirely on the ground, and is generally met with in small
parties or coveys.

This bird appears to us to present affinities to the grouse, though exhibiting singularly well-
marked generic characters. It is one of the most remarkable of the birds of Chile.

N OTHUEA PEEDIC ARIA, (Kittlitz.)

Cr yptur us per dicar ius, Kittl. Mem. Acad. St. Peters. I, 1830, 192.

Yulg. Perdiz.

Figure. — Mem. Acad. St. Peters. I, PL xii.

This bird is frequently met with throughout nearly the whole of Chile. It is usually seen in
the cultivated districts, but appears also, from specimens now before us, to be an inhabitant of
the mountains. It lives entirely on the ground, and is shot for the table.

In the collection of the Expedition several specimens are considerably smaller than others,
though otherwise so very similar that we can determine no specific differences. The smaller
specimens are, moreover, labelled as females, which at present we are disposed to regard them.
Lieutenant Gilliss’s notes on this species are as follows: “This bird never congregates in

flocks or coveys, but is only seen in pairs, and when startled utters a shrill noise until it
alights, after a few minutes’ flight. The adult bird is one-fourth larger than the partridge of
the United States, and it attains maturity in one year; its flesh is quite as white, and more
juicy. It lays twelve to fourteen eggs, of a beautiful and uniform sombre violet color, highly
polished.”

Order IV. GRALLATORES.

ARDEA COCOI, Linn.

Ardea cocoi, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 237.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 409.

Ardea ceerulescens , Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XIY. 1817, 413.

Ardea maguari , Spix, Av. Bras. II, 1824, 71.

Yulg. P atagonian Heron. Cuca.

Figure. — Spix, Av. Bras. II, PI. xc.

A single specimen only of this large species is in the collection of the Expedition, and is stated
to have been obtained in the interior of the country.

Lieut. Gilliss remarks : “This very rare bird in central Chile was presented by Senor Salinas,

BIRDS.

193

who would not depreciate its merit by assigning a price to it. The only other specimen which
had been obtained by the same gentleman in three years had also been given away — the latter
to an eminent clergyman in Santiago.”

EGEETTA GALATEA, (Molina.)

Ardea galatea, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782 ; 2d edition, 1810, 205.

Ardea egretta , Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 629.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 410.

Egretta leuce, Bonap. Comp. List. 1838, 47.

Ardea leuce , (Illiger.) Bonap. as above.

Vulg. Greater White Heron. Garza grande.

Figures. — Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, PI. lxi, Fig. 4.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PL ccclxxxvi ; oct. ed. VI, PL ccclxx.

Several specimens of this fine Heron in the collection of the Expedition are precisely similar
to the bird of North America; and as the description of Molina, cited above, appears to have
been intended for this species, we have adopted it. It is abundant at some seasons in Chile,
frequenting the vicinity of the rivers.

EGRETTA THULA, (Molina.)

Ardea thula, Mol. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782 ; 2d edition, 1810, 205.

Ardea candidissima, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 411.

Vulg. Lesser White Heron. Garza Chica.

This is a small white species, nearly related to the Snowy Heron of North America, ( Egretta
candidissima). It is frequently met with in Chile, and appears to he a constant resident,
inhabiting the vicinity of rivers and marshes.

Of this and other species of Herons Lieut. Gilliss observes: “ They name three species of
Garzas in Chile : Garza grande, Garza chica, and Garza, of which the last must he intermediate
in size between the great and small. These birds are common at all seasons about the hanks
of the fresh-water streams and lakes of the interior, and may frequently he seen in hands of
fifteen or twenty.”

NYCTICORAX GARDENI, (Gmelin.)

Ardea Gardeni, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 645.

Ardea cyanocephala, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782.

Nycticorax americanus, Bonap. Comp. List. 1838, 49.

Ardea nycticorax, (Linn.) Wilson, Audubon, and other authors.

Nycticorax ncevius, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 422.

Vulg. American Night Heron. Guairabo.

Figures. — Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, PI. lxi.

<c Aud. B. of Am. PI. 236 ; oct. ed. VI, PI. ccclxiii.

This bird appears to he specifically identical with that of North America, and is common in
western South America.

25*

194

ZOOLOGY.

BOUTAURUS EXILIS, (Gmelin.)

Ardea exilis, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 645.

Gat, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 411.

Vulg. The Least Bittern. Guairabo amarillo.

Figures. — Wilson, Am. Orn. VIII, PI. lxv, Fig. 4.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. ccx ; oct. ed. VI, PI. ccclxvi.

Specimens in the collection appear to he identical with others obtained in Pennsylvania, hut
are not in mature plumage. This bird, according to Lieut. Gilliss, whose information is from
Senor Salinas, is exceedingly rare in Chile. It was a present from Sehor S.

SCOLOPAX PARAGUAY^;, Vieill.

Scolopax paraguayoe, Vieill. Ency. Metli. Ill, 1823, 1160.

Gallinago paraguice, (Vieill.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 426.

Vulg. Avecasina.

Like its near relative of the north, Scolopax Wilsonii, this bird inhabits marshes and other
localities in the neighborhood of streams of water, though not stated to he abundant.

RHYNCHffiA SEMICOLLARIS, (Vieill.)

Totanus semicollaris , Vieill. Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 402.

Phynchcea semicollaris , Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 429.

Bhynchcea occidentalism King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 94.

Vulg. Painted Snipe. Avecasina pint ada.

Figure. — Lesson, 111. Zool. PL xviii.

This very handsome Snipe is abundant throughout the country. Several specimens in the
collection are labelled as having been obtained in the vicinity of Santiago.

NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS, Lath.

Numenius hudsonicus, Lath. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 712.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 419.

Scolopax borealis , Wils., Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 22.

Vulg. Short-billed Curlew. Perdiz del mar.

Figures. — Wils. Am. Orn. VII, PL lvi, Fig. 1.

“ Aud. B. of Am. Pl. ccxxxvii ; oct. ed. VI, PI. ccclvi.
Several specimens in the collection.

CALIDRIS ARENARI A, (Linn.)

Tringa arenaria, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251.

Charadrius calidris, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 255.

Calidris tringoides, Vieill. Gal. des Ois. II, 1825, 95.

Vulg. Sanderling. Pollito bianco.

Figures. — Vieill. Gal. PI. ccxxxiv.

“ Wils. Am. Orn. VII, PI. lix, Fig. 4.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. ccxxx ; oct. ed. V, PI. cccxxxviii.

Strictly similar to the bird of North America in the plumage, and usually met with in winter.

BIRDS.

195

PELIDNA PECTORALIS, (Say.)

Tringa pectoralis, Say, Long’s Exp. I, 1823, 111.

Vulg. Pollito negro.

Figures. — Bonap. Am. Orn. IY, PI. xxiii, Fig. 2.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. ccxciv ; oct. ed. Y, PI. cccxxix.
Several specimens of both sexes.

HIATICULA TRIF ASCI AT A, (Licht.)

Charadrius trifasciatus, Licht. Yerz. 1823, 11.

Charadrius falklcmdicus, Lath. Ind. Orn. II, 1190, 141?.

Charadrius cmnidigerus , Wagler, Syst. Av. 1821?.

Yulg. Banded Plover. Angelito.

The best characterized and most mature specimens of this handsome little species that we
have ever seen are in the present collection, and were obtained in the vicinity of Santiago.

It is probable that all the above named are synonymes, and that others are to be added in the
study of this bird in its various ages and stages of plumage.

HIATICULA AZAEA1, (Temm.)

Charadrius Azarce , Temm. PI. col. Y, 1823, 31.

Charadrius collaris, Yieill. Nouv. Diet. XXYII, 1818, 136.

Yulg. Azara’s Plover.

Figure. — Temm. PI. Y, PI. clxxxxiv.

The specimens in the collection of the Expedition are in the plumage of young birds.

VANELLUS CAYANNENSIS, (Gmelin.)

Parra cayanensis , Gm. Syst. Xat. I, 1188, 106.

Vanellus cayennensis, (Gmel.) G-ay, Fauna Chilena, 400.

Charadruis lampronotus, Wagler Syst. Av. 1821, (not paged.)

Yulg. South American Lapwing. Queltregue.

Figure. — Buff. PI. Enc. 836.

This handsome bird extends its range over nearly the whole of the northern part of South
America,

Specimens in the collection of the Expedition were obtained in the interior of Chile. Lieu-
tenant Gilliss observes: “This bird is usually found in marshy grounds formed by the over-
flowing of the irrigating canals or on river banks. It is very common from Coquimbo south-
wardly. When disturbed, it utters a disagreeable cry, not unlike Kil-te-hue , and this may be
heard at all hours of the day or night in the districts that it frequents.

RALLUS CJESIUS, (Spix.)

Gallinula Ccesia, Spix Av. Bras. II, 1825, 13.

Rallies bicolor, Cuv. Gay Fauna Chilena, Aves, 434.

196

ZOOLOGY.

Vulg. Hoary Rail. Pollola. Piden.

Figures. — Spix Av. Bras. II, PI. lxlv.

“ Gay’s Chile, Aves, PI. (not numbered.)

One specimen only of this species is in the collection, and is labelled as having been obtained
in the interior of Chile.

GALLINUL A CRASSIROSTRIS, (Gray.)

Fulica crassirostris, Gray, Grilf. Cuv. Ill, 1829, 542, (plate.)

Gallinula crassirostris , (Gray) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 436.

Vulg. Thick-billed Gallinule. Taguita.

Figure. — Gay’s Chile, Aves, PI. (not numbered.)

This handsome Gallinule is of frequent occurrence throughout the country. It inhabits the
vicinity of the water-courses and marshes in the interior.

HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, Vieill. .

Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. X, 1817, 42.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 424.

Charadrius hymantopus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 255.

Vulg. Perrito. The Stilt.

Figures. — Wilson Am. Orn. VII, PI. lviii, Fig. 2.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. cccxxviii; oct. ed. VI, PI. cccliv.

Specimens in the collection are strictly identical with the species of North America. It is
stated to he frequently met with in Chile.

FULICA CHILENSIS, Gay.

Fulica chilensis, Gay Fauna Chilena, (plate only.)

Vulg. Chilian Coot. Tagua.

Figure. — Gay’s Chile, Aves, PI. (not numbered.)

Several specimens inthe collection of the Expedition appear to he this species, and are labelled
as having been obtained in the vicinity of Santiago.

CICONIA PILLUS, (Molina.)

Tantalus pillus , Mol. Sagg. Chile, 1782.

Ardea maguari, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 623.

Ciconia maguaria, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 415.

Vulg. American Stork. Pillo.

Figure. — Spix Av. Bras. II, PI. lxxxix.

A fine species of Stork, well known as a bird of South America, and which appears to occur
throughout nearly the whole of that portion of this continent. It frequents marshes and
swamps, and feeds on Crustacea and other aquatic animals. In Chile it is stated to he rather
an unusual bird.

BIRDS.

197

IBIS MELANOPIS, (Gmelin.)

Tantalus melanopis, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 653.

Ibis melanopis, (Gm.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 417.

Vulg. Black-faced Ibis. Bandurria.

Figure. — Buff. PI. Enl. 976.

This Ibis is frequently met with in the interior. Specimens in the collection are labelled as
having been obtained in the mountains.

IBIS GUARAUNA, (Linn.)

Scolopax guarauna, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 242.

Tantalus clialcopterus , Temm. PI. col. V. p. (liv. 86.)

Ibis falcinellus, Temm. Gay Fauna Chilena, Aves, 416.

Vulg. Southern Glossy Ibis. Cuervo.

Figure. — Temm. PI. col. 511.

A species nearly related to, hut apparently distinct from, the Ibis Ordii of North America.
It is of common occurrence in the countries of western South America, and has been met with
in Mexico, and northwardly within the limits of the United States.

In Chile the present bird at some seasons congregates in flocks of considerable size, and
migrates southward. Lieutenant Gilliss observes of this species: “I will not say that this
bird keeps company with the garzas, hut it is constantly seen in the same localities, apparently
on the most friendly terms.”

PLATALEA A J A J A, Linn.

Platalea ajaja, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 231.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 414.

Vulg. Roseate Spoonbill. Planeta. Cuchareta. Espatula.

Figures. — Buff. PI. Enl. 165.

“ Wilson Am. Orn. VII, PI. lxiii.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. cccxxi; oct. ed. VI, PI. ccclxii.

The Spoonbill extends its range of locality over a vast extent of the continent of America,
embracing the southern portion of the United States, and nearly the whole of South America.
Several specimens in the present collection were obtained in the interior. According to Lieut.
Gilliss, this fine bird remains in the vicinity of some of the lakes of Chile during the breeding
season.

H^MATOPUS PALLIATUS, Temm.

Hcematopus palliatus, Temm. Man II, 1820, 532.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 406.
u Hcematopus ostraleg us, Linn.” Wilson Am. Orn. VIII, 15.

Vulg. Oyster-catcher. Tira-tira.

Figures. — Wilson Am. Orn. VIII, PI. lxiv, Fig. 2.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. ccxxiii; oct. ed. V, PI. cccxxiv.

“ Jard. and Sel. 111. PI. vii.

Specimens in the collection do not differ from the bird of North America.

198

ZOOLOGY.

HiEMATOPUS ATEE, Yieill.

Hcematopus ater, Vieill. Gal. II, 1825, 88, PI. ccxxx.

Hcematopus niger, Cuv. Peg. An. I, 1829, 504.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 406.

Hcematopus Toivnsendii, Aud. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 247.

Vulg. Black Oyster-catclier. Perpilen.

Figures. — Quoy and Garn. Voy. Uranie, Birds, PI. xxxiv.

“ Aud. B. of Am. PI. ccccxxvii; oct. ed. V, PI. cccxxvi.

This "bird inhabits very nearly the entire western coast of the continent of America, speci-
mens from Oregon being in the collection made by Dr. Townsend in that country, and from
Tierra del Fuego in that of the United States Exploring Expedition of the Vincennes and Pea-
cock. It occurs sparingly in Chile.

PHCENICOPTERUS I G N I P A L L I A T U S, Is. Geoffr.

Phcenicopterus ignipalliatus , Is. Geoff, et D’Orb. Mag. de Zool. 1832, Ois. PI. ii.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 441.

Phcenicopterus Chilensis, Molina. ?

Vulg. Flamenco. Cheuque.

Figure. — Gray Gen. of Birds III, PI. clxiii.

Of this beautiful species numerous specimens are in the collection of the Expedition.

This bird is thus noticed by Lieutenant Gillis : “ These birds are quite abundant on the inte-
rior fresh-water lakes, and I found a large flock of them on the shores of the river Maule. They
are rarely molested, except to add to the collections of ornithologists.

“The plumage of the young bird differs in color materially from that of the adult, as may
he seen in some of our specimens. ”

PHCENICOPTEEUS ANDINUS, Philippi.

Phcenicopterus andinus, Philippi, Descr. en An. de la Univ. de Chile.

Vulg. Parrina.

In the “ Anales de la Universidad de Chile” for August, 1854, a Phcenicopterus found by Dr.
R. A. Philippi in the desert of Atacama is thus described by him:*

“When I undertook the journey to the desert of Atacama, I was far from suspecting that in
these arid regions I should find a new species of aquatic bird. Nevertheless, the first objects
that presented themselves to my sight, on descending from the gloomy heights of Pingo-pingo,
and reaching the great salt-marsh extending for twenty-five leagues to the hamlet of Ata-
cama, were a dozen flamingos which sought food in the muddy ditches there. It is well known
to the people of the vicinity that the species differs from the common flamingo, they calling it
Parrina. According to the information I have been able to collect, these birds live exclusively
in the cordilleras, maintaining themselves in the lakes and swamps that are found in the des_
ert. I have not been able to verify whether they exist much to the north of Atacama, hut it
appears that the cordilleras of Copiapo is the southern limit frequented by them. They lay
their eggs on the shores of the most elevated lakes of the cordilleras in the month of December,
and at that epoch the Indians who inhabit the vicinity take them in abundance to the market at
Atacama. We killed one specimen on arriving and two when returning, and which served to
vary somewhat our frugal and monotonous repast; a cazuela being made of the birds, which

* On referrriug this interesting description to Mr. Cassiu, he coincided with uie, that it merited insertion here. — J. M. G.

BIRDS.

199

was not bad. Nevertheless, at first I could not eat of it without some repugnance, because the
fat of the Parrina has the uncommon color of cinnabar. On returning, I examined the Parrina
carefully, and recognised immediately that it was of a species very different from the four fla-
mingos known; and, notwithstanding that there were no books on the subject accessible, I did
not hesitate to sajr, that the bird had hitherto remained entirely unknown to naturalists.

“The genus Flamingo, distinguished so eminently from all other birds, that it is impossible
to confound them, embraces only four species, as I have just said. The first is the Plicenicopte-
rus ruber , which inhabits the south of Europe and opposite coast of Africa; the second is the
P. bahamensis of Catesby, found in the Antilles and vicinal portions of the continent of Amer-
ica; the third is the P. ignipalliatus of Isidro Geoffroy St. Hilaire, the common flamingo of
Chile, equally found in Buenos Ayres and generally in the southern part of America ; and the
fourth is the P. minor of Geoffroy St. Hilaire, which is found in southern Africa as far as Sen-
egal. I must observe that Hon Juan Ignacio Molina describes a fifth species under the name
of Phcenicopterns chilensis, (see his Saggio sulla Storia Naturale del Chile, Bologna, 1182,
p. 212,) assigning it icliite wing-quills. But this estimable writer was not a naturalist, and,
from all evidences, described nearly every animal and plant of Chile from memory ; necessarily
committing many errors, and causing the enumeration of several genera and species in works
on natural history which have no actual existence. The Phcenicopterns chilensis of Molina is
one of these. The author was wrong in giving it white wing-quills, whilst they were black,
as on all the other flamingos; and he was not less in error when he states, in the page referred
to, ‘it is said that these birds when young are of a gray color, but I have seen both young and
full-grown, and have found^them uniformly of the same color’ — that is to say, red. The young
flamingos of Chile are gray, like those of Europe.

“The flamingo of the desert cannot be mistaken either for the P. ruber of Europe or the
P. bahamensis of the Antilles, because these species have characteristics sufficiently different.
Moreover, it is essentially distinct from the P. ignipalliatus of South America. At the first
glance it is seen to be smaller and of a different color. The neck and breast have a color
approaching carmine, or somewhat resembling the lees of wine. The red color of the wing
coverts is much darker ; not only the primary and secondary wing-quills being of that color,
but also the tertiary. The feet also are of a very different color — that is to say, they are of a
pale yellow — and the mandibles have a red-colored portion between the black extremity and
their yellow base. To this it may be added that the tail is longer than the extremities of the
wings.

“But the Parrina offers differences much more essential. The bill has a very diverse conform-
ation, being much wider; the upper mandible ( quijada ) is greatly more depressed, and the
inferior much narrower than the upper, whilst there is no such inequality in the common fla-
mingo. In the Parrina the feathers extend to the angle where the two branches of the lower
jaw unite, and even beyond it; in the flamingo, on the contrary, they do not come so far, but
leave the skin there bare for more than half an inch. The feet also differ essentially, want-
ing the hind toe which is very manifest in the flamingo. The differences of the bill and feet
are sufficient to establish a sub-genus, and perhaps a new genus, but I leave this to the taste
of those who think that the merits of a naturalist consist in fabricating the greatest possible
number of new genera.

“According to the brief notices of it obtainable from the books within my reach, the Phceni-
copterus minor appears to have a bill formed nearly as that of the Parrina ; but that bird is said
to have alternate bands of red and black colors in the superior wing coverts, and red feet, so
that it cannot be confounded with the latter.

“As the Parrina does not leave the elevations of the cordilleras, it appears proper to call it
Phcenicopterns andinus ; and I give the following diagnosis of it: Ph. roseo-albus ; parte inf e-
riore colli pectoreque fere puniceis ; cdis coccineis , apice toto nigris ; cauda alls long lore, acuminata

200

ZOOLOGY.

vostro dilatato, turgido, basi Jlavo, medio rubro, apice nigro ; mandibula sujoeriore multo angusiiore
quam inferior; joedibus tridactylis , flavis .

“Mean dimensions of three individuals:

Length from base of hill to apex of tail 35^ inches.

Length of the hill along the upper mandible 4f “

Length of the os tibia? 9^ “

Length of the torsal 9 “

Length of the middle toe 2| “

“I may add that the total length varies between 34 and 3Gf inches, and that of the os tibiae,
between 8f and lOf ; which is very remarkable. The three individuals were males.

“P. S. — After having written this notice, there fell in my hands an account of the province
of Tarapaca, by Mr. William Bollaert, read at a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society of
London. In this paper the author states that he found on lakes of the cordilleras of that pro-
vince 1 flamingos with red breasts,’ and on the map accompanying the memoir there is a lake
called Las Parrinas, in latitude 19° south. I immediately conjectured that this flamingo of
the cordillera of Tarapaca with the red breast was my Phcenicopterus andinus, and having had
the pleasure to see Mr. Bollaert in Santiago, and show him my mounted specimen in the mu-
seum, this gentleman confirmed me that it is the same species ; so that we may assign for its
habitation the whole cordilleras from latitude 19° south to 27° south.”

Order V. NATATORES.

CYGNUS NIGRICOLLIS, (Gmelin.)

Anas nigricollis, Gm. Syst. II, 1788, 502.

Cygnus nigricollis , (Gm.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 445.

Vulg. Black-necked Swan. Cisne.

Figure. — Gay, Historia Fisica y Politica de Chile, Atlas, Orn. PI. (not numbered.)

This fine Swan, remarkable for its black head and neck, which strongly contrast with the
snowy whiteness of the plumage of the other parts of its body, is frequently met with in the
rivers and lakes. It appears to be restricted to the countries of western South America.

Numerous specimens of this bird are in the collection of the Expedition. The female scarcely
differs from the male, except in somewhat smaller size, and in having the protuberance at the
base of the upper mandible less strongly developed. Lieutenant Gilliss observes : “ This bird
abounds most in the small mountain lakes, on the shores of which it builds its nest. I have
never seen it on the seacoast. It is shorter necked and shorter legged than the North American
swan, and hut for the agreeable contrast of its colors, would have nothing to redeem its awk-
ward movements and ungraceful figure on land. It is easily tamed, my friend, Mr. Salinas,
near Santiago, having several in an artificial lake in his garden. It lays six to eight eggs of a
dirty bluish white color.”

BERNICLA ANTARCTICA, (Gmelin.)

Plate XXIII. Male and female.

Anas antarctica, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 505.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 442.

Anas ganta, Forst. Desc. An. 1844, 336.

Vulg. Antarctic Goose.

U. 6. IN. ASl.ljAp.

}5 Mhivalfr Cu'j ."team lilh.lJr

tTS.N.Ast.Exp Plate XXIV.

PS.Du.val &- Co s Steam ltth Tress, flul*

BIRDS. 201

The coast of Chile appears to be the most northern locality visited by the beautiful species of
goose now before us.

The difference in the colors of the sexes on this species is very remarkable, and quite unusual
in birds of this group. The male in mature plumage is perfectly white, while the female pre-
sents the varied colors represented in our plate. It is one of the most handsome of the birds of
this family, and appears to be of rather common occurrence on the southerly coast of South
America.

BEENICLA MAGELLANICA, (Gmelin.)

Plate XXIV. Male and female.

Anas magellanica, Gm. Syst. Nat. II, 1188, 505.

Bernicla magellanica, (Gm.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 443.

Yulg. Magellanic Goose. Gancillo.

Frequently met with in Chile, though apparently only during its migrations. Specimens in
the collection are labelled as having been obtained in the interior.

The females in all the specimens before us are uniformly different in colors from the males.
Both sexes are represented in our plate. One specimen in the collection which we regard as a
young male, has the breast and sides striped transversely with brownish black, similar to the
markings of the upper parts of the body.

BERNICLA MELANOPTERA, (Eyton.)

Anser melanopterus , Eyton, Monog. Anat. 1838, 93.

Bernicla melanoptera, (Gray) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 443.

Figure. — Voy. Beagle, Birds, PI. 1.

Yulg. Black-winged Goose. Piuquen.

This species, like that immediately preceding, appears to be an inhabitant of the interior of
the country. It seems to be a constant resident in Chile, frequenting the plains, and, as indi-
cated by labels on specimens in the present collection, the lower valleys of the Andes.

According to Lieutenant Gilliss, this goose, and the two preceding species, are found in the
lakes of the higher Andes, “perhaps 1,000 feet above the ocean.” Of the present bird he ob-
serves, “The Piuquen frequents a small body of water near the Portillo pass in such numbers
that it gives name to it, ‘ Yalle de los Piuquenes.’ ”

MARECA CHILOENSIS, (King.)

Anas chiloensis, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 15.

Mareca chiloensis, (Eyton) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 447.

Yulg. Chile Widgeon. Pato reed.

Figure. — Eyton, Monograph, PI. xxi.

This beautiful species, which in Chile bears the popular name of Pato real, or P„oyal Duck,
apparently in no very unjust allusion to its handsome plumage and graceful form, appears to
be of frequent occurrence in the rivers and lakes of that country. It is one of the several species
that we especially wish to see ranked as birds of the United States.

26*

202

ZOOLOGY.

ANAS OXYpRA, Meyen.

Anas oxyura, Meyen, Nov. Act. XYI, 1834, 122.

Gay, Fauna Cliilena, Aves, 449.

Apparently a frequent species, several fine specimens being in the present collection.

ANAS SPECULARIS, King.

Anas specularis, King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 98.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 450.

Anas specularoides, King, Zool. Jour. IV, 98.

Anas chalcoptera, Kittlitz, Mem. Acad. St. Peters. II, 1834, 471 .

Vulg. Pato anteojillo.

Figures. — Jard. and Sel. 111. Orn. n. s. PI. xl.

“ Kittl. Mem. Acad. St. Peters. II, PI. v.

A single specimen in tbe present collection is labelled as having been obtained in the interior.
“Though common,” observes Lieut. Gilliss, “it is found only about streams ; not in the lakes.
Its name comes from the white spots just over the eyes.”

ANAS MELANOCEPHALA, Vieill.

Plate XXY. Adult.

Anas melanocephala, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 163.

Vulg. Pato rinconero.

Form short, stout ; bill rather long ; nail very distinct ; wings moderate, second quill
longest ; tail short. Entire head brownish black. Upper parts of the body brown, finely
mottled with pale fulvous, the latter (fulvous) predominating on the neck, and forming a wide
ring around it. Wings dark brown, sprinkled with minute points of silvery white ; secondaries
and greater wing coverts tipped with white ; tail dark brown. Under parts of the body silvery
white; sides and flanks finely mottled with light fulvous; under coverts of the tail rufous.
Edges of the wings and under wing coverts white. Bill dark, with a large spot of orange at
base ; legs and feet lighter.

One specimen only of this species is in the collection, and is labelled as having been obtained
in the interior. We have no doubt that this is the bird meant by Vieillot in the description
above cited, though the species appears to have been lost sight of by late ornithologists.

QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, (Vieill.)

Anas cyanoptera , Vieill. Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 104.

Anas Rafflesii, King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1528, 97.

Pterocyanea cceruleata , (Liciit.) Gray, Gen. II, 1845, 617.

Querquedula coeruleata , (Licht.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 452.

Vulg. Red Teal. Pato Colorado.

Figures. — Cassin, B. of California and Texas, I, PI. xv.

“ Jard. and Sel. 111. Orn. n. s. PI. xxiii.

This beautiful little Teal ranges over a vast extent of the western part of the continent of
America, having been observed so far north as the Great Salt lake by Capt. Stansbury, and

U.3 N. Ast.Exp. Plate XXV.

ANAS MELANOCEPHALA. VIEILLOT

PJato XXVI.

BIRDS.

203

well known as a bird of California, and in the course of its winter migration visits the shores
and lakes of Chile.

Specimens in the collection are in very nearly the same plumage as others from western North
America obtained in spring, and those labelled as females differ in colors entirely from the
males, being as represented in the plate of our work above cited.

This bird inhabits fresh waters ; generally observed in the smaller streams.

QUERQUEDULA VERSICOLOR, (Vieill.)

Anas versicolor , Vieill. Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 109.

Anas fretensis , King, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1830, 15.

Anas maculirostris , Licht. Verz. 1823, 84.

Querquedula maculiroslris , (Light.) Day, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 453.

Vulg. Pato Oapuchino.

Figure. — Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn. new series, I, PL xxix.

This handsome Teal, though of frequent occurrence in some of the countries of South America,
is more rare in Chile. Specimens in the present collection are from the vicinity of Santiago.

QUERQUEDULA CRECCOIDES, (King.)

Plate XXVI.

Anas crecciodes, King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 99.

Anas oxyptera, Meyen, Nova. Acta. XVI, 1832, 121.

Querquedula creccoides, (Eyton) Day, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 453.

Vulg. South American Teal. Pato gergon chico.

Notwithstanding the fact that specimens in the collection of this Expedition are labelled as
males and females, all the specimens of this bird that we have ever seen have the appearance to
us of being immature. Nor is any other plumage described by naturalists. In fact we regard
this bird as a species the adult of which is probably unknown, though perhaps migrating in the
summer to the western countries of North America.

All the species of the group to which this bird belongs are characterized by plumage of
unusual beauty of colors when mature. The discovery, therefore, of the adult of this species is
a point of much interest, especially if added to the ornithological fauna of the United States.

Inhabits fresh water, and is at times abundant in Chile.

DAFILA BAHAMENSIS, (Linn.)

Anas bahamensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 199.

Dafila bahamensis , (Dray) Day, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 448.

Anas urophasianus, Vig. Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 357.

Vulg. Pato jergon grande.

Figures. — Catesby’s Carolina, I, PI. xciii.

“ Eyton’s Morv. PI. xx.

“ Voy. Blossom, Birds, PI. xiv.

This fine Duck, a near relative of the common Pintail ( Dafila acuta ) of the United States, is
one of the southern species which are known to visit the coast of California, and probably
breeds in the northern regions of western North America. It is a common species in Chile at
some seasons.

204

ZOOLOGY.

FULIGUL A METOPIAS, (Poeppig.)

Plate XXVII. Male and female.

Fuligula metopias , (Pcepp.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 456.

Anas metopias, (Pcepp.) Froreep’s Notzen, 1829, No. 529.

Vulg. Pato sin crest a.

Of this apparently little known species several fine specimens are in the present collection,
and it is represented as not of rare occurrence. The male is remarkable for a conspicuous pro-
tuberance in front at the base of the upper mandible. In the female this part is elevated only.
Adult birds of both sexes are figured in our plate.

EEISMATUEA FEEEUGINEA, Eyton.

Erismatura ferruginea, Eyton, Mon. Anat. 1838, 110.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 458.

Vulg. Pato Pimpillo.

Figure. — Gray, Genera III, PI clxix.

Several specimens are in the present collection, though apparently this species is not of com-
mon occurrence in Chile.

MEEGANETTA AEMATA, Gould.

Merganetta armata, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1841, 95.

Raplripterus chilensis, Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 459.

Vulg. Pato de la Cordillera.

Figures. — Des Murs, Icon. Orn. PI. vi, xlviii.

“ Gray’s Genera III, PL clxx.

“ Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, PI.

Female specimens correspond precisely with the description of Mr. Gould and the figure of
Des Murs, (PI. xlviii) as cited above. Gay, in Fauna Chilena, Aves, p. 459, describes the
young male as the female. Of the young male, specimens are in the collection of the Phila-
delphia Academy.

This remarkable bird frequents exclusively the rivers of the Andes, preferring apparently
the rapids, and swimming and diving with great facility.

LAEUS GLAUCODES, Meyen.

Larns glaucodes, Meyen, Nov. Act. XVI, 1834, 115, PI. xxiv.
Larus cirrocephalus, (Viell.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 482.
Vulg. Caguil.

Stated to be common on the coast, and occasionally ascending the rivers.

LAEUS DOMINICANUS, Licht.

Lams dominicanus, (Liciit.) Verz. 1823, 82.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 480.

Vulg. Gaviota grande.

Figure. — Gray’s Genera III, PI. clxxx.

FULIGULA M ETO PI AS. (PO E P PIG) .

Male and Female.

BIRDS. 205

This fine species appears to be of frequent occurrence throughout the western coasts of South
America.

LARUS BRIDGESII, Fraser.

Larus Bridgesii, Fraser, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1845, 16.

Larus modestus , Tschudi, Faun. Peru. Aves, 1846, 306, PI. xxxv.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 483.

Of this handsome little Gull, specimens of both sexes are in the collection of the Expedition.
Though undoubtedly the species described and figured by Tschudi as above cited, the present
specimens are in apparently more mature plumage than those obtained by him on the coast of
Peru. Instead of the entire plumage being dark cinereous (or, more properly, plumbeous,) the
head in the male specimen now before us is nearly pure white, gradually shading into the dark
cinereous, which prevails throughout the entire other plumage. In the female the white of the
head is not so clear nor extended, but is still nearly pure in front and on the throat.

Quills black ; secondaries tipped with white, forming a conspicuous oblique bar on the closed
wing. Eump, upper and under tail coverts cinereous, lighter on the last ; inferior coverts of
the wing dark plumbeous. Tail, in the male, dark cinereous, with a wide subterminal band
of black and tipped with white. In the female the tail is a shade lighter, and the black band
is not so wide, and is more irregular and imperfect on the central feathers. Bill and feet black.*

PODICEPS LEUCOPTERUS, King.

Podiceps leucopterus , King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 101.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 463.

Vulg. White-winged Grebe. Guala.

Figure. — Jard. and See. 111. Orn. Ill, PI. cvii.

Appears to be frequently met with on the coast of Chile. Specimens in the collection are
essentially as described and figured above.

PODILYMBUS BREVIROSTRIS, Gray.

Podilymbus brevirostris , G-ray, Gen. of Birds III, 1846, 633, PI. clxxii.

Vulg. Picurio.

Several specimens, in plumage as represented in the plate above cited, are in the present col-
lection.

PH ALACROCORAX BRASILIANUS, (Gmelin.)

Plate XXVIU. Adult male.

Procellaria braziliana, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 564.

Phalacrocorax niger, King, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 101.

* Of Larus luematorhynchus, (Vigors,) another species of western South America, though not in the present collection, it may
not be inappropriate to say that specimens apparently mature differ essentially from both Mr. Vigors’s description and the figure
in Jard. & Selb. 111. Orn. II, PL cvi. The head above, back, and wings are dark plumbeous, neck behind throat and entire
under parts tinged with cinereous. Rump, upper tail coverts, and tail white ; the first tinged with cinereous. Bill and feet
bright red; the former large, as described and very correctly represented in the plate just cited. The descriptions and figure
referred to relate either to the young bird or to the winter plumage of the species, but are sufficient for its easy recognition.

206

ZOOLOGY.

Oraculus brasilianus, (Gm.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 490.

Vulg. Brazilian Cormorant. Teco.

This bird appears to be common on the entire western coast of South American. A mature
male, from a specimen in the collection of the Expedition, is represented in our plate.

PHALACROC OR AX G AIM ARDI, (Garnot.)

Pelecanus Gaimardi, Garnot, Voy. Coquille, Zool. I, 1826, 601.

Graculus Gaimardi , (Garn.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 489.

Vulg. Gaimard’s Cormorant. Lite.

Figure. — Voy. Coquille, Zool. PI. xlviii.

This handsome species, the light cinereous of the plumage of which is an agreeable variation
from the sombre colors that prevail in this group, is apparently of frequent occurrence on the
Pacific coast of South America and its islands. Specimens of both sexes are in the collection
of the Expedition, of which that labelled the female is slightly the larger. In color and other
characters they are similar.

PELECANUS THAGUS, Molina.

Pelecanus thagus, Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat Chili, 1782, quarto ed. 1810, 199.

Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 494.

Pelecanus Molinoe, Gray. Gen. Ill, 1845, 668.

Vulg. Alcatraz.

This interesting species is represented in the present collection by a single specimen only,
which is unfortunately not in adult plumage. It is, however, readily to he recognised by the
description in the quarto edition of Molina above cited.

It is probable that this bird will he found inhabiting the shores of the Pacific, as far north
as the possessions of the United States ; other known species being rather remarkable for their
extensive dissemination over wide extents of territory. We know nothing of the habits of this
bird.

REPTILES.

BY CHARLES GIRARD.

B ATRACHIA.

FAMILY OF RANIDiE.

Genus CYSTIGNATHUS, Wagler.

Gen. char. Vomerine teetR disposed upon a transverse or oblique row more or less inter-
rupted in tbe middle, and situated either between the inner nares or behind them ; tongue cir-
cular, subcircular, or subcordiform, posteriorly entire, and either attached by its whole surface
or very slightly free behind ; tympanum distinct ; toes either bordered by a membranous fold or
slightly webbed at their base.

Syn. Cystignathus, Wage. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 202.

Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pbilad. VI, 1853, 420.

Obs. The genus Cystignathus is here admitted within tbe limits we have recently assigned to
it on tbe occasion of tbe study which we have made of tbe species of exotic batrachians brought
home by tbe United States Exploring Expedition, to which we would refer herpetologists.

CYSTIGNATHUS TAENIATU S, Girard.

Plate XXXIV, Figs. 8—11.

Spec. char. Vomerine teeth, situated a little behind tbe inner nares, well separated upon tbe
middle of tbe palate ; tongue subelliptical, free posteriorly, and slightly notched upon tbe
same margin. Greenish yellow, with two dorsal blackish stripes ; limbs barred above. A
dark vitta upon tbe sides of the bead, extending from tbe nostril, across tbe eye, to the shoulder.

Syn. Cystignathus taeniatus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Descr. Tbe general appearance of this species is rather short, tbe head forming about tbe
third of tbe entire length — tbe posterior limbs, of course, excepted. Tbe bead is longer than
broad. Tbe snout is subacute and rounded; slightly declive from tbe eyes forwards and side-
ways. The canthus rostralis is depressed ; tbe nostrils, very small, are situated nearer to tbe
tip of the snout than to tbe anterior rim of tbe orbit. Tbe eye is well developed and subcircu-
lar, its longitudinal diameter being equal to tbe interocular space above ; the upper eyelid is
minutely granular. The tympanum is quite small, though conspicuous. Tbe tongue is well
developed, in the shape of a subelliptical disk, broadest behind, slightly notched posteriorly,
and free upon nearly the posterior third of its length. The inner nares are subelliptical, ob-
lique, and conspicuous. Tbe vomerine teeth are exceedingly minute, and disposed upon two
very small and subelliptical distant eminences, situated between and a little behind tbe inner

208

ZOOLOGY.

nares. The openings for the tubes of eustachii are smaller and less conspicuous than the inner
nares. The subgular air-bladders are very much developed. The anterior limbs, when
stretched backwards alongside with the body, bring the tip of the inner finger close to the
groin, beyond which, consequently, the other fingers extend. The fingers are slender, and
their tips slightly swollen. The innermost is stoutish, and shorter than the second, which is
shorter than the fourth — the third being the longest. The palm of the hand is provided with
quite large tubercles ; that at the base of the inner finger is the largest of all. The first pha-
langes are marked beneath by similar tubercles, though more regularly conical in their shape.
The tubercles under the second phalanx of the third and fourth fingers are quite reduced. The
posterior limbs are long and slender, measuring nearly two inches from their origin to the tip
of the longest toe. The foot is narrow, and likewise slender, as well as the toes, which are
free, there being but a rudimentary webbing to be observed between the three middle ones.
The sole of the foot is smooth ; the inner metatarsal tubercle is rather small and conical, and
the outermost still smaller and inconspicuous. Small tubercles exist under the articulation of
the first and second phalanges, except under the inner toe. The second toe is shorter than the
fifth, whilst the third is longer than the latter. The fourth is much the longest. The inferior
surface of the thighs alone is granular or warty; the skin elsewhere is perfectly smooth, save
minute pores which may be observed about the tympanum and on the sides of the back, where
they constitute a narrow band, extending from the occiput to near the groins. The ground
color is olivaceous or greenish yellow. The region between and behind the eyes exhibit traces
of black markings which cannot be defined upon the specimen before us. There is a black,
narrow vitta along the line of the canthus rostralis, terminating anteriorly by an expansion
over the nostrils posteriorly; the vitta when reaching the eye sends off a tapering branch along
the inferior rim of the orbit, behind which the vitta reappears considerably broader, and pass-
ing over the tympanum terminates above the insertion of the anterior limbs. From the upper
and posterior part of the orbit, above the tympanum, originates a blackish stripe, which extends
to the posterior extremity of the body, covering entirely the series of dorsal pores above alluded
to. The bands from either side converge in their extension. The limbs above are barred with
greyish black. The inferior surface of head, body, and limbs is of a uniform dull yellow hue.

This species was obtained in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XXXIV, fig. 8 represents the profile of Cystignathus taeniatus, of the size of life,
fig. 9 is a view from below,
fig. 10, inferior surface of the hand,
fig. 11, inferior surface of the foot.

Figs. 10 and 11 are slightly magnified.

FAMILY OF HYLIDiE.

Genus PHYLLOBATES, Dum. & B.

Gen. char. Snout protruding over the lower jaw ; tongue free posteriorly upon a considera-
ble portion of its length ; no teeth on the palate ; tympanum visible ; tubes of eustachii small ;
fingers and toes slightly depressed, entirely free, dilated upon their extremity into a disk
slightly convex below and above, the latter surface being provided upon its middle with a
small groove. Protrusion of the first cuneiform bone very little developed ; transverse apo-
physis of the sacral vertebras not dilated.

Syn. Phyllobates, Dum. & B. Erp. Gen. VIII, 1841, 63T.

Obs. The shape of the snout reminds us of Elosia , but the latter is provided with palatine teeth.

U.S.N. Astrl ExpedP

PL . XXXIV.

.H. Richard.

Dou^al Sc.

• ; -,s . l -3 . TR.ICHOMYC TERUS MACULATUS , Cuv.&Val. Fi^s. 4-7. CHEIRODON PISGICULUS , Grd .
Fids. 8-il. CYSTfGNATHUS TAENT ATUS , Grd . Has. 12-15. PHYLLOBATES AIFRATU S , Cird .

REPTILES.

209

PHYLLOBATES AURATUS, Girard.

Plate XXXIV, Figs. 12—15.

Spec. char. Tongue narrow and elongated, free for about the half or two-thirds of its length ;
anterior limbs, when stretched backwards, reaching the vent with the tip of longest finger ;
inferior surface of thighs granular ; color uniform bluish brown.

Syn. Phyllobates auratus , Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Descr. The body is elongated and depressed, as well as the head, which constitutes a little
less than the third of the whole length ; seen from above, the head is subtriangular, subtrun-
cated anteriorly, and sloping inwardly. The nostrils are small, situated on the sides and tow-
ards the tip of the snout, and not to be seen from above ; the sides of the head are declivous.
The eyes are well developed, subelliptical in form, their horizontal diameter being equal to the
distance between the anterior rim of the orbit and the tip of the snout, and comprised a little
over twice upon the distance between the external margins of the upper eyelids. The tym-
panum is well developed, oblong in shape, and vertically situated close to the orbit. The
angle of the mouth extends as far back as the posterior rim of the orbit. The tongue is nar-
row and elongated, posteriorly obtuse, and free for about the half or two-thirds of its length.
The inner nares are very large and subcircular, situated far apart on the sides of the roof of
the mouth, which is concave and perfectly smooth, there being no teeth on either the vomer or
palatine bones. The openings for the tubes of eustacbii are small, and not conspicuous. The
anterior limbs are slender, the fingers stretching beyond the groin. The fingers are free, slen-
der, depressed, and dilated upon their tips ; upper surface of the dilation divided by a medial
groove or furrow. There is a large metacarpal tubercle ; smaller tubercles are observed under
the first phalanx, and under the second of the two external fingers. The palm of the hand is
smooth. The first finger is longer than the second ; the fourth is the shortest, and the most
slender of all. The hind limbs are stoutish, one-fourth longer than the body and head
together — the tibia being more developed than the femur. The toes are free, slender, de-
pressed and dilated upon their extremities, and grooved above in the same manner as the
fingers. The sole of the foot is smooth, and the inferior surface of all the phalanges provided
with very small tubercles. The internal metatarsal tubercle is elongated, the external one
rounded ; both of moderate development. The inferior surface of the thighs is granular ; the
skin is otherwise perfectly smooth ; its surface, under the magnifying glass, exhibits very
minute pores, scarcely more developed under the belly than on the back. The color above is
metallic golden, whilst beneath a uniform bluish brown predominates.

Collected by the late Professor C. B. Adams, on the island of Taboga, in the bay of Panama.

Plate XXXIV, fig. 12, represents Phyllobates auratus in a profile view, size of life,
fig. 13, is a view from beneath,
fig. 15, a hand, seen from below,
fig. 15, a foot, also from below.

Figs. 14 and 15 are slightly magnified.

OPHIDIA.

FAMILY OF VIPERXBjE.

Genus FLAPS, Schn.

Gen. char. Body slender and cylindrical ; tail short and conical ; head somewhat depressed —

in most cases continuous with the body, subelliptical when viewed from above, tapering for-
27 *

210

ZOOLOGY.

wards, and covered above with plates, generally nine in number ; no pit between the eye and
nostril ; loral plate present ; mouth moderately cleft, not dilatable ; upper jaw furnished on
either side and quite posteriorly with a poisonous fang ; scales smooth ; preanal scutella bifid ;
subcaudal scutellse divided.

Syn. Elaps, Schn. Hist. Amph. Nat. and Lit. 1801, 289.

Fitz. N. Class. Eept. 1826, S3.

B. & Gr. Cat. Rept. N. Amer. I, 1853, 21.

Obs. The characteristic of the genus Elap>s, as given above, we wish it to be understood, is
merely provisional, not having had at our command a sufficient number of the species described
by the different authors. We reserve it for another occasion to revise its diagnosis in a manner
satisfactory both to our mind and to the actual state of herpetology.

ELAPS NIGROCINCTUS, Girard.

Plate XXXV, Figs. 1—6.

Spec. char. Head subelliptical, broader than the body, which is long and cylindrical ; tail
conical, abruptly tapering from its base ; scales smooth, disposed upon fifteen rows ; color red-
dish, annulated with jet black ; tip of scales blackish ; anterior portion of head black ; an
occipito-temporal yellowish ring ; tip of tail black.

Syn. Elays nigrocinctus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Hescr. The head is slightly detached from the body by a somewhat contracted neck. The
eyes are very small, situated near the upper surface of the head, their diameter being equal to
the width of the suroculary plate. The snout is obtusely rounded. The vertical plate is mod-
erately elongated and subpentagonal, pointed posteriorly ; its anterior margin is sometimes
perfectly straight, at others subconvex, so as to assume a subhexagonal shape. The occipitals
are large, broad, and elongated, subrounded exteriorly, truncated anteriorly, permitting the
posterior angle of the vertical to engage between them. The suroculary is short, a little
longer than broad, and irregular in its outline, which is five-sided; the side limiting the
orbit above being slightly concave, the others nearly straight. The postfrontals are well
developed, broader than long, and irregularly six-sided, sending an angular projection towards
the sides of the head, where it engages between the ante-orbital and postnasal plates, without,
however, reaching the labials. The prefrontals are subquadrangular, broader than long, their
external margin reaching the upper edge of the nostrils. The rostral is broadly developed,
rather short, subpyramidal in form, and concave beneath. The nasals are well developed, the
posterior one being nearly as long as the anterior is high. The nostrils are small and circular,
intermediate between the two nasal plates. The anteorbital is irregularly triangular, rather
elongated, and similar in shape to the postnasal, the anterior angle of which meets its own
posterior angle a little in advance of the commissure between the second and third labials. The
postorbitals, two in number, are nearly equal in size, and subpentagonal in shape. There are
three temporal shields well developed, the posterior one being the largest. We observe seven
upper labials, increasing in size from the first or anterior to the sixth inclusive; the seventh is
a little smaller than the sixth ; the third and fourth forming part of the orbit. There are six
lower labials, of which the fourth is the largest, and much expanded beneath ; the fifth is nearly
equal to the third ; the sixth is a little smaller than the latter ; the second is the smallest.
The symphyseal plate is triangular. The mental shields constitute three pairs ; the anterior
two being parallel to one another ; the third is obliquely situated along the margin of the

U.S-.N. Astr1 Expedn

PL. XXXV.

■i.H.Richard

Dougal So

ELAPS NIGROCINCTUS , Grd

— — — Do’uCal Sc

J.H.Kiehard .

D V Y'y'PHi 3 VITTATU S , Grd. .

REPTILES.

211

fourth, fifth, and sixth lower labials. The body is subcylindrical, a little more slender anteri-
orly than posteriorly. The tail is short, subconical, and tapering to a point ; it forms hut the
two-twenty-first part of the whole length. The scales are perfectly smooth, constituting fifteen
longitudinal rows, larger in the outermost row, and smallest upon the dorsal line or middle
row. The scales themselves are acuminated posteriorly. On the tail they are shorter, and
truncated posteriorly, constituting seven rows upon its origin, and three only towards its tip.
The abdominal scutellm are two hundred and eighteen in number : the preanal is bifid. The
suhcaudal scutella3 are all bifid, and constitute thirty-six pairs. The tip of the tail is conical
in the adult state, and somewhat acute in young specimens.

Abd. sc. 217 + 1. Subc. sc. 18. Dors, rows 15. Total length 29 inches; tail 2T7(5.

The body is reddish, annulated with jet black. The anterior part of the head from behind
the eye is black, then follows a yellow ring, embracing in its width almost the whole length of
the occipital plate, and just behind it the first black ring, embracing the posterior part of the
head and neck, covering about six scales. There are fifteen more black rings hence to the
tail, each covering about three scales. The intermediate red spaces embrace anteriorly four-
teen scales, ten upon the middle region of the body, and eight towards the tail. There is an
obsolete indication of a yellow margin to the anterior two black rings. The scales in the red
spaces are tipped with black on the tail; the black rings are much wider than the red ones,
there being three of each kind; the tip is black. The inferior surface is reddish-yellow sparsely
spread over with small and irregular black spots.

Specimens of this species were collected at Taboga, on the bay of Panama, Central America.

Plate XXXV, fig. 1, represents Elaps nigrocinctus , of the size of life,
fig. 2, a view of the head, seen from above,
fig. 3, a side view of the head,
fig. 4, the head, seen from below,
fig. 5, shows the vent and the bifid preanal scutella.

fig. 6, is a portion of the left side of the body, showing the shape and number
of rows of scales.

Pigs. 2 — 5 are slightly magnified.

FAMILY OF OXYCEPHALIDiE,

Genus DEYOPHIS, Pitz.

Gen. char. Body and tail long and slender. Cephalic plates normal. Eyes large. One
anteorbital plate ; several postorbitals. No loral. One nasal, with nostril in its middle. Ros-
tral situated under the snout, which protrudes over the lower jaw. Several labials constituting
the inferior rim of orbit. Dorsal scales smooth. The last two abdominal scutallee bifid; sub-
caudals all bifid.

Syn. Dryopliis, Fitz. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 29 and 60.

DEYOPHIS VITTATUS, Girard-
Plate XXX YI, Figs, 1 — 6.

Spec. char. Three postorbital plates, two of which constituting the posterior rim of the orbit
the third being placed behind them. Fifth, sixth, and seventh, or fourth, fifth, and sixth labials

212

ZOOLOGY.

constructing the inferior rim of the orbit. A black vitta along the upper margin of upper max-
illary plates extending posteriorly along a portion of the neck.

Stn. DryopMs vittatus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Descr. The entire length of the specimen figured is forty-seven inches, of which eleven belong
to the tail. The head measures about one inch and an eighth. Its upper surface is flattened;
the inferior one suhconvex, and the sides perpendicular. The eye is large and circular, and its
diameter is comprised about six times in the length of the head. The snout is tapering, the
upper jaw protruding considerably over the lower. The rostral plate is rather small, subcres-
centic, convex anteriorly, and depressed upon its middle surface. It is obliquely situated at the
inferior surface of the snout, showing hut a very narrow edge in a view from above (fig. 2). The
prefrontals are twice as long as broad upon the middle of their length ; they belong exclusively
to the upper surface of the head. The postfrontals are much larger than the latter, one-third
longer upon their upper surface, and extend upon the sides of the head until they reach the
upper labials. The vertical is elongated and slender, subtruncated anteriorly, and subacute
posteriorly, engaging between the inner margins of the occipitals. The latter are as long as
the vertical, hut broader anteriorly ; their external margin being defined by an undulating line.
The superciliaries are a little longer than the postfrontals, suhtriangular in shape; the summit
of the triangle directed forwards. There is a long and narrow nasal, in which, and rather in
advance of the middle of its length, the nostril opens subangular in shape. There is no loral;
hut the lateral expansion of the postfrontals fills up the space between the nasal plate and a
large anteorhital, much broader upwards than downwards, slightly visible in a view from
above (fig. 2). Its anterior angle fits a notch in the posterior margin of the postfrontals, upon
the line of demarcation between tbe sides and upper part of tbe bead. Tbe postorbitals are
rather small, and three in number ; two upon an anterior line, the lowermost being much the
smallest of the two. A third, very small, is situated immediately behind the latter. Three
large and subequal temporals terminate tbe series of cephalic plates and shields. Tbe upper
labials are nine in number ; the posterior one being the longest and largest of all, and the
anterior one the most slender. The fifth, sixth, and seventh constitute on the right side the
inferior rim of the orbit, though the fifth and seventh only in part. On the left (fig. 3) there
is one labial less. The lower labials are likewise nine in number ; the fifth and sixth, situated
beneath the eye, are the largest ; the others diminishing gradually in size towards the anterior
and posterior regions. The symphyseal or anterior odd lower labial is small, and rounded ex-
teriorly. There are three pairs of elongated mental shields, tbe anterior pair reaching tbe
margin of the jaw between the symphyseal and the first lower labial. The subgular scales are
well developed and elongated.

The body is subcylindrical, much thinner anteriorly than posteriorly, the neck having about
tbe thickness of the tail upon its anterior third. The scales are smooth, elongated, and acute
posteriorly, constituting seventeen longitudinal rows upon the middle of the body, and twelve
towards its posterior extremity. The external row, nearest to the abdominal scutellte, is com-
posed of tbe largest scales. The abdominal scutelhe, one hundred and ninety-five in number,
are rather wide, convex upon their posterior margin ; the posterior two are bifid. The tail is
very slender, and tapering to a point; there are six rows of scales upon its anterior portion,
near its origin ; they are, moreover, broader and shorter than those on tbe body. The subcaudal
scutelli® constitute a double row to nearly tbe tip of tbe tail, where scutellse and scales assume
a uniform aspect. One hundred and sixty-five pairs of the latter may distinctly be enumerated.
Beyond that number verticiles of scales surround the remaining portion of the tail.

Ahd. sc. 193-f- 2. Suhc. sc. 165. Dors, rows 1*7 and 12. Total length, 47 inches ; tail, 18 inches.

(

The coloration must he much altered by the action of the alcoholic liquor in which the specimen

PL. XXXVII.

TAC.HYMENES CHII .F.NSIS , Grd . TAENIOPHIS TANTILLUS , Grd.

REPTILES.

213

is preserved. The upper surface and sides of heads are olivaceous brown, and the body and
tail above purplish grey. Beneath and anteriorly the hue is of a soiled white, whilst pos-
teriorly it is greyish yellow. The upper labials have the same hue as the lower surface of
head. A black line may be traced along the upper margin of the upper labials, from the snout
to about an inch and a half along the sides of the neck. Along the back and sides of the ante-
rior part of the body there are- oblique series of jet black elongated spots. The lower and inner
margin of the scales is whitish, and apparent only when the skin is extended and the whole
surface of the scales exposed. The posterior portion of the body is sparsely dotted with black;
the tail is unicolor.

This species figured was collected on the island of Taboga, bay of Panama.

Plate XXXVI, fig. 1, represents Dryophis vittatus, of the size of life,
fig. 2, view of the head, seen from above,
fig. 3, side view of the head,
fig. 4, under view of the head,
fig. 5, vent and post-abdominal scutella.

fig. 6, a portion of the left side of the body, showing the form and number
of longitudinal rows of scales.

FAMILY OF COLUBKID2E.

Genus TACHYMENIS, Wiegm.

Gen. char. Body subcylindrical, of moderate length ; tail short, subconical, tapering.
Head colubrine slightly detached from the body. Cephalic plates normal. Eyes of medium
size. One or two anteorbitals and two postorbitals. One loral. Two nasals, with nostril be-
tween them. Jaws subequal. Dorsal scales smooth. Preanal scutella bifid. Subcaudal
scutellas all divided.

Syn. Tacliymenis , Wiegm. in Nov. Act. Phys. Med. Acad. Nat. Cur. XVII. i. 1835, 251.

Obs. The genus Tacliymenis is, so far, composed of two species, one from Peru figured and
described by Wiegmann in the work cited above, and another from Chile, described below.

TACHYMENIS CHILENSIS, Girard.

Plate XXXYII, Figs. 1—6.

Spec. char. Two anteorbitals. Third and fourth labials constituting the inferior rim of the
orbit. Dorsal scales in nineteen rows. Olivaceous brown above, with crossing lines of black.
Beneath yellowish, with anterior margin of scutellse black. Two postocular black vittse.

Syn. Coronella chilensis, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1800, 30.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 19. Erpet. Plate iv, fig. 1, a, b, c, d.

Dipsas chilensis, Dum. Mem. Acad, cles Sc. XXIII, 1853, 112.

Dum. & B. Erp. gen. VII. I, 1854, 608.

Tacliymenis chilensis, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Gen. rem. Of the three specimens that were collected, the one which is figured is the largest,
and yet not fully grown. Though immature, we propose to describe them carefully, since the
figure in the Historia de Chile is not as accurate as might be desired. We have seen upon
specimens of others species, the zoological characters entirely developed when they bore the
same relations towards their adult as those now before us.

214

ZOOLOGY.

Descr. The head is subovoid, being depressed upon its upper surface ; the snout is rounded,
and the eye, subcircular in shape, is of moderate development, its diameter being equal to the
width of the vertical plate upon the middle of its length. The vertical plate is large and sub-
pentagonal, either slightly concave upon its sides or linear ; its posterior extremity being
moderately angular. The occipitals are a little shorter than the vertical, but anteriorly nearly
as broad. The postfrontals are broader than long, extending but little to the sides of the head,
being posteriorly rounded. The prefrontals are subtriangular, irregularly rounded off, and do
not reach the nostrils. The rostral is subconical, concave beneath. The nostrils are small
and subelliptical, situated between two plates the sutures of which are sometimes obliterated
either above or below these apertures. The loral is quadrangular and larger than either the
post or prenasals, which have the same general shape. There are two anteorbitals ; the upper-
most is longer than high, and a little longer than the lower one, which is rather narrow and
elongated ; also two postorbitals nearly equal in size and similar in shape. The temporal
shields, seven or eight in number, are so small and so much like the scales, that there are only
two that may readily be distinguished from the latter by their shape. The upper labials are
seven in number : the fifth being the largest, the sixth is the next in size, then the fourth, the
third, and the second ; the seventh is a little larger than the first, which is the smallest of all.
The third and fourth constitute the inferior rim of the orbit ; their suture being situated beneath
the pupil. The symphyseal is triangular; the lower labials, being nine in number, diminish in
size both forwards and backwards from the fifth, which is the largest of all ; the seventh, eighth,
and ninth are rather narrow and elongated, whilst the four anterior are higher than long.
The first one in particular is nearly twice the height of the second, and separates entirely the
symphyseal from the anterior mental shields, of which it assumes the general feature. There
are two pairs of mental shields of about the same length, but the posterior pair is more slender
and posteriorly subacute.

The body is subcylindrical, thickest upon its middle, tapering both posteriorly and anteriorly
where a somewhat contracted neck separates it from the head. The tail is subconical, pointed
posteriorly, rather short, constituting about the sixth part of the entire length. The scales
are smooth, disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series ; they are subacute posteriorly, and
largest upon the external series, gradually diminishing hence to the central or dorsal series.
On the nape and under the head they are the smallest. The abdominal region is rather nar-
row. There are one hundred and fifty-five abdominal scutellae, the posterior one being bifid,
and forty-three subcaudal scutellas, all of which bifid.

Abd. sc. 154+1. Subc. sc. 43. Dors, rows 19. Total length 15 inches and /o ; tail 2| inches.

The ground-color appears now olivaceous brown above, yellowish beneath. The anterior
margin of the abdominal scutellas being jet black with a subtriangular blotch upon their middle
region, and occasionally also upon their extremities, the lower surface of the body may assume
quite a maculated appearance. The anterior margin of all the scales is black, but when in
their normal and imbricated state, the black is not seen externally except upon the fourth and
eight series on either side, thus constituting two pair of obsolete vittas. The middle dorsal
series exhibits likewise the black margin of its scales, though in a less conspicuous manner as
the specimens grow to a larger size. In the very immature condition almost every scale shows
its black edge, constituting irregular zigzag lines. The dorsal vittse sometimes assume the ap-
pearance of a series of double crescents contiguous upon their convexity : this is owing to the
fact of the black extending along the sides of the scales. The lateral vittas, from the neck
ascend to the occipital region of the head, the sides of which are marked by two narrow black
stripes, the upper one slightly arched, extending from the posterior rim of the orbit to the angle
of the mouth ; the other runs obliquely from the lower rim of the orbit, across the fourth and
fiifth labials to the edge of the mouth.

This species was collected in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

REPTILES.

215

Plate XXXVI, fig. 1, represents Tachymenis chilensis, size of life,
fig. 2, the head viewed from above,
fig. 3, a side view of same,
fig. 4, a view of its inferior surface,
fig. 5, exhibits the vent and post-abdominal scutella.

fig. 6, is a portion of the left side showing the form of the scales and the
number of their series.

Figs. 2 — 5 are slightly magnified.

Genus TAEHIOPHIS, Girard.

Gen. char. Head depressed and detached from the body, which is slender and subcylindrical.
Tail tapering to a point, and comparatively short. Cephalic plates normal. One anteorhital,
and two postorbitals. An elongated, quadrangular loral. Two nasals, nostril between them.
Eyes above the medium size, situated above the fourth and fifth labials , pupil circular.
Mouth deeply cleft. Scales smooth, disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series. Post-abdo-
minal scutella bifid ; subcaudal scutella} all divided. Colors disposed upon uniform longi-
tudinal hands.

Syn. Taeniophis, Grd. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Obs. This genus is closely related to Diadophis, and may he distinguished from it by the
presence of one anteorhital plate only, a larger number of longitudinal rows of scales, and the
distribution of its colors.

It includes, so far, two species, both of which are new to science. One, an inhabitant of
Chile, is described below; the other ( T . imperialism B. & G.) is Mexican: a specimen in the
Smithsonian museum having been found at Matamoras.

TAENIOPHIS TANTILLUS, Girard.

Plate XXXVII, Figs. 7—12.

Spec. char. Body and tail very slender. Head elongated, and very distinct from the body.
Eyes proportionally large. A deep chestnut-brown hand along the dorsal region ; light brown
on the sides. Beneath greenish or yellowish grey. Upper labials yellowish-white. A super-
ciliary yellowish filet.

Syn. Taeniophis tantillus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 227.

Descr. The body is small, slender, and elongated; the tail conical and tapering, forming
about the two sevenths of the total length. The head is small, well detached from the body by
a contracted neck, depressed above, and declive upon the region anterior to the eye. The snout
is obtuse. The eye is very large, and subcircular; its horizontal diameter being comprised
once and a half across the ocular region of the head, embracing the vertical and superciliary
plates ; the pupil is circular. The nostrils are quite small, subcircular in shape, and situated
between two nasal plates, though encroaching more upon the prenasal than upon the postnasal,
which is slightly the largest of the two. The vertical plate is large, broadest anteriorly,
rounded or subconvex upon its margin, subconcave upon the sides, and triangularly acute pos-
teriorly. The occipital plates are larger than the vertical, and are externally rounded. The
postfrontals are irregularly five-sided, and extend slightly to the sides of the head. The pre-
frontals are subtriangular, externally rounded. The rostral is broad hut rather low, convex

216

ZOOLOGY.

upon its upper margin, and very concave below. The postnasal is sliglitly larger than the pre-
nasal. The loral is elongated and subtrapezoid. There is but one anteorbital, very narrow
upon its lower portion, quite broad across the superciliary line, and extending to the upper
surface of the head under the shape of a small triangle, the summit of which being contiguous
to the lateral anterior pdge of the vertical, thus preventing a contact between the postfrontals
and the superciliaries. The latter are well developed, narrowest anteriorly. There are two
postorbitals, the uppermost being twice the size of the lower. Two temporal shields only can
be distinguished by their form from the occipital scales. The upper labials are eight in number,
the fourth and fifth forming the inferior rim of the orbit; the fifth, sixth, and seventh are the
largest; the fourth is a little larger than the eighth, the anterior three being the smallest.
There are ten inferior labials, and a symphyseal, quite small and triangular. The first extends
to the anterior pair of mental shields ; the second and third are the smallest of the three ; the
fourth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth are nearly equal ; the sixth is the largest, and the
fifth somewhat smaller than the sixth. The posterior pair of mental shields is more slender
than the anterior pair, but nearly of the same length. The abdominal scutellae are a hundred
and ninety-five in number ; the posterior is bifid. There are about a hundred and ten subcaudal
scutellae, all of which are subdivided. The scales are elongated and posteriorly subacute,
smooth and disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series, the two outermost of which being the
largest; the others diminishing slightly towards the dorsal region.

Abd. sc. 194-f-l. Subc. sc. 110. Dors, rows 19. Total length, 12 inches; tail, 3 inches and j3^.

The ground-color of the sides of the body is light brown, minutely dotted with black. On
the back there is a band of deep chestnut-brown margined with black, covering three longitu-
dinal rows of scales. The two adjoining rows are partly (internally) brown and partly (exter-
nally) black. Along the neck and anterior fourth of the body each scale of the external series,,
covered by the dark dorsal band, has a white spot upon its middle, thus interrupting the black
border. Towards the posterior part of the body the dorsal brown band covers but three series
of scales, the internal margin of the adjoining series being black. Along the tail, where that
band may be traced tapering towards its top, the black margin has immerged into the brown.
The inferior surface of the body is uniform greenish or yellowish grey. The upper surface of
the head is dark brown. A yellowish white filet or stripe extends from the rostral plate, along
the superciliary ridge, to the posterior extremity of the superciliary plates. A subelliptical spot
of the same hue, but margined with black, may be seen on the upper part of the upper post-
orbital plate, interrupting the vitta just alluded to, and which can be traced along the external
edge of the occipital plate, more conspicuous, and margined with black. The vitta extends
along the neck, and eventually immerges into the dorsal band. The sides of the head are brown,
and of a deeper hue than the sides of the body ; the upper labial plates being also yellowish-
white. A vitta of that same hue may be. traced from near the top of the jaw along the neck.
The inferior labials, the mental shields, and the subgular scales, exhibit each a central light
spot margined with black. Two light vittse may be followed, one on the two external rows of
scales, another along the edge of the abdominal scutellae, from beneath the throat to a consid-
erable length backwards. The hue of the sides of the head likewise tapers along the sides of
the neck for about the same distance.

Specimens of this species were obtained from the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XXXVII, fig. 7, represents TaeniopMs tantillus , size of life,
fig. 8, is the head, seen from above,
fig. 9, a side view of the head,
fig. 10, the head, seen from below,
fig. 11, exhibits the vent and post-abdominal scutella.
fig. 12, a portion of the left side of the body, showing the shape of the
scales, their relative size, and disposition in series.

REPTILES.

217

SAURIA.

FAMILY OF STELLIONIDiE.

Genus PROCTOTRETUS, Dum. & B.

Gen. char. Body rounded or slightly depressed, covered with imbricated scales ; the upper
ones carinated, the inferior ones generally smooth ; neither a dorsal nor a caudal crest; head
subpyramido-quadrangular, more or less depressed; cephalic plates moderate, polygonal ; oc-
cipital generally not very conspicuous ; teeth on the palate ; sides of neck either folded or smooth ;
no subgular fold ; an ear opening ; membrane of tympanum hut little depressed ; fingers simple ;
tail either long or conical, or moderate and slightly depressed ; no femoral pores ; anal pores in
the males.

Syn. Proctotretus, Dum. & B. Erp. gen. IV, 1837, 266.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 23.

PROCTOTRETUS TENUIS, Dum. and B.

Plate XL, Figs. 1 — 4.

Spec. char. Cephalic plates usually smooth, occasionally covered with very minute granules.
Auricular aperture large ; its anterior margin suh tubercular. One series of supralabials. Tem-
poral plates irregularly rounded, subimbricated, suh tuberculous, and of moderate development.
Sides of neck folded and granular. Dorsal scales small, carinated, and posteriorly obtuse ;
lateral scales smaller, not imbricated, provided with a rudimentary carina; abdominal scutellae
smooth and mostly entire. Posterior surface of thighs minutely granular. Tail long and
slender. Brownisli-hlack, with transverse subcrescentic black hands.

Syn. Proctotretus tenuis , Dum. & B. Erp. gen. IY, 1837, 279.

Bell, Zool. of the Beagle, Y, Rept. 1843, 7, Plate iii, fig. 2.

Guich. in Gay, Hist. Chile, II, 1848, 32, Erp. Plate i, fig. 1.

Hombr. and Jacq. Yoy. au Pole Sud et dans l’Oceanie, Plate ii, fig. 2.

Descr. The form, although slender in its general aspect, is less a characteristic of this species
than it really is for several others of its congenere. The body is depressed; swollen upon its
middle region ; the limbs being of moderate development. The anterior, when stretched along-
side the body, are far from attaining the groins ; and the tip of the longest toe of the posterior,
when the latter are brought forwards, reaches the middle region of the neck. The tail is elon-
gated, conical, tapering to a point, and nearly twice as long as the body and head together.

The tongue is large and fleshy ; elongated in shape and depressed, sublanceolated, occupy-
ing the entire space between the two branches of the lower jaw. The teeth are of moderate
development, smallest anteriorly, and subcylindrical ; whilst posteriorly these are somewhat
flattened, or else stouter upon their base.

The head is depressed, subtriangular in a view from above, and rounded upon the snout.
The plates which cover its surface are generally smooth, hut exhibit sometimes a very minute
granulation, apparent only through a magnifying glass. The cephalic plates vary as regards
both their size and number, being smallest when most numerous. In the specimen figured,
there are three pairs of frontals : one pair of post-occipitals, an odd occipital, a vertical, and
an odd frontal, which are somewhat larger than the rest, and nearly equal among themselves.
An inner series of surocularies may he noticed as the next in size ; they are separated from
28 *

“218

ZOOLOGY.

the vertical or interocular, and the occipitals, by a concentric series of small plates. There is
hut one and a rather small nasal, in the midst of which the nostril opens, leaving hut a nar-
row rim. The loral region is occupied by several small plates. The anterior suborbitals are
more developed than the posterior, all of which being provided with a keel along their inner
margin. The surciliary ridge is composed of about six elongated, narrow, and obliquely
superposed plates. The lids are covered with very small plates, the marginal series being
somewhat more developed than the rest, except on the periphery of these organs, and yet may
still he distinguished from the latter by their regular shape and disposition. The rostral is
transversally elongated and very low. The upper labials are very elongated and very narrow,
six or seven in number, increasing in length from the first to the fourth inclusive, then dimin-
ish considerably backwards. The supralabials have the same general appearance as the labials
themselves, save in being a little smaller. Occasionally two or more minute plates may he
observed upon the loral region between the loral plates proper and the supralabials. The tem-
poral plates are of moderate development, and of nearly equal size with the post-occipitals.
They are irregularly rounded, slightly imbricated, and provided either with a rudimentary
tubercle or an obsolete carina. The symphyseal is larger than the rostral, and especially
broader upon its middle region. The inferior labials (five or six in number) are broader than
the upper, more conspicuous therefore, and diminishing gradually backwards. There are four
or five pairs of mental shields : the anterior pair being the largest and contiguous upon their
inner margin, whilst the other pairs diverge, and gradually diminish in size backwards. Be-
tween the mental shields and lower labial plates there exists a complete series, and part of a
second, of small infralabials. The inferior surface of the head, the throat, the belly, the pre-
anal region, thighs, and legs, are covered with smooth, posteriorly obtuse, and generally entire
scales or scutellee of moderate development, a little smaller under the head and larger under
the hind limbs ; some few on the sides of the belly exhibiting a small notch posteriorly. The
sides of the neck, the insertion of the limbs, the inferior surface of the forearm, and the poste-
rior surface of the thighs, are granular. On the sides of the abdomen the scales are irregu-
larly rounded, subtuberculous, or subcarinated, and smaller than those on the dorsal region,
which are distinctly, though moderately, carinated, and posteriorly obtuse. The upper surface
of the limbs and the inferior surface of the arm are covered with scales similar in shape and
structure to those on the back ; on the palm of the hands and the sole of the feet they are
much smaller, acute posteriorly, and distinctly carinated ; around the fingers and toes they
constitute irregular verticiles — the superior ones being more irregular in size than the inferior,
and less distinctly carinated. The inner or first finger is the smallest ; the outermost is the
next in length ; then the second ; then the third, which is nearly as long as the fourth, which
is the longest. The nails are rather short, compressed, acerated upon their extremity, and
gently curved. The first toe is the smallest ; the second is the next in length ; then the fifth;
then the third ; the fourth is the longest. Their nails do not differ materially from those of
the fingers. The scales which cover the tail are the most conspicuous of all ; they constitute
oblique series upon the base of that organ, and angular rows further backwards. The oblique
series have the same shape as those of the back. Those constituting the annular rows are su-
periorly subquadrangular and elongated, with their carina oblique ; whilst beneath, they be-
come much narrower, posteriorly acute, with a straight carina along their middle region.

The ground-color is blackish brown in the male, and greenish brown in the female ; in either
sex there are two parallel series of transverse black bands, convex anteriorly, margined with
a whitish, or else a lighter tint along their concavity. These bands, however, are more con-
spicuous in the female than in the male. They may be traced from the head, on each side of
the dorsal region, to the posterior extremity of the body, where the series, from either side,
combine more or' less into one, which extends along the upper surface of the tail. The limbs,
as well as the tail, are transversally barred with black. In the female, the dorsal region and
the flanks are either dotted with black or spotted with whitish ; whilst in the male, these spots

REPTILES.

219

are either bluish, reddish, or else of a metallic green, especially on the neck. The upper sur-
face and sides of the head are spotted with different shades of black, or dotted with yellow and
black. The occipital region and the hack, in the male, occasionally exhibit sinuating black
lines upon a brownish ground, which itself hears bluish, greenish, or slate-colored spots. Be-
neath, the ground-color is whitish, vermiculated, maculated or clouded with greyish lines,
spots, or dots. That region sometimes is unicolor in the female.

This species appears to he quite abundant in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile, whence numer-
ous specimens were obtained and preserved.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 1, represents a profile view of the female sex of Proctotretus tenuis ,
size of life.

fig. 2, is an under view, showing the structure of that region,
fig. 3, is an upper view of the head,
fig. 4, a side view of the head.

Figs. 2, 3, and 4, are slightly magnified.

PROCTOTRETUS FEMORATUS, Girard.

Plate XL, Figs. 5 — 12.

Spec. char. Cephalic plates rugose. Auricular aperture moderate, provided with an arched
plate upon its supero-anterior margin, and one or two conical scales beneath and upon the
same anterior margin. One series of supralabials. Temporal shields well developed, imbri-
cated and carinated. Sides of neck with hut one inconspicuous fold, and covered with small
carinated scales. Dorsal scales large, carinated, posteriorly acute, and diminishing in size
towards the sides. Abdominal scutellse smooth and entire. Posterior surface of thighs granu-
lar. Tail elongated and slender. Brownish, with two parallel light vittae on either side, and
two series of black spots. Abdomen whitish, unicolor; inferior surface of head with greyish,
irregularly broken lines.

Syn. Proctotretus femoratus, G-rd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 22 7.

Descr. This species has the same slender aspect as P. tenuis, the limbs and tail being devel-
oped nearly in the same proportions. The body, mayhap, is a little shorter, and more slender
still. The tongue and teeth present the same general shape and structure. The head is
depressed, and quite declive from the frontal region towards the snout. Viewed from above, it
is subtriangular, subtruncated anteriorly. The cephalic plates are of moderate development ;
exhibiting upon their surface sinuating, subtubercular ridges, which give to that region a
rugose appearance. The vertical, a pair of post-occipitals, and two pairs of postfrontals may
be distinguished, amid their number, as the largest. Three postinternal surocularies hold the
same relations towards their analogues as the former ; a concentric chain being observed upon
the inner margin of the surface of the upper lid. The perforation of the nostrils takes place
through one single plate, more towards its posterior or inferior edge than the anterior. The
loral region being considerably reduced by the declivity of the frontal region, there are but
one or two loral plates. The suborbital chain is composed of three narrow and elongated
plates, provided internally with a conspicuous and sharp ridge or crest; the longest occupying
the inferior rim of the orbit and the other two its anterior rim ; whilst the posterior rim is
formed by the anterior temporal plates. The surciliary ridge is composed of five or six obliquely
superposed plates, smallest posteriorly. The surface of the lids is granular ; their margins
being provided with a series of very small plates. The rostral is transversally elongated and

220

ZOOLOGY.

very low. The upper labials are elongated and narrow, sis in number, increasing in size from
the first to the fourth, which is the longest, then diminishing again posteriorly. The supra-
labial series is composed of about an equal number of similar plates hut narrower still. The
symphyseal is larger than the rostral, and especially broader upon its middle region. The
inferior labials, six or seven in number, are broader than the upper, diminishing gradually
backwards. There are four pairs of mental shields; the anterior pair is the largest, con-
tiguous upon the inner margins, whilst the other pairs diverge in diminishing in size pos-
teriorly. A series of infra-labials may be traced from the angle of the mouth to between a
portion of the first inferior labial plate and anterior mental shield. The temporal plates are
well developed, particularly towards the upper region ; they are posteriorly obtuse, imbricated,
and distinctly carinated. The side of the neck, which exhibits a very obsolete fold, is covered
with small, acute, and carinated scales. The posterior margin of the auricular aperture and
region of the shoulder are minutely granular. The dorsal scales are rather large upon the
back, diminishing in size towards the middle of the flank, being carinated and acute posteriorly.
The inferior half of the flanks are covered with scales or scutellfe similar to those which exist
upon the belly, being only a little smaller and obsoletely carinated upwards. The abdominal
scutellas or scales are smooth, obtuse posteriorly, and rather smaller than the dorsal scales.
Under the head and throat they do not differ materially from those on the abdomen, but are a
little larger under the head than under the throat : their posterior margin is entire. If an
obsolete notch is to be observed at all, it is in those occupying the flanks, but that notch may
be owing to the fact that the carinas do not always extend to the posterior margin. The upper
surface of the anterior limbs is covered with scales similar to, but smaller than those on the
back, obtuse and smooth upon the anterior region and the carpus. Under the forearm they are
very small and smooth, increasing in size under the arm, and again diminishing towards the
palm of the hand, which is entirely covered with them, and not only carinated and posteriorly
acerated, but provided also with a lateral acute processus, particularly developed upon the meta-
carpal region. The fingers above are plated and smooth ; beneath they are provided with small
scales, carinated, acerated posteriorly and disposed upon regular transverse rows. The fingers
have the same relative length, and the nails the same form as in P . tenuis. The hind limbs
and the tarsi are covered above with scales similar, but smaller than those on the back, and
larger than on the fore limbs, carinated even on the tarsi. The anterior tibio-metatarsal region
is distinguished by very small scales, almost passing to the granular aspect. The posterior
surface of the thighs is granular ; whilst their inferior surface is covered anteriorly with scutel-
lse similar to those of the abdomen, and posteriorly with three or four series of scales, some-
what acute and projecting beyond the surface of that organ, the external series being the most
developed. On the inferior surface of the femoral region the scutellse or scales are subcarinated
and well developed, the external series projecting a little beyond the surface of the organ. On
the sole of the feet the scales are quite small, acute, and more distinctly carinated. The toes
are surrounded with small subverticillated scales, more uniform and more distinctly carinated
beneath than above. The proportional length of the toes and the form of the nails is the same
as in P. tenuis. The caudal scales have likewise the same general structure; there being,
however, no contrast in size between them and those of the back, though a little larger on the
base of that organ. The ground-color is brown, olivaceous, or blackish. The upper surface of
the head is either unicolor or dotted with blackish ; its sides generally exhibit two or three
oblique and black lines extending from beneath the orbit towards either the margin or the
angle of the mouth. The suborbital ridge may be black also. There are two parallel light
vittae on the sides of the body, the uppermost extending from the surciliary ridge to a portion
of the tail ; the lower one extends from the temporal region across the upper edge of the auricu-
lar aperture, and above the insertion of fore limbs to the groin. The dorsal region sometimes
is lighter than the sides, and appears like another broad vitta. There are two series of
black, transversally elongated spots, with a light or bluish margin ; the intermediate space

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221

being dark brown. The first series stretches immediately along the inner margin of the upper
vitta; the second is enclosed between the two vittae. The lower half of the flanks, beneath
the inferior vitta, is covered with irregularly vertical or rounded black spots. The inferior sur-
face of the body is unicolor whitish or greyish ; numerous interrupted series of linear spots are
observed under the head and inferior portion of its sides. The vittae upon the latter regions
are margined with black. There is an irregular black spot at the shoulder close to the inser-
tion of the fore limbs. The series of dorsal spots extends along the upper surface and sides of
the tail ; the latter is maculated with greyish below. The limbs above are transversally barred,
and beneath they are of the same hue as the abdomen.

In some, probably male specimens, the vittse and spots are less distinct, and immerge into
the ground-color. The sides of the abdomen are of a reddish metallic hue, with black and
bluish small spots.

Specimens of this species were collected in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 5, represents the profile of Proctotretus femoratus , size of life,
fig. 6, is the head, seen from above,
fig. 7, a side view of the head,
fig. 8, the head, from below.

fig. 9, shows the inferior surface of the anterior limb.

fig. 10, the inferior surface of the posterior limb and the vent also.

fig. 11, some dorsal scales.

fig. 12, some abdominal scutellae.

Figs. 6 — 12 are slightly magnified, in order to show readily the structures they are intended
to represent.

PROCTOTRETUS STANTONI, Girard.

Plate XL, Figs. 13 — 20.

Spec. char. Cephalic plates rugose. Auricular aperture moderate, margined anteriorly
with very small scales, one of which is larger than the rest. One series of supralabials. Tem-
poral shields well developed, subrounded, imbricated, and carinated. Sides of neck with one
indistinct fold, and covered with acute and carinated scales, a little smaller than those of the
back, which are large, posteriorly subacute, and strongly carinated. Abdominal scutellse
rounded posteriorly and slightly carinated. Posterior surface of thighs granular. Tail elon-
gated and slender. G-round-color deep brown, with a reddish tint posteriorly ; two parallel
vittae on the sides. Abdomen unicolor, with metallic reflections.

Syn. Proctotretus stantoni, G-rd. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 227.

Descr. The specimen figured — the only one in our possession — is of a rather small size, and,
in all likelihood, not fully grown. It resembles, in general appearance, P. gracilis, particu-
larly in its system of coloration, differing, however, in too many peculiarities of structure to
dwell at all upon that external resemblance.

The head is very depressed and sloping upon the frontal distance. Seen from above, its
shape is subovoid, rather narrow anteriorly. The cephalic plates, the surface of which is
slightly rugose, are well developed, and the frontals symmetrically arranged ; thus we find
two pairs of small prefrontals and three pairs of considerably larger postfrontals, separated by
a transverse series of three plates, the middle one of which is much larger than the adjoining
two, though itself equal to the smallest postfrontals. There is a vertical of medium size, a

222

ZOOLOGY.

small, odd occipital, on each, side of which, and immediately in advance of a large pair of post-
occipitals, is seen a pair of small plates. Two more pairs, equal in size to the last, may be
observed on either side of the large post-occipitals, and finally, behind the latter a series or two
of quite small plates, limiting the occipital region. The nostrils open in one single plate ;
there are three lorals, one forming the continuation of the surciliary ridge, above which and the
nasal, between these and the frontals, there are four minute, elongated plates irregularly dis-
posed. The surciliary ridge is composed of six obliquely superposed lamime. The surocul-
aries are nearly as large as the prefrontals, and surrounded by a series of small plateg. The
suborbital series consists of two plates only, a very long one beneath the orbit, and another
rather small anteriorly, their inner crest or ridge being well marked. The posterior rim of the
orbit is margined by small plates alike the temporal group. The surface of the lids is minutely
granular ; their margin is provided with a double series of very narrow, elongated, and very
small plates. The rostral is transversally elongated, hut quite low, or else narrow. The upper
labials, five in number, are very narrow and elongated, increasing in length from the first to
the fourth inclusive ; the fifth is equal to the first. The supralabials are very exiguous ; the
middle ones being the longest. The symphyseal is larger than the rostral. The inferior labials,
four in number, gradually lose their width posteriorly ; the third is the longest ; the fourth is
the smallest of all. There are five pairs of mental shields, diminishing in size posteriorly ; the
shields of the anterior pair being contiguous upon their inner margin. Between the inferior
labials and the mentals a triple series of elongated scutellse or shields may be observed, one
series only extending to the posterior half of the anterior inferior labial and anterior mental
shield. The temporal shields are well developed, slightly imbricated, rounded posteriorly, and
carinated. The neck exhibits but a slight loose elevation of the skin, and is protected by acute
and carinated scales, somewhat smaller than those of the back and sides. A small space imme-
diately behind the ear is granular, though not as minutely as about the axillse.

The dorsal scales are large, subrhomboid, subacute posteriorly, and strongly carinated ; they
are smaller upon the neck, and diminish gradually in size towards the sides of the body and
along the tail, where they constitute longitudinal series, instead of being arranged in verticiles
or else concentrically. Upon the origin of tail their posterior margin is rounded and subacute ;
farther behind they gradually elongate, and the carina, instead of occupying the middle line of
the scale, becomes oblique. Along the inferior surface of that organ they are more uniform
and more slender.

The limbs are very slender, and, when stretched alongside with the body, the anterior do not
reach the setting on of the thighs, and the posterior the ear opening, in which respects, as . in
many others, this species may be distinguished from P. gracilis. The upper surface of these
organs, from their origin to the tip of the fingers, is covered with carinated scales, similar in
shape, though a little smaller than those of the sides of the back. They are plate-like on the
upper surface of the fingers, and obsoletely carinated. On the palm of the hands and sole of
the feet they are the smallest of all, except on the inferior surface of the arm and the anterior
tibio-metatarsal region, where they approximate the granular aspect of the posterior surface of
the thighs.

The inferior surface of the head, neck, and abdomen, is covered with uniform scutellm, some-
what smaller under the neck, and likewise diminishing in size towards the sides of the abdomen.
The average size of these scutella3 is smaller than the dorsal scales. Their posterior margin is
rounded, and their surface slightly carinated from the chin to the preanal region, on the margin
of which there are very small plates. The postanal region is granulated like the posterior sur-
face of the thighs.

The ground-color is uniform deep brown, with a reddish tint from the posterior third of the
body to half the length of the tail. The sides bear two parallel light vittse, the uppermost
extending from the occiput to the base of the tail, the other from the auditive aperture to the
setting on of the hind legs. The inferior surface is unicolor, whitish or yellowish, with a me-

J.H. Richard.

REPTILES.

223

tallic tint of purplish under the head, greenish under the chest, and coppery under the belly
and tail.

Collected near Santiago, Chile, where the species must be scarce, judging of it by the fact that
only one specimen was found amongst the numerous of the other species.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 13, represents Proctotretus stantoni, in profile and of the size of life,
fig. 14, the head seen from above,
fig. 15, side view of the head,
fig. 16, under view of the head,
fig. 17, anterior limb from beneath,
fig. 18, posterior limb from beneath,
fig. 19, dorsal scales,
fig. 20, abdominal scuttelhe.

Figs. 14 — 20 are slightly magnified.

We would not have concluded the history of the new members thus added to the “ Fauna of
Chile,” by the exertions of the United States Naval Astronomical Expedition, without in-
scribing the name of one who was its father and its promoter, Hon. Fred. P. Stanton, of Ten-
nessee. Science owes a debt of gratitude to all the enlightened men, who, by the position they
hold in the councils of nations, declare themselves the patrons of scientific researches.

FAMILY OF LACERTID .

Genus APOROMERA, Dum. & B.

Gen. char. Base of tongue not sheathed, bifurcated upon its extremity, covered with sub-
rhomboid and subimbricated papillae. Teeth on the palate. Intermaxillary teeth conical and
simple. Maxillary teeth compressed, apart, acute, and curved ; the anterior ones simple, the
following notched at the summit of their anterior margin. Perforation of nostrils from behind
forwards, situated on the sides of the snout, near its extremity and between three or four plates.
Eyelids present. A tympanic membrane stretched inside the auditive orifice. Transverse
and simple folds under the neck. Ventral scutellas small, quadrilateral, smooth, and disposed
alternatively. No femoral pores. Hands terminated each by five, a little compressed, fingers,
not carinated beneath. Five toes, with internal edge tubercular. Tail cyclo-tetragonal.

Syn. Aporomera, Dum. & B., Erp. gen. V. 1839, 69.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 58.

Obs. This genus embraces, as yet, but two species, both South American.

APOROMERA ORNATA, Dum. & B.

Plate XXXIX, Figs. 1 — 4.

Spec. CHAR. Cephalic plates subconvex and smooth. Auricular orifice subcrescentic, convex
posteriorly and folded upon the latter margin. A double series of supralabial plates. Tempo-
ral shields small, polygonal, and rugose. Sides of neck folded and covered with small

224

ZOOLOGY.

subcircular scales. Dorsal scales subangular and moderate in size. Abdominal scutellaa
quadrangularly elongated, disposed upon transverse series, and smooth. Tail longer than the
body and bead together. Above olivaceous, with four rows of black spots margined with
white. Beneath yellowish white, spotted with black.

Syn. Aporomera ornata, Dum. & B. Erp. gen. Y, 1839, 16.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 58, Plate iii, fig. 1.

Ameiva oculata, D’Orb. Yoy. Amer. merid. Rept. Plate v, figs. 6 — 9.

Obs. Binding that the iconography of this species might be considerably improved, under the
circumstances, we have thought that such an opportunity ought not be allowed to pass without
avail. The figures detailing its external structures are such as will throw a considerable light
upon what is already known of that animal by those given in Gay’ s Historia de Chile , which,
when compared to ours, cannot but attract the attention of herpetologists, as exhibiting some
dissimilarities in the plates which protect the head.

Descr. The latter is subquadrangular or rather subconical, flattened upon its upper surface,
and more or less swollen upon the temporal regions. The vertical plate is irregularly six-
sided and broadest anteriorly. The occipitals are very numerous, most of them small and
polygonal, irregularly disposed, save eight of them, occupying the middle of said region imme-
diately behind the vertical. The foremost is very small and odd, situated in a notch of the
posterior margin of the vertical. On its sides but a little behind, and obliquely disposed, are
two larger plates . as one pair. Immediately behind these first three, the largest of the occipitals
may be observed, elongated, irregular, varying in shape, almost as large as the vertical, and
having on either side a smaller plate as a second pair, exteriorly and behind which is a third
pair still smaller. On some specimens two or three other pairs are observed, scarce larger than
those covering the rest of the occipital region, and constituting two parallel series posteriorly to
the third pair above mentioned. On the frontal region the plates are small and numerous,
varying in absolute number as well as in form, and disposed without any marked regularity,
save a somewhat concentric arrangement amongst the external ones ; but this may not be con-
stant in all the specimens. The rostral is broad and low, six-sided, the three upper sides
concave or subconcave, the uppermost sometimes so small as to give to that plate a conico-pen-
tagonal shape. There are three or four — one or two anterior, and two posterior — nasals.
Between the nasals and the rostral is situated a conspicuous phrenic plate, exhibiting a large
portion of its surface in an upper view of the head. The posterior prenasal (or prenasals) forms
an oblique arch from the first upper labial to the upper portion of the nostril. The postnasals
are the smallest, subquadrangular in shape, placed one above the other so as to limit equally
the posterior edge of the nostrils, which is large and approximates the labials. The loral
region is occupied by three rather large plates, much higher than broad, and increasing in
size from forwards backwards. The inferior orbitals, nine or ten in number, form a continuous
chain from the postero-inferior part of the eye to the surciliaries, increasing in size from back-
wards forwards, and provided with a carina from about beneath the pupil anteriorly. Thirteen
or fourteen surciliaries constitute the upper edge of the orbit; these plates are small, subequal in
size, a little larger anteriorly than posteriorly, and transversely elongated upon the middle ot
the chain. The upper and lower lids are densely covered with a pavement of irregular and
small plates, disposed in series next to the inferior orbitals, where they are somewhat larger as
well as anteriorly. Upon the edge of the lids they are likewise disposed in series, but not
otherwise different from those on the middle region of these organs. Upon the upper lid they
assume a granular aspect owing to their much reduced size. There are from five to seven
suroculary plates transversely elongated, the middle one being the largest, and surrounded
with small plates constituting one single series upon the region adjoining the vertex, and a
double series exteriorly where these plates are the smallest of the group. The upper labials,

REPTILES.

225

eleven or twelve in number, are of medium development, decreasing gradually in size posteri-
orly. The inferior labials, with nearly the same size, form, structure, and number as tho
upper, extend posteriorly to the same distance, which corresponds to a vertical line which
would fall hack of the eye. There is one row of small supralabials, largest anteriorly, extending
from behind the first labial and beneath the nostril, to beneath the posterior half of the orbit.
A second row may be traced from the second loral to the third or fourth suborbitals ; and above
there are a few more, as an indication, mayhap, of a third row, at all events very obsolete.
The sympliyseal is transversely elongated and obtusely angular upon the line of its contact with
the labials and mental shields. There are four pairs of mental shields and an odd anterior one.
The posterior pair is the smallest ; the next to it or third pair is the largest in some specimens,
whilst in others it is the second which has the pre-eminence in that respect. The odd plate is
generally equal in size to those of the largest pair. The first, second, and anterior portion of
the third pair come into close contact upon their inner margin, leaving no space for smaller
plates to intervene. On the lower half of the temporal region, the plate or scales, whatever
called, are quite small, and very minute on the upper half. On the sides of the neck which is
folded, behind the ear opening and beneath it, they assume a granular aspect ; they increase
somewhat in size below, being uniform under tbe throat and subgular folds, which are con-
siderably developed. They are large upon an area back of the mental shields, between which
and the inferior labials a series of them intervene ; also sensibly larger upon the middle and
posterior part of the hoyid region.

The dorsal scales are uniform, moderate in size, and subcircular, disposed upon transverse
irregular series from the head to the origin of tail, diminishing in size and uniformity towards
the lower portion of the flanks. About the insertion of the limbs, and upon the thoracic region
behind the arm, their appearance is granular.

The limbs are stoutish and well proportioned ; the fore might be termed rather short,
inasmuch as they do not extend much beyond the middle region of the body when stretched
along its sides. But the apparent shortness of these limbs in that respect is owing to the fact
that the body in this genus is proportionally much more elongated than in Proctotretus. The
scales on the upper surface of the forearm and arm are larger than on the body ; on the arm
and carpus they assume the shape of scutellm or plates, one row of which, transversely elon-
gated, may be traced to the tips of the fingers. On the lower surface and palm of the hand
they are again granular. There is a row of plates at the base of the metacarpus. The three
external fingers are provided beneath with a double row of tuberculous plates, the two others
with but one row, and all of them laterally with a series of small plates. The inner finger is
the shortest, the external is the next in size, then the second; the third and fourth are equal in
length. The nails are strong, of moderate development, compressed, acerated anteriorly, and
curved: the plate, the upper and the lower, situated at their base, is the most developed of the
digital series. On the upper surface of the hind legs and external half of the foot, the scales
are nearly of the size of those on the back ; the posterior surface is granular, as well as the sole
of the foot, whilst the inferior surface and inner half of the foot are covered with scutelke,
larger under the tibial than under the femoral region ; smallest on the foot. The toes are
protected above with a series of transversally elongated and irregular scutellre, and beneath
with a series of tubercular plates. Their inner sides are granular, whilst on the outer sides
the scutellaa of their upper surface meet the plates of the lower. The abdominal scutellaa
are well developed, elongated, irregularly subquadrangular, and disposed upon transverse
series. On the anterior portion of the chest these scutellm are quite small, and irregularly dis-
posed in advance of the arms. They diminish, likewise, in size towards the posterior region of
the abdomen, preserving, however, their disposition upon transverse series. The preanal
scutelke are very irregular in their form, of moderate development, the central being the
largest. The anal folds are granular. The tail is very long, sub or cyclo-tetragonal, tapering
to a point, and covered with circular rows of elongated scales, increasing in size from the base
29*

226

ZOOLOGY.

of that organ to the last fifth of its length. They are smooth upon the anterior fifth, hence
to the tip conspicuously carinated, particularly upon the middle region ; at the base of the tail
the scales are hut slightly larger than on the posterior portion of the body ; they are smooth
everywhere else except, as mentioned, upon the tail. The carination is gradually appearing
under the shape of a blunt and small protuberance which may be seen upon the posterior ex-
tremity of the scales. Every other or every third row subdivides as it ascends from the sides
of the tail towards its upper surface, from the base to about the third of the length, the sub-
division gradually diminishing in extent until reduced to a few scales upon the middle of the
upper region ; hence backwards they constitute regular annular rows. The ground-color is
olivaceous, varying in shade. From the occipital region to the base of the tail there are four
longitudinal series of rather large black patches. The latter are subcircular or subquadrangu-
lar, transversally elongated, and provided laterally with a white line or spots, exteriorly again
margined with a black filet; sometimes the black and central part of the blotch is wanting, in
which case we have two independent white subrounded spots, margined with black. The
occipital region is maculated with black. The inferior region of the flanks is vermiculated or
spotted with brownish black, upon a whitish ground. The upper surface of the anterior limbs
exhibits confluent lines or spots — some brownish, others whitish ; the posterior limbs are macu-
lated or else vermiculated with blackish. The upper surface of the tail presents intermingled
black, brown, and olivaceous spots of various shades. The inferior regions are white ; the
throat, the belly, the thighs, and base of the tail are spotted with blackish brown.

Collected in the neighborhood of Santiago, Chile.

It is worthy of remark that Ameiva oculata, mentioned by d’Orbigny in his Travels to South
America, was erroneously introduced in that rvork. The specimen from which his figure is
made, is one of those collected by Claude Gay, in Chile, supposed for a time by the naturalists
of the Garden of Plants in Paris to have been brought home by Alcide d’Orbigny, whose collec-
tions were deposited in that establishment, where Claude Gay had likewise sent his.

The shapes of the dorsal black spots, as described above, agree in the two specimens brought
home by Lieut. Gilliss. They are at variance with those described and figured by Claude Gay.

Plate XXXIX, fig. 1, represents Aporomei'a ornata, in profile and si^e of life,
fig. 2, is an under view of the same specimen,
fig. 3, the head seen from above,
fig. 4, a side view of the head.

Genus CNEMIDOPHOPUS, Wagl.

Gen. char. Base of tongue not sheathed, moderately long, divided upon its anterior ex-
tremity into two smooth filets, covered with scaly, rhomboid, and subimbricated papillae. Palate
toothed. Intermaxillary teeth conical and simple ; maxillary teeth compressed ; the anterior
simple ; the posterior tricuspid. External opening of nostrils situated either exclusively in a
single naso-rostral plate, or between several nasals. Eyelids present. Tympanic membrane dis-
tinct, stretched inside the rim of the auditive aperture ; a double transversal fold under the neck.
Ventral scutellse quadrilateral, flat, smooth, not, or little imbricated, disposed in alternate rows.
Large scutellae-like plates under the legs. Femoral pores present. Five fingers a little com-
pressed, not carinated beneath. Five toes similar in structure to the fingers. Tail cyclo-
tetragonal.

Syn. Cnemidophorus , Wagl. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 154.

Dum. & Bibr. Erp. Gen. V, 1839, 123.

REPTILES.

227

Ops. The species of this genus may he arranged into two groups, according to the number
of longitudinal series of abdominal scutellfe, some having eight, the others ten of such series:
the species described below belonging to the latter group.

CNEMIDOPHORUS PR2ES IGNIS, B. & G.

Plate XXXFIII, Figs. 1—5.

Spec, ciiar. Abdominal scutellas disposed upon ten longitudinal rows; dorsal scales very mi-
nute. Postsubgular fold provided with small plates upon its edge. Ground-color greenish,
blotched with black, and exhibiting laterally two narrow, light vittse.

Syst. Cnemidophorus prcesignis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 129.

Descu. The head, which is contained twice and three-fourths of a time in the combined length
of the neck and body, is subpyramidal in shape, slightly arched upon the occiput. The plates
which cover its upper surface are well developed. The vertical is hexagonal, broadest ante-
riorly; it is preceded by a pair of postfrontals, narrowest upon the line of their junction, dilated
exteriorly and rounded upon the latter margin. A large and unique prefrontal occupies nearly
the whole width of the snout, being irregularly octagonal in its outline, touching posteriorly the
postfrontals, exteriorly the loral and postnasal, and anteriorly the prenasals. The rostral oc-
cupies the entire width of the snout, advancing in a conical form towards the prefrontal, which,
however, it does not reach. The prenasal is elongated and subquadrangular, being slightly
curved backwards owing to its oblique situation on the sides of the snout, extending from the
margins of the labials to the upper surface of the snout, where it meets its fellow from the op-
posite side, separating entirely the rostral from the prefrontal. The postnasal is not quite as
high, though a little broader than the prenasal. It is anteriorly subconvex, and posteriorly
concave, exhibiting a portion of its surface in an upper view of the head. The nostrils are
large, situated at the inferior margin of the nasal plates, close to the labials, encroaching more
upon the prenasal than upon the postnasal. The loral is very large, its convex anterior margin
fitting the concave one of the postnasal. It is broadest anteriorly, and three-sided, offering
points of contact to a surciliary and two anteorbitals, the lowermost being the largest, angu-
lar, and five-sided, whilst the upper one is elongated and narrow. There are two suborbitals,
the anterior being twice as large as the posterior one. The postorbitals are numerous, small,
and polygonal. Four surocularies and six surciliaries constitute the upper roof of the eye, the
surciliaries forming a prominent ridge, between which and the surocularies a series of small
scales may be observed, extending from the anterior margin of the second suroculary and pos-
terior margin of the second surciliary backwards, enclosing the posterior outline of the surocu-
laries half wmy between the third of the latter group and the anterior occipitals. The anterior
three surciliaries are much longer than the posterior three. The eyelids, upper and lower, are
densely covered with small scales, the largest of which constituting a row along the inner mar-
gin of the orbitals. On the edge of the lids is another series more conspicuous than upon the
intervening space. The middle surface of the lower eyelid is provided with a horizontal series
of five or six quadrangular plates; the latter being higher than long. The occipitals are seven
in number, the anterior two being somewhat larger than the others, broadest upon their poste-
rior half, and in contact anteriorly with the vertical. The posterior five are disposed upon a
sublinear and transverse row, the central one being placed immediately behind the middle line
of the anterior two; the adjoining two, the largest of the five, are in contact anteriorly with
the first pair of occipitals; the exterior two occupy a somewhat retreated situation along the
external margin of the internal pair. An area of small plates surrounds posteriorly and exteri-
orly the jpo'stoccipitals. From the posterior extremity of the surciliary ridge to the upper mar-

228

ZOOLOGY.

gin of the auditive aperture may he seen a series of small polygonal plates, a continuation
of the postorbitals. There are six upper labials; the two middle ones are much the largest,
and longer than high. The anterior two are subquadrangular ; the posterior two elongated,
narrow, subtriangular ; the last of the series is very small, with its acutest angle directed for-
wards, the reverse of the fifth. The inferior labials are seven in number, the posterior ones be-
ing very small and narrow; the third and fourth are very large; the second is nearly equal in
size with the fourth upper labial, and the first nearly equal to the fifth of its own series. The
svmphiseal is semi-elliptical, and well developed. The submaxillari.es or mental shields are very
large; the anterior odd one is broadest; the second, on either side, are in contact for almost their
whole length; the third and fourth diverge. Six or seven smaller plates, disposed upon a
double row, terminate the submaxillary series at the angle of the mouth, and close to the an-
terior and lower rim of the auditive aperture. The latter is large and sub-circular, margined
anteriorly with scales somewhat larger than those covering the middle of the temporal region.
The extreme margin of the angle of the mouth is provided with small scales or else minute
plates. The mental region, enclosed by the submaxillary plates, is covered with irregular and
small scales, a narrow area of which may be seen extending to the lower edge of the auditive
aperture. The anterior portion of the throat is provided with small polygonal plates, whilst
the posterior portion of that region is covered laterally with minute, and upon its middle with
rather small plates. The plates on the middle region of the posterior subgular fold are nearly
equal in size to those of the anterior portion of the throat. On the margin of that fold they
are again very small.

The anterior and upper surface of the forearm is provided with a series of five large polygonal
and transversely elongated plates, surrounded with smaller ones, and beneath, posteriorly, to-
wards the elbow, may be seen an area covered with about a dozen plates of a much smaller size,
and rather subcircular than polygonal in their outline. The anterior and upper surface of the
arm exhibits a series of transversely elongated plates, still larger and more numerous than on
the forearm, surrounded likewise by smaller ones. The remaining portion of the surface of that
limb is densely covered with small scales, assuming a plate-like aspect upon the middle region
beneath and towards the elbow. The palm of the hand is covered with minute scales, and the
metacarpus, opposite the external finger, is marked by a few small plates. The hand above is
plated ; the plates being a little smaller on the metacarpus than on the carpus. The fingers
are protected above and below by a series of transversely elongated and uniform plates, extend-
ing to the very base of the nails. There is a lateral series of small scales separating the upper
from the lower digital plates. The internal and external fingers are shorter than the others,
and nearly equal in length. The middle one is a little longer than the adjoining two. The
nails are well developed, compressed posteriorly, conical, acerated, and curved anteriorly.
The anterior surface of the thigh is covered with plates of medium size, diminishing very
much in size towards the inferior surface. The femoral pores, seventeen in number, limit the
plated surface of that organ. They issue forth between an anterior subcrescentic small plate and
two minute posterior ones. The inferior surface of the leg is covered with four longitudinal
series of plates, very large upon the anterior series, and diminishing gradually in size upon the
remaining series. The inferior surface of the metatarsus is protected by rather conspicuous and
imbricated plates, whilst on the upper surface there exist minute scales. The tarsus exhibits
four series of well-developed plates, which may be traced along the upper surface of the toes
narrower upon the articulation of the phalanges than upon their middle region. The inferior
surface of the toes is provided externally with a conspicuous series of small plates, and internally
with two much smaller and irregular series placed along the thumb, the first (longest) and
second toes, whilst these latter series are replaced by scales upon the fourth and fifth toes.
The posterior surface of the tarsus is covered with minute scales, somewhat larger on the sole
of the foot, between the thumb and the first (longest) and second finger. The plates on the
upper surface of the tarsus and those on the inferior surface of the leg are contiguous upon the

REPTILES.

229

external edge of the metatarsus behind the small toe. The nails are less developed than upon
the anterior extremities, compressed at their base, acerated upon their extremity, and hut
slightly curved.

The dorsal and lateral regions of the body and upper surface of the hind legs are covered
with very small and irregular scales. The inferior surface of the body is plated all over with
quadrangiflar scutellaa, disposed upon ten longitudinal rows, the outermost of which is but
imperfectly developed, upon the middle region of the abdomen. The second row, proceeding
from the sides inwardly, is composed of scutellas, nearly quadrangular, whilst on the three
remaining rows the scutellse are transversally longer, in the shape of an elongated quadrangle.
Upon the anterior portion of the chest the series are interrupted and composed of smaller and
irregularly-shaped scutellas. The preanal region exhibits three rather large polygonal scutellaa
surrounded by small plates, diminishing in size as they recede from the central group. The
postanal region is densely covered with small plates or scales. The tail is long, subcylindrical,
and tapering to a point. The scales which cover its surface are elongated and narrow, keeled
upon their middle line, and disposed in verticiles or circular rows. On the upper part and
sides of that organ the scales maintain the same width throughout their length, whilst interi-
orly some of them may be seen slightly tapering posteriorly. The ground-color is greenish, the
head, the locomotory members, and the tail, marmorated with black. Two lighter stripes may
be seen running along the sides, the uppermost starting from the surciliary ridge, the lower
one from behind the eye across the auditive aperture, and parallel towards the posterior extremity
of the body. Hence, along the sides of the tail, to a considerable distance, the uppermost unin-
terruptedly above the hind limbs, the lower one with a break near the origin of the thighs.
The area enclosed by these two vittas or stripes is black, provided upon its middle region with
a series of greenish subrounded spots. The region of the flanks beneath the lower vitta is
either entirely black, with two or three irregular series of greenish spots, or else the green and
the black mingle, and assume a meandric aspect. The external three series of abdominal
scutellas are provided with a black spot upon their middle. The dorsal region enclosed between
the uppermost vitta presents a medial, light-greenish band, edged with transverse blotches of
black, enclosing a quadrangular space of deeper green, occasionally mottled with black. Upon
the occiput and neck most of the space is greenish. It is not improbable that the young will
be found to possess a more defined dorsal vitta, mayhap, similar altogether to those now to
be observed on the sides. The inferior surface of the head, the chest, the middle region of the
abdomen, and the preanal region, are uniformly yellowish-green. The inferior surface of the
fore-limbs is yellowish, the inferior surface of the hind limbs and tail whitish, obsoletely
blotched with blackish.

Specimens of this species were collected at Chagres, isthmus of Panama, by the late Prof.
C. B. Adams, of Amherst College, Massachusetts.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 1, represents the profile of CnemidopJiorus prcesignis, size of life.

fig. 2, is an under view of the same specimen, showing the varied structure
of the plates, scales, and scutellas, referred to in the above description ; a
is an enlarged view of one from a femoral pore,
fig. 3, exhibits the head from above,
fig. 4, an enlarged toe.
fig. 5, an enlarged finger.

FISHES.

BY CHARLES GIRARD.

FAMILY OF PEUCIDiE.

Genus PERCICHTHYS, Girard.

Gen. char. Body oblong or elongated, compressed, covered with scales of medium develop-
ment, finely ciliated upon their posterior margin. Snout rather thick and blunt, overlapping
slightly the lower jaw. Two dorsal fins contiguous at their base. Insertion of ventral fins
immediately beneath the base of pectorals. Anal fin provided with three spiny rays. Tongue
smooth. Upper surface of head, suborbitals and posterior dilatation of maxillary, covered with
scales, as well as the cheeks and opercular apparatus. Suborbital and preopercle serrated.
Opercle provided with a spine. Branchiostegals six or seven in number. Card-like teeth on
the jaws; velvet-like teeth disposed upon a transverse band in front of the vomer and upon a nar-
row band along the palatines, sometimes only towards the anterior extremity of the latter bones.

Syn. Perciclithys , Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.

Obs. This genus, closely allied to Perea , is to be distinguished from it by the shape of the
snout and the structure of the mouth; the presence of small scales on the top of the head, on
the suborbital bones and (upper) maxillary ; the position of the ventral fins, and by the pres-
ence of three spiny rays, instead of two, at the anterior margin of the anal fin. Moreover, the
head, as a whole, has something of a scimnoid touch about it.

Perea truclia , of Cuv. and Val.* which, according to M. d’Orbigny, is an inhabitant of
the Rio Negro of Patagonia, is a species of this genus.

I am led to consider Perea ciliata, K. and V. H., from the island of Java, Perea marginata,
Cuv. and Val., brought to Fiance from the austral hemisphere by the navigator Peron, and
Perea trutta , Cuv. and Val., from Cook’s straight (New Zealand), as properly referable to the
genus P erciclitliys .

Should this be true, the hitherto cosmopolite genus Perea would thus be restricted to the
boreal hemisphere ; the analogous species of the austral hemisphere constituting an allied genus
or several allied genera, since one of the species of this group has led us to the establishment of
another genus equally distinct from both Perea and Peroichthys.

Perea Icevis, Jen.,t an inhabitant of the Rio Santa Crux, Patagonia, belongs also to the
genus Percichthys, being closely allied to P. truclia, if at all distinct from it.

The following is the formula of its fins and branchiostegals:

Br. 7; D.9 — 1 j 11 ; A. 3^9; C. 17; P. 15; V. 1^5.

Again, Perea truclia of Cuv. and Val. is not identical with the Perea truclia of the c<Historia
de Chile.” The latter we propose to call Percichthys chUensis. The distinctive marks between

* Histoire Naturelle des Poissons. Tome IX, 1833, 429.

t Zool. of Beagle, IV. Fish. 1842, 1, PI. i.

F'lOo. 1 ! . PERniHHTHV^ f'HTT TTlsT

PISHES.

231

the two are to he found in the structure of the anal, dorsal, and pectoral fins, the shape of the
caudal, the size of the scales, and the course of the lateral line. In Perea truclia the anal is
said to be short, the caudal slightly rounded, the scales small, and the lateral line nearly
straight. Now, in Percichtliys chilensis the anal is long and deep, the caudal is emarginated,
the scales are rather above than below the middle size, and the lateral line forms quite a con-
spicuous curve along the dorsal region of the body, being straight only along the peduncle of
the tail. The formula of the fins of Percha truclia, given by Cuvier and Valenciennes, is as
follows :

D. 9 — l/l3; A. 3/l0; C. IT; P. 14; V. 1/5.

which, according to our method, will read thus :

D X. 13; A III. 10 ; C 0. I. 8. 7. I. 0 ; V I. 5; P 14.

and compares better with the formula of Percichtliys chilensis given further on. The rudimentary
rays of the upper and lower lobe of the caudal are not enumerated by the French ichthyolo-
gists. It is to be regretted that their formula passed into the “ Historia de Chile” without
verification upon the specimens collected by Mr. Gay, on the ground merely that Cuvier pro-
nounced both species identical. It is true, they are called truclia both in Patagonia and Chile;
but this is one instance in many of vernacular names similarly applied to more than one zoologi-
cal species.

None of the specimens which came under my observation did exhibit roundish black spots
as figured in the “Historia de Chile,” which may after all become another distinguishing
feature between the truclia of Patagonia and the truclia of Chile. To this, however, I attach
no greater importance than it is worth.

PEEOICHTHYS CHILENSIS, Girard.

Plate XXIX, Figs. 1—4.

Spec. char. Snout subconical, obtuse anteriorly, and slightly overlapping the lower jaw.
Mouth well developed. Posterior extremity of upper maxillary fetching the vertical of centre
of pupil. Limb of preopercle conspicuously serrated; exterior margin of sub and interopercle
inconspicuously so. Soft portion of anal deeper than the height of second dorsal. Caudal
moderately emarginated posteriorly. Branchiostegals seven. Ground-color yellowish; upper
regions covered with brownish or blackish diffused spots.

Syn. Percha trucha, Guich, in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 146; Ictiol. Lam. I bis.
fig. 1.

Percichtliys chilensis, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pliilad. VI, 1854, 197.

Trucha, vernacular.

Descr. The body is subfusiform, compressed, and more elongated than in the common perch of
the United States. The greatest depth, which corresponds to the origin of the first dorsal fin,
is contained four times and a half in the total length; whilst the least depth, taken on the
peduncle of the tail, enters in the same length nearly ten times. The back is uniformly
arched from the nape to the termination of the second dorsal. The peduncle of the tail con-
stitutes almost the fifth of the whole length. The abdominal outline is convex from the throat
to the end of the anal fins. The greatest thickness is a little more than half of the depth;
the thickness of the peduncle of the tail is exactly the half of its depth. The head, which is
subconical, is continuous with both the dorsal and abdominal outlines, if we except a very
slight depression upon the vertex. It forms about the fourth of the entire length. The

232

ZOOLOGY.

snout, which is rounded and obtuse, slightly overlaps the lower jaw, which is thus entirely
concealed when the fish is viewed from above. The mouth is of medium size ; its angles do
not reach the anterior margin of the orbit. The posterior extremity of the upper maxillary
extends to a vertical line, which would intersect the pupil. The teeth on both of the jaws, as
well as those on the front of the vomer and on the palatines, are small and more card than vel-
vet-like. They cover an elongated and narrow area along the palatines. The posterior nostril
is the largest, subtriangular in shape, and situated close to the anterior rim of the orbit ; the
anterior nostril is circular, and opens a little in advance of the latter. The eye is subcircular,
approximating the upper outline of the profile ; its horizontal diameter enters five times in the
length of the side of the head. The inferior edge of the suborbitals is minutely serrated ; these
hones overlap considerably the upper maxillary when the mouth is shut. The limb of the
preopercle exhibits small and closely set serratures upon its ascending branch, whilst the
inferior and horizontal branch is provided with fewer spines directed downwards and slightly
forwards. Minute serratures may be observed upon the exterior edge of both the inter and
subopercles. The opercle is trapezoid, and obliquely traversed by a flattened spine in close
union with that bone, allowing its extremity only to project beyond its margin just above the
upper extremity of the subopercle. The interopercle is a well developed piece of the apparatus
of which it constitutes a part. The thoracic belt is robust ; the serratures of the suprascapular
are conspicuous, and the coracoid sends off quite a broad expansion above the base of the pec-
toral fins, the margin of which expansion is provided with minute spines. The branchial
aperture is wide ; there being no isthmus under the throat. The branchiostegals, seven in num-
ber, are slender and flattened upon the posterior half.

The distance between the origin of the first dorsal fin and the tip of the snout is equal to
the combined base of both dorsals. There are eleven spiny rays, eight of which constituting
what may properly be considered as the first dorsal fin ; the ninth and tenth seem rather to fill
up the space between the two fins, and the eleventh occupies the anterior margin of the second
dorsal. The first ray is short and equal in height to the eighth, but more slender ; the second
is a little higher than the sixth ; the seventh being intermediate between the sixth and eighth ;
the third is the highest of all, and thrice as high as the first; the fourth is slightly shorter
than the third, and the fifth intermediate between the fourth and sixth. The upper outline of
that fin is consequently very convex. The membrane between the rays is deeply indentated.
There is no vacant area between the first and second dorsals ; as already observed, there are
two slender spines, shorter than the eighth, which connect these two fins; their direction or
inclination seems more alike the rays of the second dorsal than those of the first. The eleventh
spine, that which forms the anterior margin of the soft dorsal, is about the same height as the
eighth. The second dorsal is higher than its base is long, though not quite as high as the
highest spine of the anterior dorsal. Its upper margin is slightly convex ; its soft rays are
twice bifurcated, except the anterior one, which is simple ; the anterior branch of the second
ray remains also simple. The last ray being double, its posterior branch divides but once ;
whilst its anterior portion divides once upon its posterior division, and twice upon its anterior,
alike the other rays. The anal is preceded by three spines ; the anterior one being the shortest,
is immediately opposite the anterior margin of second dorsal ; the second spine is nearly twice
as long as the first, whilst the third is a little shorter than the second ; the membrane which
unites them is deeply indentated. The soft portion of the anal is deeper than the second dorsal
is high, and deeper than its own base, equal, however, in depth to the base of the whole fin,
its spiny rays included. The tips of its soft rays project a little further posteriorly than those
of the second dorsal. The bifurcation of the soft rays is similar to what is observed in the
second dorsal. The caudal is broad and moderately long, being contained about six times and
a half in the total length. Its posterior margin is subcrescentic or else moderately emargin-
ated, the lobes being rather obtuse. The central rays bifurcate thrice upon their length. The
insertion of the ventrals corresponds to the base of the pectorals. The spine which occupies

Astv' Exped.1.1

. H . R.icV\ardL .

PISHES.

233

their exterior margin is long and acute, though shorter than any of their soft rays, which
bifurcate thrice, save the posterior one, which divides hut twice, and the anterior only once.
Their external margin is broad and rounded. The pectorals are a little longer than the ven-
trals, broad exteriorly when expanded, and composed of soft and slender rays, which bifurcate
but twice upon their length.

Br. VII; D XI. 10+1; A III. 10; C 4. I. 8. 7. I. 3; V I. 5 ; P 16.

The scales are well developed, minutely serrated upon their posterior margin, which is con-
vex or rounded. Their anterior margin is subtruncated, whilst their upper and lower margins
are almost rectilinear. Eight distinct rows may be counted between the anterior margin of the
first dorsal and the lateral line, and from twenty-two to twenty-five beneath it and the ventral
line. They diminish considerably in size upon the sides and belly, becoming very minute
under the throat. The upper surface of the head and the cheeks, the suborbitals and maxillary
are covered with them, smaller, however, on the cephalic region proper than on the cheeks, and
quite minute on the maxillary. Those covering the opercular apparatus are again large and
conspicuous, being nearly as large as those of the trunk. The lateral line is very conspicuous ;
there are in it from sixty-eight to seventy scales. From the upper part of the opercular appa-
ratus it constitutes a gradually raised curve to nearly opposite the posterior portion of spiny
dorsal; hence the curve is continued, gradually descending to nearly opposite the posterior
margin of the soft dorsal by a series of undulations; then runs almost straightway to the base
of caudal, along the middle of the peduncle of the tail.

The coloration is of a golden yellow; the upper part of the flanks and dorsal region being
brownish or blackish owing to the presence of diffused spots and maculae. The fins are uni-
color, greyish yellow. The inferior surface of the head is whitish.

This fish is said to inhabit most of the rivers of the republic of Chile. The specimen figured,
together with several others, was caught in a tributary of the Rio de Maypu, near Santiago.

Plate XXIX, fig. 1, represents, size of life, Perciclitliys chilensis, seen in profile,
fig. 2, is a scale of the dorsal region,
fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line,
fig. 4, a scale of the abdominal region.

Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are magnified.

PERCICHTHYS M E L AN O P S , Girard.

Plate XXX, Figs. 1 — 5.

Spec. char. Mouth of moderate size, posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaching the ver-
tical of the anterior rim of orbit. Palatine teeth occupying but a small area towards the an-
terior extremity of these bones. Opercular spine not very conspicuous. Branchiostegals, six.
Ground-color whitish, minutely and densely dotted with black ; dots crowding upon the middle
of the scales under the shape of a central blotch, giving to the whole fish quite a dark hue.

Syn. Perciclitliys melanops , Grd. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.

Descr. This species does not apparently attain a very large size, judging of it from the fact
that the specimen figured is the largest of the lot collected. It bears a general resemblance to
P. cliilensis above described, having the same general shape of the head and body; but the
peduncle of the tail being less developed, its aspect is rather more contracted. The greatest
depth of the body, which corresponds to the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin, is equal to
the length of head, and is contained about three times and three-fourths in the total length ;
whilst the least depth, taken on the middle of the peduncle of the tail, enters in that same
30 *

234

ZOOLOGY.

length about nine times, or a little over. The greatest thickness stands, in regard to the
length, as one to six or two to thirteen. The dorsal outline is more convex than in P ercichthys
chilensis, and mayhap also the belly, which contributes not in a small degree to give to this fish
that more contracted appearance already alluded to above. The head is sub-conical, and par-
ticipates in the short aspect of the body. Its upper surface continues, towards the tip of the
snout, the declivity of the nape with scarcely any inflexion upon either the occiput or the ocular
region. The snout itself is blunt and rounded, slightly overlapping the lower jaw when the
mouth is shut. The upper arcade of the mouth is but little protractile, and, when in the latter
state, causes the maxillaries to move more downwards than forwards. There are minute card-
like teeth on both the upper and lower jaws, and closely set together. Velvet-like teeth may be
observed on the front of the vomer, disposed upon a small triangle. The palatines exhibit a
few rudimentary teeth upon their anterior extremity in contact with the vomer. The palate is
otherwise smooth. The pharyngobrancliials are large, elongated, and convex, and closely set
with prickly teeth ; the inferior pharyngobranchials are smaller, subtriangular, and slightly
concave, likewise set with similar teeth. The tongue is smooth, flattened, tapering anteriorly.
The mouth is moderate, the posterior extremity of the upper maxillary reaching a vertical
which would pass in advance of the orbit only. The eye is subcircular, and well developed ; its
horizontal diameter being contained a little over four times in the length of the side of the head.
The anterior suborbital is broadly developed, overlapping considerably the upper jaw. Its ex-
ternal edge is minutely crenated. The serratures of the ascending branch of the preopercle
are rather more developed than in P . chilensis , though the spines on the lower branch are pro-
portionally of the same size. The opercular apparatus, as a whole, is constructed upon the
same pattern in both P . chilensis and P . melanops. The inferior margin of the sub and inter-
opercle are similarly crenated, and a flattened spine may be seen across the middle of the oper-
cle, extending its point beyond the edge of that bone, mayhap a little more acute and more
conspicuous in P. melanops than in P. chilensis. The suprascapular is likewise crenated, and
the coracoid expansion above the base of pectoral fins, wanting, however, the minute spines ob-
served in P. chilensis. The branchiostegals, six in number, are flattened and curved. The
gill openings communicate together under the throat, being shaped exactly as in P . chilensis.

The distance between the tip of the snout and the origin of the first dorsal is a little greater
than the base of both dorsals. The general structure of these fins is the same as in P . chilensis,
with the exception that the third spine is the longest instead of the fourth. The membrane
between the spines is deeply emarginated. Eight rays constitute, properly speaking, the ante-
rior fin; two are intermediate between the eighth and the eleventh, which is situated at the
anterior margin of the second or posterior fin. The central rays of the latter bifurcate also
twice, and their tips extend evenly with those of the anal. The anal is preceded by three spines,
and its soft rays are bifurcated in the same manner as those of the second dorsal. The poste-
rior margin of the caudal is subemarginated with its central rays thrice bifurcated ; it consti-
tutes a little less than the sixth of the entire length of the fish. The origin of the ventrals cor-
responds to a vertical line which would pass immediately behind the base of the pectorals. They
are broad and rounded exteriorly ; their central rays being bifurcated three times, with the an-
terior spine longer than in P . chilensis. The pectorals are rather short, and broad when ex-
panded; their tips do not extend as far backwards as those of the ventrals; the rays are slender
and bifurcate twice.

Br. VI ; D XI. 10 ; A III. 9 ; C 6. I. 8. 1. I. 5 ; V I. 5 ; P 15.

The scales are of medium development, and very minutely, if at all, crenated upon their pos-
terior margin, which is irregularly rounded. Their anterior margin is straight, and the upper
and lower edges linear and parallel, the scales being much longer than broad. There are ten
distinct rows between the lateral line and the anterior margin of the first dorsal, besides some
few irregularly disposed near the base of that fin ; twenty rows and more may be counted

FISHES.

235

between the lateral line and the medial region of the belly. The scales decrease in size towards
the occiput and the middle of the hack, as well as towards the belly and throat. They are
quite small on the cheeks, and so are those that are observed on the upper surface of the skull,
on the suborbitals and maxillary. On the opercular pieces they are nearly as large as those on
the flanks. The lateral line, in which fifty-eight to sixty scales may be counted, forms an arch
from the upper part of the opercular apparatus to nearly opposite the anterior margin of
the second dorsal, where it reaches the middle of the flanks, hence straight to the base of
the caudal.

A dark blackish hue seems to pervade all the body and head, and yet the ground-color
is whitish, mayhap sometimes yellowish. Innumerable black dots thickly spread over all the
regions contribute to give to this fish its dark appearance. These dots being more particu-
larly crowded upon the posterior third of the scales, it seems as if each scale bore a small spot
or blotch. The upper surface of the head is uniformly dark brown or blackish. The sides of
the head and opercular apparatus appear obsolately maculated. The inferior surface of the
head, the throat, and the belly, exhibit more of the ground-color. . The fins are all more or less
yellowish, intensely dotted with blackish, so as to assume the general dark hue of the body
itself, particularly the dorsals and caudal.

This species inhabits the hydrographic basin of the Rio de Maypu. Specimens were procured
from the neighborhood of Santiago.

Plate XXX, fig. 1, represents Percichthys melanops, size of life. *
fig. 2 is an outline, viewed from above,
fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region,
fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line,
fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region.

Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are magnified.

Genus PERCILIA, Girard.

Gen. char. General physiognomy percoid ; body compressed. Two dorsal fins, contiguous at
their base, broadly separated in their outline. Mouth rather small, or else of medium size ;
jaws subequal. Small conical teeth upon the maxillaries, and a few card-like ones on the front
of vomer; none on the palatines. Tongue smooth. A few minute spines along the limb of
preopercle. Operate without any spines. External edge of suborbitals, sub and inter opercle
not crenated. Branchial aperture of either side continuous under the throat. Branchiostegals
5 to 6 in number. Scales quite large and posteriorly ciliated. Cheeks and opercular apparatus
scaly; top of head nearly smooth and nacked. Suborbitals and maxillary scaleless. Insertion
of ventrals behind the base of pectorals. Caudal posteriorly subcrescentic.

Syn. Percilia, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.

Obs. The genus Percilia is a diminutive percoid, essentially characterized by a small mouth,
the absence of palatine teeth, and an opercular apparatus nearly smooth, there being but a few
minute needle-like spines along the limb of the preopercle. The maxillary teeth differ widely
from those of Perea and P ercichtliys . The anal has three spiny rays, as in Percichthys, but the
position of the ventrals takes place as in Perea. Its general physiognomy resembles more that
of P ercichtliys melanops than any other member of the family. The shape of the head and
structure of the mouth denote an affinity with P ercichtliys , whilst the absence of scales on the
upper surface of the head, the suborbitals, and the (upper) maxillary, remind us of similar traits
in true Perea.

236

ZOOLOGY.

PERCILIA GILLISSII, Girard.

Plate XXIX, Figs. 5—9.

Spec. char. Snout short and rounded ; mouth small ; posterior extremity of upper maxillary
corresponding to the vertical of the anterior rim of the eye. A few minute spines upon the
angle of preopercle. Scales large, conspicuously ciliated posteriorly. Ground-color light red-
dish, or reddish brown, maculated with black.

Syn. Percilia Gillissii , Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.

Descr. This is a comparatively small species, and in all probability the specimens before us
are full-grown ones. The largest we have seen measure about three inches and a half in total
length, of which the head constitutes the fourth part. The dorsal and abdominal outlines are
convex, giving to the whole profile a fusiform aspect. The peduncle of the tail is moderately
developed, and rather narrow. The greatest depth, measured in advance of the first dorsal, is
contained three times in the length, the caudal fin excluded ; the least depth, taken on the
peduncle of the tail, enters seven times in the same dimension. The greatest thickness equals
half the greatest depth. The body, therefore, is much compressed. The occipital region is
slightly depressed. The snout is short and rounded, and the upper jaw, which is slightly pro-
tractile, overlaps a little the lower one. The mouth is quite small, the posterior extremity of
the upper maxillary extending to a vertical line, which Would pass immediately in advance of
the anterior rim of the orbit. The maxillary teeth are small, suhcylindrical, slightly tapering
towards their point, and disposed upon several rows. The front of the vomer is provided with
a subtransverse narrow hand of card-like teeth, and not very conspicuous. The palatine hones
are smooth. The pharyngobranchials are well developed, and densely covered with minute
prickles. The tongue is smooth, small, semi-elliptical in shape, and very much flattened,
mayhap more swollen in a living state. The eye is of medium size, and subcircular ; its hori-
zontal diameter being contained nearly four times and a half in the length of the side of the
head. The preopercle exhibits hut a few minute spines upon its limb ; the opercle has no
spine at all ; and the inferior edge of both the sub and interopercle is entire, or else not cre-
nated. The gill openings are continuous under the throat, hut there is a membranous expan-
sion between the adjoining hranchiostegals, thus filling up a space which is open in the species
of Perciclitliys , above described. The hranchiostegals are five or six in number, flattened, and
recurved. The suprascapular is not visible externally ; the coracoid expands much less above
the base of pectorals than in Perciclitliys ; and, moreover, these hones are neither provided
with spines nor crenated upon their edges.

The dorsal fins are similar in general appearance to those of the foregoing percoids ; the
membrane which unites the spines is deeply emarginated ; hut the two intermediate spines be-
tween these two fins do not exist in this species. There are, consequently, nine dorsal spiny
rays. The ninth, which is closely connected with the posterior fin, is the smallest of all ; the
eighth comes next, and is hut very little higher than the latter ; the others increase in height,
as follows : first, seventh, sixth, second, fifth, third, and fourth. There are instances where
the third is slightly higher than the fourth, as is also the case in P erciclithys chilensis. The
second dorsal is not quite as high as the first, though a little higher than its own base ; on the
other hand, the base of the first dorsal is longer than its height. The middle rays bifurcate
twice upon their length, and their tips extend a little further backwards than those of the anal.
The latter is preceded by three spines similar to those in P erciclithys chilensis and allied species.
A few of the central soft rays exhibit traces of a bifurcation of the third order ; the others
are as in the second dorsal, the external margin of which fin is roxinded or subconvex, as is
the case in the anal. The caudal is broad and subcrescentic upon its posterior edge, the cen-
tral rays bifurcating three times. The insertion of ventrals is situated behind the base of the

FISHES.

237

pectorals, and their tips extend further backwards. Their spiny ray is well developed, and
the central soft ones bifurcate three times upon their length. The pectorals are short, and
rounded when expanded, composed of slender rays which bifurcate only twice.

Br : V— VI; D IX. 11 ; A III. 8 ; C 4. I. 8. 7. I. 3 ; V I. 5 ; P 14.

The scales are large, provided posteriorly with slender and filiform serratures. They are
higher than long, anteriorly subtruncated, and rounded upon the other sides of their outline.
Four longitudinal rows are observed between the anterior dorsal and the lateral line, and about
twelve rows beneath, between the latter and the middle line of the belly. They diminish in
size towards thn occiput and nape, as well as towards the inferior surface of the body. The
largest may he seen upon the middle of the flanks. The upper surface of the head is nacked
and perfectly smooth. Small scales exist on the cheeks, and somewhat larger ones on the
opercular apparatus. The suborbitals and the maxillary are scaleless. The lateral line, in
which there are about thirty-five scales, from the upper part of the opercle to opposite the mid-
dle region of the second dorsal fin, constitutes a depressed and occasionally somewhat undula-
ting arch ; then runs nearly straight towards the base of the caudal fin.

The ground-color assumes either a light reddish or reddish brown hue. The head, dorsal
region, and sides of body and tail, are irregularly blotched with blackish or deep brown — the
blotches being the result of an accumulation of minute dots. The lower surface of the head
and throat are sown over with similar dots sometimes disposed in irregular streaks. The
ground-color of the fins is light yellowish, the rays made blackish by crowded dots ; the pecto-
rals and ventrals less so than the dorsals, caudal, and anal.

Inhabits the Eio de Maypu ; specimens were obtained from an affluent of that river, in the
vicinity of Santiago.

Plate XXIX, fig. 5, represents the profile of Per cilia gillissii, size of life,
fig. 6 is an outline, viewed from above,
fig. 7, a scale of the dorsal region,
fig. 8, a scale of the lateral line,
fig. 9, a scale of the abdominal region.

Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are magnified.

FAMILY OF ATHERINID2E.

The study of this* family, heretofore composed of the single genus Atherina, has led us to
establish several new genera in which the rather numerous species are grouped according to
several structural peculiarities which, though apparently inappreciable on account of their
moderate development, are not to be altogether overlooked.

The genus Atherinopsis is to receive such species in which there are no palatine teeth, with
both jaws equal, and the snout more or less rounded.

Atlierina menidia, Linn., and Atherina notata, Mitch., will find a place in this genus along-
side with Atherinopsis calif orniensis , Grd.

The genus Basilichthys will be characterized by the protrusion of the upper jaw beyond the
lower one. There are no teeth on the palate.

To this must be referred :

1°. Atherina microlepidota, Jen., from the fresh waters of Chile, described further on.

2°. Atherina laticlavia, Cuv. and Val.,* from the coast of Chile, and easily distinguished by
its large scales and its broad silvery lateral band.

3°. Atherina argentinensis, Cuv. and Val., observed at the mouth of the Bio La Plata and
Bay of Maldonado, and commonly known as Pescadilla del rey.

Hist. Nat. des Poiss. X, 1835, 473.

238

ZOOLOGY.

4°. Atherina macrophthalma Agass.,* A. brasilensis, Cuv. and Val.; from the hay of Rio
de Janeiro.

5°. Atherina bonariensis, Cuv. and Yal., from Buenos Ayres.

6°. Atherina lichtensteinii, Cuv. and Yal., from Montevideo.

And, in all probability: Atherina regia , HuMB.,f from Peru, and Atherina lessonii, Cuv.
and Yal., from Brazil.

The genus Heterognathus is based upon the elongation of the lower jaw, which projects
considerably beyond the upper one. No teeth on the palate, or else in a rudimentary state only.

Atherina humboldtiana and A. vomeriana, Cuv. and Yal., both from Mexico: whether from the
fresh or salt waters, it is not stated. #

In all Atherinopsis , Basilichthys, and Heterognathus , the intermaxillaries constitute the upper
arcade of the mouth at the exclusion of the maxillaries, which are situated behind the latter.
This character will distinguish them at once from Atherina proper.

Genus BASILICHTHYS, Girard.

Gen. chab. Intermaxillaries constituting the upper part of the mouth, the maxillaries
being placed behind. Head and snout subconical; upper jaw protruding beyond the lower.
Small teeth on both jaws; none on either the vomer or palatines. Upper surface of the head
scaly.

Syn. Basiliclvthys, Gbd., Pro. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.

Obs. Like Atherinopsis , the present genus includes species of its family which are unprovided
with teeth of any kind on the upper roof of the mouth. The mouth itself has the same general
structure as regards the disposition of the intermaxillaries and maxillaries, but the conical
shape of the head, and the protrusion of the upper jaw beyond the lower, will constitute the
generic feature of Basilichthys.

BASILICHTHYS MIC R OLE P I D O T U S , Girard.

Plate XXX, Figs. 6 — 9.

Spec. chab. Upper surface of head depressed and subconvex. Cheeks and upper portion of
opercle covered with conspicuous scales. Origin of anal considerably in advance of anterior
margin of second dorsal. First dorsal opposite the middle of space between anals and ventrals.
Caudal forked. Ground-color yellowish brown, dotted with blackish ; a silvery grey band along
the middle of the flanks.

Syn. Atherina microlepidota , Jen. Zool. of Beagle, IY, Fish. 1842, *78, PI. xvi, fig. 1, la, lb.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 253.

Basilichthys microlepidotus, Gbd. Acad Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.

Peje rey , vernacular.

Descb. The general form is elongated, subfusiform, and slender ; the back being rounded,
whilst the flanks diminish considerably in thickness from the silvery band towards the medial
line of the belly. The greatest depth of the body, measured above the insertion of the ventral

* Pise. Brazil, 1827, PI. xlvii, Fig. J .

t Rec. d’Obs. de Zool. et d’Auat. Coiop. I, 1839.

FISHES.

239

fins, is contained between five and six times in the total length ; and the least depth, taken on
the peduncle of the tail, near the base of the caudal fin, is about the third of the greatest depth.
The greatest thickness is considerably more than half the greatest depth. From the origin of
the ventral the body tapers slightly anteriorly, and quite rapidly posteriorly from the anterior
margin of both the anal and second dorsal fins.

The head above is depressed, subconvex, and rather small. In length it constitutes about
the two-elevenths of the whole. It is a little deeper than broad at its base. The mouth is well
developed, the lower jaw being a little shorter than the upper, which is protractile. Several rows
of very small and subconical teeth may be observed on the maxillaries and on the dentaries.
The palate is perfectly smooth, or without teeth. The pharyngobranchials, upper and lower,
are densely covered with card-like teeth. The tongue is smooth and narrow, and of but me-
dium development. The posterior extremity of the upper maxillary does not quite extend to a
vertical line which would pass through the anterior rim of the orbit. The nostrils are very
small, the anterior one being the smallest, and both of them are nearer to the anterior rim of
the orbit than to the lip of the upper jaw when the latter is in its retracted position. The eye,
though well developed, is small when compared to other species, circular in shape, and its
diameter contained nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. Its upper margin
approximates the line of the profile. The opercular apparatus is rounded, and convex upon its
margin. Conspicuous scales cover its upper margin as well as the cheeks. On the remaining
portion of the opercle, and the sub and interopercles, scales are apparently wanting, owing to
the transparency of the argentine membrane which passes over them. The branchial apertures
are broadly open and continuous under the hyoi'dal apparatus. The branchiostegals, six in
number, are mostly concealed under the subopercle ; the innermost are flattened ; the two outer-
most, small and filiform.

The first dorsal is quite small, and composed of slender rays. The posterior margin of that
fin is nearly equidistant between the upper lobe of caudal fin and the extremity of the snout.
The second dorsal is of moderate development, with one anterior rudimentary ray, undivided,
like the second. The central rays bifurcate twice, with a slight indication of a subdivision of
the third degree upon the fourth, fifth, and sixth rays. That fin is a little higher anteriorly
than long, with its upper edge concave, and its posterior margin about half the height of the
anterior. It is situated immediately opposite the posterior portion of the anal. The base of
the anal is much longer than that of the second dorsal, and longer also than the depth of its
anterior margin. Its external edge is likewise concave, and its posterior margin about two-fifths
the height of the anterior. The first ray is rudimentary; the second is simple; the central
ones bifurcate only twice. The caudal is deeply forked with sub-acute lobes. It constitutes the
sixth of the entire length. Its central rays bifurcate three times, with partial indications of a
subdivision of the fourth degree. The ventrals are altogether situated in advance of the first
dorsal; these fins are short and broad exteriorly, when expanded. The anterior ray is the
smallest, and remains undivided; the others subdivide three times. The pectorals are of mod-
erate development and acute posteriorly ; their ray subdividing but twice, the uppermost re-
maining simple. They are obliquely inserted below the middle line of the body.

Br. VI; D VI. 11; A 16 + 1; C 3. I. 8. 7. I. 2 ; V 6; P 15.

The scales are rather small, and subquadrangular in general form; sometimes a little longer
than high, at others a little higher than long. They are posteriorly rounded, and subtruncated
anteriorly. They constitute more than twenty longitudinal rows upon the line of the greatest
depth of the body, and about fifteen rows on the peduncle of the tail. Small and irregular
scales may be observed upon the base of the caudal fin. The scales on the cheeks are equal in
development to those on the nape. On the opercular pieces they are little larger than on the
cheeks. The ground-color is yellowish brown, minutely dotted with blackish. The dorsal
region between the silvery bands has a darker hue than the inferior part of the flank, owing to

240

ZOOLOGY.

a great accumulation of dots over the whole surface of the scales, whilst beneath it there is hut
one series of these dots along the very margin of the scales. The caudal, dorsal, and pectoral
fins are greyish yellow ; the ventrals and anal are yellowish. The upper surface of head and
snout being dark brown.

This species, which is said to inhabit the fresh waters of Chile, was caught by Mr. Darwin in
the vicinity of Valparaiso. The specimens before us were collected by Lieut. Gilliss in the
Mapocho, an affluent of the Eio de Maypu.

Plate XXX, fig. 6, represents Basilichthys microlepidotus in a profile view, and of the size of
life.

fig. 7 is an outline, viewed from above,
fig. 8, a scale of the dorsal region,
fig. 9, a scale of the abdominal region.

Figs. 8 and 9 are magnified.

FAMILY OF SILURXDJE.

Genus NEMATOGENYS, Girard.

Gen. char. Head very much depressed and large. Body posteriorly compressed; posterior
margin of caudal fin rounded. Anal opposite space between the dorsal and caudal. Ventrals
under the dorsal. Mouth broad, hut not deeply cleft ; its angle provided with a long barbel.
A second pair of subhyoidal barbels shorter than the buccal ones. A still shorter and prenasal
barbels constitute a third pair of these appendages. Intermaxillaries and dentaries provided
with a patch of card-like teeth. Pharyngobranchials covered with similar asperities. Eyes
rather small, situated <jn the upper surface of head. Opercular apparatus without any spines.
Branchial openings continuous under the throat. A spine at the anterior margin of the pec-
toral fins. Skin scaleless.

Syn. Nematogenys, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.

Obs. The most prominent characters by which this genus may he distinguished from Thricho-
mycterus, consist in the presence of one pair of barbels only at the angle of the mouth, another
pair under the head, which is wanting in the latter, and by the absence of prickly or small
spines on the opercular apparatus. The absence of an isthmus under the throat may become
another not less important point of discrimination between the two genera.

NEMATOGENYS INERMIS, Girard.

Plate XXXII, Figs. 1 — 3.

Spec. char. Head large and wedge-shaped: snout anteriorly broad and rounded. Origin of
ventrals opposite the anterior margin of dorsal. Spiny ray of pectorals prickly beneath. Tip
of buccal barbel extending beyond the base of pectorals. Skin beset with minute pustules.
Ground-color yellowish brown maculated with white.

Syn. Trichomycterus inermis , Guich. in Gay , Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 312. Ictiol.
Lam. ix, fig. 2.

Nematogenys inermis , Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.

Bagre or Vagre. Vernacular.

T*

TO

■o

rc

I D

NEMAT 0 GENYS INERMIS , GrcL

FISHES.

241

Desc. The body is elongated, subquadrangular or subrounded upon its anterior half, very
much compressed posteriorly, and thinning off towards the base of the caudal fin. The greatest
depth, measured in advance of the dorsal fin, is about the eighth of the entire length, whilst
the least depth, immediately behind the anal, enters nine times and a half in the same dimen-
sion. The greatest thickness, at the origin of the trunk, is equal to the least depth, and the
thickness above the anal fin is contained nearly three times and a half in the depth upon that
same region. The head constitutes about the fifth of the total length. It is very much
depressed, and broader than the body anteriorly. Its depth upon the occipital region is a little
less than the half of its length, hence tapering off to the extremity of the snout, being also
declive towards the sides. The mouth is broad, though not deeply cleft; the posterior extremity
of the upper maxillary reaching a vertical line which would pass a little nearer to the anterior
rim of the eye than to the posterior nostril. The jaws are nearly equal, and surrounded with
well developed membranous lips, expanding considerably towards the angle of the mouth, where
a subcylindrical barbel is observed, which extends posteriorly beyond the base of the pectoral
fins. A pair of flattened barbels may he observed under the head, attached to the anterior part
of the hyoidal apparatus, each widely separated from one another. When stretched backwards
in a straight line from their insertion, their tip reaches the edge of the branchiostegal mem-
brane. The nostrils, right and left, are wide apart; the anterior is much the largest, situated
close to the jaw, and provided at its upper and posterior rim with a flattened and tapering
barbel about seven twentieths of an inch long, immediately behind which may he seen the pos-
terior opening, subcircular in shape, and provided upon its upper and posterior rim with a
membranous expansion sufficiently large to cover that aperture when let down upon it. The
eyes, situated towards the upper surface of the head, are small, inconspicuous, and elongated;
their longitudinal diameter measuring hut a quarter of an inch; their posterior rim being nearly
equidistant between the margin of the upper jaw and the posterior edge of the opercular appa-
ratus. An oblong and rather large patch of card-like teeth exists upon the intermaxillaries ;
the upper maxillaries being toothless. A broad hand, posteriorly tapering, of similar hut
smaller teeth, may likewise he seen upon the dentary or lower jaw. The roof of the mouth is
smooth; hut at the entrance of the esophagus the pharyngobranchials, upper and lower, are
possessed with teeth of the same description, hut smaller still than those of the dentaries,
becoming almost velvet-like. The upper pharyngobranchials are subelliptical in shape and
convex, whilst the inferior pair of these hones are subtriangularly elongated and subconcave.
A double row of conical processi are observed, one upon each side of the branchial arches ; the
anterior row more developed than the posterior one. The tongue is short, and provided on each
side with a fleshy expansion. The opercular apparatus is concealed under the skin, without
either spines or serratures of any kind. The branchial apertures are broadly open, and split
to the hyoidal apparatus, without any intermediate membrane connecting the right and left
flaps. The hranchiostegals are numerous and slender; those next to the opercular apparatus
are flattened, the others circular — all more or less curved. The membrane which unites them
extends beyond their tips.

The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearly equidistant between the extremity of the snout
and the base of caudal. That fin is higher than long, superiorly convex ; its central rays are
subdivided three times. The anal resembles the dorsal in general appearance, being deeper
than long, hut more acuminated posteriorly. Its central rays bifurcate, likewise, thrice, and
their tips reach the rudimentary rays of the caudal, between the base of which and the origin of
ventral its anterior margin corresponds. The caudal, which constitutes a little less than the
sixth of the entire length, is broad and rounded posteriorly ; its central rays bifurcate three
times upon their length ; there are numerous rudimentary rays above and below. The insertion
of the ventrals is nearly opposite to the anterior margin of the dorsal. These fins are of medium
size, exteriorly rounded when expanded, and their rays three times bifurcated. The pectorals
are longer and narrower than the ventrals, and inserted near the inferior surface of the body ;

31 *

242

ZOOLOGY.

their anterior edge being placed a little in advance of the posterior expansion of the opercle.
The spine which occupies this region is well developed, provided with minute prickles beneath,
and with a series of small, subtriangular serratures posteriorly. Its tip is continued to the
margin of the fin under the form of a membranous ray. The soft and articulated rays are bifur-
cated three times. The external margin of these fins is rounded when expanded.

Br. XII; D 10; A 11; C 16. I. 7. 7. I. 12; V 6; P I. 7.

The anterior ray of both the dorsal and anal fins is small and slender, and the second shorter
than the third, which is a little longer than the last of all.

The skin is densely studded with minute pustules, smooth to the touch, and extending to all
the regions, except the lower surface of the head, throat, and belly. The lateral line, from
the opercular apparatus, runs almost straight along the middle of the flanks to the base of cau-
dal fin, undergoing but a very slight inflexion downwards upon the thoracic region. It is much
more conspicuous anterior to the dorsal fin than farther back, where it exists under the shape
of small pores.

The ground-color is reddish, or yellowish brown. The upper surface of head is nearly black ;
numerous blackish and rounded spots or blotches are spread all over the body and sides of the
head, with a tendency towards longitudinal series along the flanks and tail ; the blotches often
being confluent, and inconspicuously defined. On the fins, these spots assume a transverse
arrangement, and give to the latter an irregularly banded or barred appearance. The inferior
surface of the head and belly are whitish, the former regions sometimes maculated. The buccal
and prenasal barbels are black ; the subhyoidal ones whitish, or semi-blackish. The ventrals
and pectorals are lighter beneath than above.

Specimens of this species were collected in an affluent of the Rio de Maypu, in the vicinity of
Santiago. According to Mr. Gay, it is to be found in the fresh waters throughout the republic
of Chile.

Plate XXXII, fig. 1, represents Nematogenys inen*mis in a profile view, and nearly the size of life.

fig. 2, is an outline of the fish seen from above, to show the disposition of
the eyes, nostrils, and prenasal barbels,
fig. 3, is a view of the inferior surface of the head, exhibiting the insertion
of the subhyoidal barbels, the continuity of the branchial aperture with the
hyoidal apparatus, and the branchiostegal rays.

Genus THRICHOMYCTERUS, (Humb.') Valenc.

Gen. char. Head depressed and rather small. Body anteriorly rounded ; posteriorly com-
pressed. Caudal fin emarginated or subemarginated. Anal under the posterior part of dorsal,
and ventrals in advance of the latter. Mouth small, or of medium size, inferior, and provided
with a double pair of barbels at its angle. No barbels under the head. One pair of prenasal
barbels. Velvet-like teeth upon the intermaxillaries and lower jaw. Palate smooth. Eyes
very small, situated on the upper surface of the head. Opercular apparatus prickly. Branchial
openings not continuous under the throat. Fins without any spiny rays. Skin scaleless and
smooth.

Syn. Thrichomycterus (Humb.), Valenc. in Humb. Rec. d’Obs. de Zool. et d’Anat. comp. II,
1833, 347.

Cuv. et Val. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XVIII, 1846, 485.

Guich. in Gay , Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 309.

Girard, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1854, 198.

FISHES.

243

Obs. The name of Th r icho rnycfe rus was first framed by Humboldt,* under the following circum-
stances : Having obtained a fisli from the Rio Bogota, in New Grenada, he published a memoir
thereon, in which he says : “ Je l’ai nomme eremophile, a cause de la solitude dans laquelle il
vit a de si grandes hauteurs, et dans des eaux qui ne sont presque habitees par aucun etre vivant.
Les naturalistes qui craignent que de nouvelles especes de ce meme genre ne viennent a etre
decouvertes dans des situations tres-differentes, pourraient changer le nom d’ eremophile en celui
de thrichomycterus, tire des harhillons attaches an nez de ce poisson.”

Thrichomycterus, therefore, in the estimation of Humboldt, was exactly the synonym of
Eremophilus.

Now, in the second volume of the same Avork, Valenciennes, after giving us a more complete
description of Eremophilus mutisii, mentions that another fish, generically distinct from the
above, had been obtained from Brazil, and for Avhich he would propose the name of Thriclio-
mycterus, imagined by Humboldt.

No reference to the history of this generic name being made in the Histoire Naturelle des
Poissons, we have considered ourselves fully justified in relating it here. The transfer of a
name to a thing for which it was not originally intended, if not explained, is liable to throAv
a great deal of confusion upon the subject it refers to, and is likewise an infraction to sound
rules of nomenclature.

Many species having been described under the name of Thrichomycterus , we would advise
that it should he retained, rather than to frame another one. The species of Thrichomycterus
are closely allied to Eremophilus, from which they chiefly differ by the presence of ventral fins.

THRICHOMYCTERUS MACULATUS, Cuv. et Val.

Pr.ATE XXXIV, Figs. 1—3.

Spec. char. Head small and very depressed, declive towards the snout, which is anteriorly
rounded. Mouth small. Maxillary teeth inconspicuous. Upper buccal barbel longer than the
lower, neither of which reaching the base of pectorals. Prenasal barbel as long as the upper
buccal. Opercle and subopercle prickly. Isthmus quite small. Branchiostegals, six. Caudal
suhemarginated posteriorly. Skin perfectly smooth. Ground-color yellowish or brownish,
maculated Avith black. Fins greyish yellow.

Syn. Thrichomycterus maculatus, Cuv. et Val. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XVIII, 1846, 493.

Guich. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 311.

Girard, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1854, 199.

Bagre, or Vagre. Vernacular.

Desc. The species is one of small size. The body is slender and elongated, anteriorly rounded,
and slightly compressed; posteriorly more so. The greatest depth, measured immediately
behind the tip of pectoral fins, is contained nearly nine times in the total length, and the least
depth, taken on the peduncle of the tail, enters in that same length thirteen times. The great-
est thickness, at the anterior portion of the body, is about equal to the depth. The head is
contained six times and a half in the total length. It is much depressed, wedge-shaped, and
equally declive towards the sides. The snout is anteriorly rounded. The upper jaw overlaps
the lower, thus giving the mouth an inferior situation. The latter is small, and surrounded
with thick and fleshy lips, but little extensible upon the upper jaw. A membranous expansion
is to be observed at the angle of the mouth, immediately below the barbels. The latter are

* Recueil d’Observations deZoologie et d’Anatomie Comparee, &c., Vol. I, 1811, 18.

244

ZOOLOGY.

flattened, thick at their base, and filiform towards their extremity. The upper one is a little
longer than the lower, its tip extending to the posterior edge of the opercular apparatus, when
stretched straightway backwards. The velvet-like teeth constitute an elongated and transverse
patch upon the intermaxillaries. A similar area of similar teeth exists upon the symphysis of
the dentaries, or lower jaw. The palate is perfectly smooth. The pharyngobranchials, uj)per
and lower, are either smooth or provided with very inconspicuous prickles : as far as we could
ascertain, they appeared to he smooth. The anterior nostril approximates the upper jaw, and
is provided at its external edge with a flattened (at base) and filiform (at tip) barbel, and about
as long as the upper buccal. The posterior nostril, situated a little behind the anterior, is a
little larger than the latter, and provided anteriorly with a very low and thin membrane. The
eyes, which are situated towards the upper surface of the head, and far apart, are very small
and somewhat elongated, nearly equidistant between the margin of the upper jaw and the pos-
terior edge of the opercular apparatus. The cheeks are smooth, like the upper surface of the
head, and the opercular apparatus concealed under the skin exhibits only a small group of
prickles, situated at the upper angle of the opercle. The subopercle is largely developed, and
its surface is covered with very conspicuous club-shaped prickles. The hranchiostegal rays are
entirely concealed under the subopercle. They are six in number; the four innermost flat-
tened— all being enclosed in a tough membrane which projects beyond their tips. The
branchial apertures are continuous, hut not split under the hyoidal apparatus. The dorsal fin
is situated far hack ; its anterior margin being much nearer to the posterior extremity of the
caudal than to the tip of the snout. It is nearly as high anteriorly as its base is long ; the
height of its posterior margin is less than the half of the anterior margin. Its upper margin is
suhconvex. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the posterior third of dorsal. It is
nearly twice as deep as the extend of its base, and exteriorly convex. The tips of its central
rays consequently extend farther backwards than those of the dorsal, without, however, reaching
the base of the caudal. The latter constitutes about the eighth of the entire length. It is
posteriorly suhemarginated, with its lobes rounded. There are numerous rudimentary rays
which conti ihute to give to the extremity of the peduncle of the tail a dilated appearance. The
ventrals are situated in advance of the dorsal; their posterior extremity reaching a vertical line
which would pass immediately in advance of the anterior margin of the last mentioned fin.
The ventrals themselves are small and convex exteriorly, their tips not reaching the vent,
which is situated somewhat in advance of the anterior margin of the anal fin. The pectorals
are likewise short, broad, and rounded exteriorly, their insertion being almost horizontal, and
below the middle line of the body.

Br. VI; D 13; A 8; C 10. I. 6. 5. I. 9; V 5; P 9.

The anterior three rays of both the dorsal and anal fins are simple and shorter than the
fourth, the first being quite rudimentary. The anterior ray of the ventrals and pectorals is
simple also, and enclosed in a thick membrane. The central rays of all the fins are bifurcated
three times upon their length. The lateral line is very inconspicuous, and visible only upon
the anterior third of the body, where distant pores may he followed from the upper part of the
opercle towards the middle of the flanks, after a slight convexity upwards at its origin. The
skin is otherwise perfectly smooth. It is needless to add that a thick layer of mucosity covers
the whole body, the head, and the fins. .

The ground-color is either yellowish or brownish, with small purplish maculae spread all
over the head, where they assume a cloudy aspect; also over the body, along the sides of which
obsolete longitudinal stripes are to he seen. Two other stripes, more indistinct still, along the
dorsal line, from nape to origin of dorsal ; and three along the sides, the middle one of which
running along the middle region of the body and tail. The inferior surface of the head and
the belly are of a soiled yellow hue. The barbels and the fins are greyish yellow.

Specimens were caught in the Bio Mapocho, near Santiago.

FISHES.

245

Plate XXXIV, fig. 1, represents Thrichomycterus maculatus, size of life, and in profile,
fig. 2 is an outline of the same, seen from above,
fig. 3, the head, seen from below.

THRICHOMYCTERUS MACR^I, Girard,

Spec. char. General aspect elongated, subfusiform; peduncle of tail long and slender. Dor-
sal fin elongated, and quite low posteriorly. Anal fin narrow. Ventrals and pectorals rather
small. Caudal posteriorly emarginated. Ground-color greenish brown, with small, pavement-
like blackish spots extending all over the body.

Descr. The general form resembles that of T. maculatus; the peduncle of the tail is still more
slender, and the posterior edge of the caudal subcrescentic, with the inferior lobe larger than the
upper lobe. The head is contained nearly six times and a half in the total length, which meas-
ures four inches and a half. The base of the dorsal fin is contained three times in the distance
between its anterior margin and the extremity of the snout, and once between its posterior mar-
gin and the base of the caudal ; the latter fin being one fourth shorter. The anterior third
of said dorsal fin is higher than the remaining portion, which is comparatively very low. The
origin of the anal takes place opposite the middle of the length of the dorsal ; it is deeper than
long, and rounded upon its external margin, which extends backwards almost evenly with the
posterior margin of the dorsal. The ventrals and pectorals are short and rounded exteriorly.
The buccal and nasal tentacles are shorter than in T. maculatus. The prickles about the oper-
cular apparatus are but little conspicuous. The head is broad and depressed ; the mouth is
moderately developed.

The ground-color is greenish or yellowish brown ; the upper regions are covered with numer-
ous small blackish spots, assuming a tessellated or else a pavement-like aspect. Beneath, the
color is uniform yellowish or greyish. The fins present the same tint, with a blackish hue
towards their margin.

Three specimens of this species were collected by Lieutenant MacRae near Uspullata, east side
of the cordilleras, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet.

FAMILY OF CLUPEIDAS.

Genus ALOSA, Cuv.

Gen. char. No teeth upon any of the bones constituting the apparatus of the mouth,

Syn. Alosa, Cuv. Regn. Anim. (2d ed.) II, 1829.

Cuv. et Val. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. XX, 1847, 389.

Obs. The total absence of teeth in this genus will readily distinguish it from any other of the
same family. It is here admitted as characterized in the “Histoire Naturelle des Poissons.”
The species resemble the herrings in their general appearance ; the stomach being rather
large and acute, and the pylorus provided with numerous coeca. The intestine likewise folds
twice upon itself. The air-bladder is large, attenuated at both extremities, swollen upon its
middle region, and communicating with the stomach ; its anterior extremity not extending
beyond the third vertebra.

246

ZOOLOGY.

ALOSA MUSICA, Gh-ard.

Plate XXXI, Figs. 1—4.

Spec. char. Body subfusiform, elongated, compressed, and tapering posteriorly. Origin of
ventrals opposite tbe middle region of dorsal. Posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaching
the vertical of anterior rim of pupil. Lower jaw longest. Back bluish ; sides silvery. A
series from nine to eleven roundish spots along the sides.

Syn. Alosa musica, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 199.

Descr. The body is elongated, subfusiform in its profile, tapering considerably on the
peduncle of the tail. The greatest depth, measured immediately in advance of the anterior
margin of the dorsal fin, is a little less than the fifth of the entire length, whilst the least depth,
near the base of the caudal, is about the third of the former. The greatest thickness, on the
thoracic region, is equal to half the greatest depth. The dorsal and abdominal outlines are
very regular and but moderately convex. The head, which forms about the fourth of the total
length, continues uniformly towards the outlines just mentioned, in the shape of an acute
triangle, rounded upon its summit, where the mouth opens, with a lower jaw somewhat longer
than the upper ; the latter is but slightly notched. Its upper surface is flattened. The upper
maxillary is broadly dilated, and rounded posteriorly, where it reaches a vertical line which
would intersect the anterior rim of the pupil. The nostrils are small, and nearer to the tip of
upper jaw than to the anterior rim of the eye. The anterior one is rounded, whilst the poste-
rior one is subcrescentic and convex posteriorly. The eye is large and circular, and approxi-
mates the upper profile of the head ; its diameter being contained about four times and a half
in the length of the side of the head. The opercular apparatus is posteriorly subtruncated and
undulated ; the upper part of the opercle exhibits small, radiating grooves, whilst oblique and
rectilinear strise are observed along the anterior half of its lower part. The other opercular
pieces are smooth. The branchiostegals, six in number, are very thin and flattened ; the inner-
most is particularly expanded and notched upon its posterior and external margin, correspond-
ing to a similar emargination of the inferior edge of the opercular apparatus at the junction of
the sub and inter opercles.

The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer to the tip of snout than to the base of caudal
fin. It is higher anteriorly than long, with its first three rays rudimentary and simple, like
the fourth, which is the highest ; the posterior margin of that fin is comparatively low, having
but the third of the height of the anterior margin. Its upper margin is concave. The central
rays are bifurcated twice, the first subdivision taking place upon the posterior third of their
length. The anal is situated far back, is very low, and subconcave exteriorly ; its base is a
little longer than that of the dorsal, and its anterior margin less deep than half the height of
the anterior margin of the dorsal. The second, third, and fourth rays are the longest, and
remain simple, as well as the first. The central rays subdivide but once. The caudal fin is
deeply forked, and its lobes are acute, constituting about the sixth of the total length, its cen-
tral rays bifurcating three times upon their length. The origin of the ventrals is situated
opposite the middle of length of dorsal. These fins are of moderate development, and poste-
riorly subtruncated, their tips projecting slightly beyond the longest rays of the dorsal. The
pectorals are well developed, of a rather slender appearance when contracted, and very broad
exteriorly when expanded. They are inserted immediately beneath the subopercle ; their
external margin is twice and a half as long as the internal, their posterior edge being rounded
and subconcave. The central rays bifurcate three times, as do also those of the ventral fins.

Br. VI : D 19 + 1 ; A 16 + 1 ; C 5. I. 9. 8. I. 4; V 8 ; P 17.

The anterior ray of both ventral and pectoral fins is simple, but articulated.

U.S.N. Astrl ExpedF

Figs 1 -4 ALOSA MUSICA, Grd . Figs. 5—9. ENGRAULIS PULCHELLUS , Grd. .

A

FISHES.

247

The scales are large, and nearly as long as deep, irregularly subtruncated anteriorly, rounded
and convex upon their anterior margin, which is minutely serrated. They are nowhere suffi-
ciently preserved upon the specimens before us to allow an enumeration of the longitudinal
rows.

The upper part of the head and dorsal region are of a uniform bluish slate hue. The sides
of the head and body are silvery, with a bluish reflexion. Nine to eleven bluish black and
subcircular or subelliptical spots are observed, forming a series from the upper part of the tho-
racic belt to half-way between the posterior extremity of the caudal and the origin of the anal.
These spots are mostly situated upon the upper margin of the silvery portion of the sides of
the body, a circumstance which gives to them a very conspicuous appearance. The fins are
yellowish ; the dorsal and caudal, mayhap also the anal, being transversally strigated with
greyish.

From Caldera bay ; caught in the winter months. This is the fish, referred to in the
narrative, (page 270-271,) which, in the opinion of the inhabitants of that locality, emits melo-
dious sounds as they enter the harbor. Without giving any more credit to that popular belief
than it really deserves, we have designated this species under the above appellation.

Plate XXXI, fig. 1, represents Alosa musica in a profile view, size of life,
fig. 2, is an outline, viewed from above,
fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region,
fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region.

Figs. 3 and 4 are magnified.

Genus ENGRAULIS, Cuv.

Gen. char. Body rounded or compressed. Mouth large ; snout protruded beyond the lower
jaw. Intermaxillaries very small, and hidden under the snout. Maxillaries slender, stretch-
ing over the cheeks. A few teeth on front of vomer. Palatine and pterygoidian teeth some-
times reduced to mere asperities. Gill openings very large and continuous under the throat.
Branchiostegal membrane narrow and hidden under the jaw ; its rays being short and variable
in number. Caudal fin forked. Dorsal fin rather small. Insertion of pectorals near the gill
openings. Yentrals very small.

Syn. Engraulis, Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817.

Cuv. and Val. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XXI, 1848, 2.

Obs. The peculiar structure of the snout, as well as the shape of the mouth, will strike
every one as the most characteristic feature of the small Clupeoid which constitutes this genus.
The head, which is very elongated in some species, is short in others.

ENGRAULIS PULCHELLUS, Girard.

Plate XXXI, Figs. 5—9.

Spec. CHAR. Body subfusiform, slender, and compressed. Origin of ventrals situated in ad-
vance of anterior margin of dorsal. Vent immediately opposite the hind margin of same fin,
Scales higher than long. Dorsal region purplish. Sides of head and body silvery,

Syn. Engraulis pulchellus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, Philad, VII, 1854, 199.

248

ZOOLOGY.

Descr. The head constitutes about one fourth of the entire length, and is in direct continuity
with the trunk, being slightly declive from the occipital region towards the tip of the snout,
which has the shape of a flattened cone. The anterior margin of the anterior nostril opening
is nearly equidistant between the tip of snout and the anterior rim of the orbit ; the posterior
nostril opening is situated immediately behind the former ; both being rather small and of the
same development. The eye is large and subcircular, its upper rim approximating the line of
the profile of the head. Its horizontal diameter is contained a little over four times in the
length of the side of the head, and once between the tip of the snout and the anterior rim of
the pupil. The extremity of the lower jaw does not extend beyond a vertical line, which would
pass immediately in advance of the anterior nostril. The posterior extremity of the upper
maxillary reaches the extremity of the preopercular carina: not the posterior limb of that bone.
The intermaxillaries, the maxillaries upon the whole extent of their margin, and the dentaries,
are minutely crenated, not to say serrated, or toothed. The middle lingual carina is quite
conspicuous, and obsoletely crenated also. The posterior edge of the opercular apparatus is
convex, and subelliptically rounded. Its component pieces are smooth, except the upper por-
tion of the opercle, which exhibits a few minute carinee. The preopercle sends off a thin ex-
pansion of its limb over the junction of the opercle, subopercle, and ' interopercle. The gill
openings are broadly open under the head, extending forwards almost opposite to the anterior
rim of the pupil.

The body is slender, subfusiform, and compressed; deepest anteriorly, and gradually tapering
posteriorly in depth and width. The greatest depth, taken across the base of the pectoral fins,
is contained over six times and a half in the total length ; whilst the least depth, near the base
of the caudal fin, is scarcely half the latter. The greatest thickness, upon the thoracic region,
is a little more considerable than the least depth. The peduncle of the tail is flattened, and
wedge-shaped towards the base of the caudal fin. The hack is uniformly rounded or convex,
and the ventral region narrow. The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is equi-distant between
the tip of the snout and the base of the caudal ; its anterior margin is equal in height to its
base, and its posterior margin is about one fourth of the anterior margin. Its upper margin is
slightly subconcave. The origin of the anal is opposite the tips of the posterior rays of the
dorsal. Its base is one fourth longer than that of the dorsal, and its anterior margin about the
three fourths of its base. It is concave upon its external margin, and rapidly decreasing in
depth beyond the anterior third of its length. The rays of the dorsal and anal subdivide hut
once upon the posterior third of their length. The caudal is slender and deeply forked, con-
stituting a little less than one seventh of the total length ; its central rays are subdivided three
times with obsolete indications upon their tip of a subdivision of the fourth degree. The ven-
trals are rather short, broad exteriorly when expanded, and rounded or convex upon their
margin ; their central rays subdividing twice. Their origin is situated in advance of the ante-
rior margin of dorsal, and their tips extend slightly beyond the middle of the base of the same
fin. The pectorals are rather slender, and attached to the inferior part of the thoracic region ;
their external margin is much longer than the internal, and moderately broad when expanded.
Their central rays bifurcate twice upon their length ; the anterior one being simple, as well as
that of the ventrals.

Br. IX; D 16; A 17 ; C 3. I. 9. 8. I. 3 ; V 7; P 16.

The anterior two rays of the dorsal and anal fins are simple, the first being hut little de-
veloped.

The scales are very large, much deeper than long, irregularly rounded, convex posteriorly,
and undulated anteriorly. Five longitudinal rows may he counted immediately above the pos-
terior extremity of the anal fin, and perhaps six or seven rows upon the line of greatest depth
of the body.

The lateral line is not discernible.

PISHES.

249

The dorsal region is yellowish, covered with numerous purplish dots, so crowded on the mid-
dle line of the hack, and along the argentine surface of the flanks, as to appear upon these
regions like purplish vittse. The flanks are uniformly silvery; the upper limits of the argen-
tine surface running straight from the upper part of opercle to near the origin of the upper
part of the base of the caudal fin. The opercular apparatus and sides of head are silvery like
the flanks. The fins are yellowish, the rays of the dorsal and caudal fins alternately spotted
greyish or blackish.

Specimens of this species were caught in Caldera bay, in the month of July.

Plate XXXI, fig. 5, represents Engraulis pulchellus in profile, and size of life,
fig. 6, is an outline, viewed from above,
fig. 7, the head enlarged,
fig. 8, a scale from the dorsal region,
fig. 9, a scale from the abdominal region.

Figs. 8 and 9 are magnified.

FAMILY OF CHARACINI.

Genus CHEIRODON, Girard.

Gen. char. Body compressed; abdomen not serrated. Adipose fin present. Teeth upon the
maxillary, the intermaxillary, and the dentary disposed upon a single series along both jaws,
and dilated towards their edge, which exhibits generally five acute points. No canine. Palate
without teeth. Scales large. Gill openings large. Branchiostegal rays, three in number.
Pharyngeal teeth velvet-like, very minute. Dorsal fin situated between the ventrals and the
anal.

Syn. Cheirodon, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 199.

Obs. The form of the teeth bears a general resemblance to those of Astyanax, but it will be
remembered that in the last genus they are disposed in a double row on both the upper and
lower jaws. The dorsal fin in Cheirodon is placed opposite the space between the ventrals and
anal, whilst in Astyanax it is situated above the ventrals.

CHEIRODON PISCICULUS, Girard.

Plate XXXIV, Figs. 4 — 7.

Spec. char. Snout short and rounded; eye rather large. Maxillary teeth very small and few.
Dorsal fin higher than long. Caudal forked. Anal nearly as deep as long. Ventrals and
pectorals slender. Scales proportionally very large, higher than long. A silvery band along
the middle of the flanks, margined above with black. Fins unicolor, olivaceous.

Syn. Cheirodon piscicvjus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 199.

Descr. A small fish of a rather short appearance, in spite of the slenderness of the peduncle
of the tail. The dorsal and ventral lines are equally arched, forming two opposite curves,
embracing the head in a uniform outline. Thus the general profile has more of a subelliptical
than subfusiform aspect. The body is very much compressed. The greatest depth, measured
just above the insertion of the ventrals, is contained from three to four times in the total length ;

32*

250

ZOOLOGY.

whilst the least depth, on the peduncle of the tail, is hut two-fifths of the greatest. The greatest
thickness is about one half of the greatest depth. The head is short, compressed like the body,
and rounded upon its anterior outline. It constitutes about one fifth of the entire length. The
nostrils are very much developed, placed towards the upper surface of the head, and nearer to
the anterior rim of the eye than to the extremity of the upper jaw. The anterior opening is
subcircular ; the posterior one, suhcrescentic. The eye is large and circular ; its diameter is
contained about three times in the length of the side of the head, and less than once in advance
of its anterior rim. The mouth is small and slightly oblique ; the posterior extremity of the
upper maxillary extending to a vertical line which would pass immediately in advance of the
anterior rim of the eye when the mouth is closed. There is one row of teeth upon each jaw;
on the dentary the teeth are much larger than on the intermaxillaries. Their form is flattened,
dilated towards their upper edges, which are provided generally with five subconical points, the
middle one being the longest, giving them the appearance of a digit. The palate is perfectly
smooth, and unprovided with teeth. The opercular apparatus is very much developed, and
subconvex upon its outer edge. The sub and interopercles are quite large, and occupy a prom-
inent place. The opercle is narrow above, expanded below, and slightly convex posteriorly.
The subopercle is curved, and in an oblique situation, with reference to the orientation of the
head. The gill openings are continuous under the hyoidal apparatus; the branchiostegals,
three in number, are well developed, curved and flattened, the outermost being but a little
smaller and more slender than the innermost, or next to the opercular apparatus.

The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the tip
of the caudal fin ; it is much higher than long ; its upper edge is rounded or subconvex. The
rays bifurcate but once, and this for more than the half of their length. The anterior ray is
rudimentary, the second undivided. The adipose is slender, nearer to the base of the caudal
than to the posterior edge of the dorsal, and consequently situated behind the anal. The anal
is longer than the dorsal, and nearly as long as it is deep ; its exterior edge, convex anteriorly,
is subconvex posteriorly. Its anterior margin is situated backwards of the posterior edge of
the dorsal. There are very slight indications of a bifurcation of the second degree upon the
tip of its central rays ; the first being rudimentary, and the second simple or undivided, as is
the case in the dorsal. The caudal fin, which constitutes about one fifth of the total length, is
deeply forked posteriorly; its lobes are rather rounded, and acute only upon their extremity.
The central rays, towards their extremity, exhibit a subdivision of the third degree. The
insertion of the ventrals takes place upon the middle of the abdomen, somewhat in advance of
the anterior margin of the dorsal. These fins are rather slender, with their tips acute, and
reaching the vent. Their central rays bifurcate twice. The origin of the pectorals is situated
near the inferior region of the thoracic belt. These fins are longer and more slender than the
ventrals ; their tip almost reaching the origin of the latter fins. Their anterior ray is simple ;
the central ones are but once bifurcated, and only towards the last third of their length.

Br. Ill; D 10. 0; A 14; C 3. I. 9. 8. I. 2; Y 7; P 11.

The scales are of moderate development, higher than long, subelliptical in shape, sometimes
very irregularly so. Ten or eleven longitudinal rows may be counted upon the line of the
greatest depth, and six or seven rows upon the peduncle of the tail. The lateral line is not to
be seen.

The ground-color is olivaceous brown, with a silver band along the middle of the flanks,
extending from the upper angle of the opercular apparatus to the base of the caudal fin. The
cheeks, the opercles, and branchiostegal apparatus are silvery. A blackish stripe may be traced
all along the upper edge of the silvery band of the sides. The dorsal region is minutely dotted
with blackish, the dots being more particularly crowded upon the outline of the scales. These
dots extend to the upper surface of the head, and sparingly to the upper region of the thoracic
and abdominal regions; also to the inferior half of the peduncle of the tail. The dorsal, can-

FISHES.

251

dal, and anal fins are almost greyish, through the accumulation of the above mentioned dots.
The ventrals are unicolor ; the pectorals greyish upon their external margin. The abdominal
region sometimes exhibits an argentine reflection.

Inhabits the lagoons in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XXXIV, fig. 4, represents the profile of Cheirodon pisciculus , size of life,
fig. 5, is a scale from the dorsal region,
fig. 6, a scale from the lateral line,
fig. 7, a scale from the abdominal region.

Pigs. 5, 6, and 7 are magnified.

FAMILY OF M YXINOIBE A,

Genus BDELLOSTOMA, Mull.

Gen. char. Body eel-shaped. Anterior portion of head provided with four pairs of tentacles.
Eyes small. One hook-like tooth on the middle of the palate; a double and arched series of
teeth upon the tongue. External branchial apertures from six to fourteen, corresponding to
as many gills, which are situated far behind the head.

Syn. Bdellostoma, Mull. Abhand. Akad. Wis. Berl. (1834) 1836, 79, and (1838) 1839, 173.

Heptatrema, Dum. Zool. Anal. 1806.

Obs. We refer naturalists to the memoir on the “Comparative Anatomy of the Myxinoids,”
published in the Transactions of the Academy of Berlin for the years 1834 and 1838, for
information upon the internal structure of the fishes constituting the present genus. The
species which is described below might have furnished some interesting anatomical facts had
the specimen been in a better state of keeping. There are fourteen pairs of gills, seven more
than in either of the species previously known.

The description of a Chilean species under a new specific name may well raise the question
as to whether we had not before us the Gastrobranchus dombeyi of Lacepede (Bdellostoma dom-
beyi, Mull.), of which very little is known up to the present time. Lacepede’s description was
drawn from a dried specimen, no mention being made as to the number of respiratory aper-
tures. The anterior row of hyoidian teeth is composed of eleven teeth on each side, and the
posterior row of seven only, whilst in the one here described there are twelve teeth, on either
side, in both rows. Moreover, as the eyes are said to he wanting in the species referred fo by
the French ichthyologist, we did not feel justified in attempting, for the present, its identifica-
tion, since the absence of the organs of vision would even remove it from the genus Bdel-
lostoma.

It is to be regretted that Dumeril’s appellation of Heptatrema , by referring to a point of
organic structure subjected to variations, could not be retained to designate these fishes gener-
ically. If that name be restricted to the species provided with seven respiratory apertures,
then each species would constitute a genus by itself; that with six of these apertures ought
accordingly be called Hexatrema ; then Heterotrema when six are observed on one side and
seven on the other ; Heptatrema when seven ; and finally Polytrema for the species described
farther on.

Considering, however, the structure of the mouth, both internally and externally, we would
not hesitate in uniting them all under the well appropriated name of Bdellostoma, suggested
by Prof. Midler.

252

ZOOLOGY.

BDELLOSTOMA POLYTREMA, Girard.

Plate XXXIII, Figs. 1—5.

Spec. char. Fourteen respiratory apertures and gills on either side. Twelve teeth on either
side in the posterior as well as in the anterior row. Eyes present. Color not preserved in the
specimen described.

Syn. Bdellostoma polytrema, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pliilad. VII, 1854, 199.

Obs. In the second part, of his memoir on the “Comparative Anatomy of the Myxinoids,”
Prof. Muller is inclined to believe that all the species enumerated in the first part, and which
came to his knowledge, are hut simple varieties of Bdellostoma forsteri (Petromyzon cirrliatus of
Forster), an inhabitant of Queen Charlotte’s hay, New-Zealand. This would give a remark-
able geographic range to that species, as it is well known that Bd. hexatrema and Bd. hetero-
trema , both, inhabit the Cape of Good Hope ; Bd. dombeyi the coast of Chile, and Bd. heptatrema
the southern seas. The latter is more closely allied to Bd. forsteri than any other, and its
locality in the southern seas may after all prove not to be far from New-Zealand.

Since Bd. polytreyaa has come to light, hearing in itself the remarkable fact of having fourteen
pairs of gills, instead of six and seven, which are the usual number in the species previously
known, we deem it advisable to retain them all as provisionally distinct. Moreover, the genus
would not be limited to the austral hemisphere, for we find mentioned, in the “Fauna Japon-
ica,” p. 310, a species under the name of Heptatrema cirrJiatum, which is another Bdellostoma
{Bd. burgeri), judging of it by the figure given on Plate cxliii;' which exhibits a similar
aspect of the head, the same shape of the mouth and cephalic tentacles. The eyes appear to be
very small. A singular circumstance is mentioned by Mr. Burger, by whom it was collected,
and who states that during the summer months these fishes, generally a foot and some inches
long, are caught in great numbers on muddy bottoms in the Bay of Simabara, at some dis-
tance from Nagasaki, and that the Japanese usually eat them raw. This latter species is more
slender than the one of which we give a figure and a description.

Descr. Bdellostoma polytrema is about fifteen and a half inches long. The body is subcylin-
drical anteriorly and compressed posteriorly, particularly upon the tail, which constitutes a
little less than one sixth of the entire length. The head is slightly tapering towards the snout.
The nasal opening (a) which terminates its anterior extremity, is transversally elliptical and
very large, provided on each side with two tentacles ; the uppermost (b) is the smallest and
directed upwards; the other, (c), a little longer, stretches laterally outwards. Underneath the
head we find the mouth (cl), longitudinally subovoid, beset with minute cirrhi around its
external margin. A broad and flattened tentacle (/), directed inwardly, may be seen extending
over the buccal aperture across the middle of its longitudinal diameter. Another slender and
second pair of buccal tentacles (e) is inserted near the base and external margin of the latter
flattened pair, stretching outwardly backwards.

The tongue (fig. 5) is suhcordiform, bearing two arched series of subconical teeth obliquely
directed backwards. The posterior series is composed of considerably smaller teeth than the
anterior one. In both there are twelve teeth on either side. A tooth from each series is rep-
resented isolated (a) on the right side of figure 5. To the left (b) may be seen the hook-like
palatine tooth, subconical in shape, and likewise directed backwards.

The eyes are not very conspicuous, and are situated at about eight tenths of an inch from the
extremity of the snout. A series of mucous pores may be seen extending below the middle of
the sides, from near tbe anterior part of the body to near the extremity of the tail. The six
or seven anterior holes are much larger than -the remaining ones, which diminish backwards,
becoming almost minute along tbe caudal region. The respiratory apertures are situated im-
mediately above the series just alluded to, and may easily be distinguished by their larger size.

• HTXXX ' a # upsdxg; pisv 'N'S'fi.

BDELLOSTOMA POL.YTREMA, Grd .

FISHES.

253

There is no dorsal fin. The caudal fin surrounds the extremity of the tail, extending a little
farther forwards above than below, and tapering gradually towards, or else rising grad-
ually from, the outlines of the caudal region. The anal fin is long, but very low. The vent
is situated about six tenths of an inch from the posterior margin of the latter fin.

The precarious state of keeping the unique specimen which was obtained at Valparaiso,
leaves us in doubt as to whether the bluish slate color of its epidermis was a true approxima-
tion towards its natural hue.

Plate XXXIII, fig. 1, represents Bdellostoma polytrema, size of life.

fig. 2, is an outline of the head, seen from above, exhibiting the cephalic
distance between the eyes, the position and direction of three pairs of ten-
tacles.

fig. 3, being a front view of the head, exhibits the nasal opening (a), and
the same tentacles as in fig. 2.

fig. 4, which is the head, seen from be'low, shows the four pairs of tentacles,
( b , c, e,/,) as well as the mouth ( d ), and nasal aperture (a). *
fig. 5, is the tongue, with its double and arched series of conical teeth — a
being two detached teeth, and b the palatine tooth.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN CRUSTACEA, BROUGHT HOME BY THE
U. S. N. ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION.

BY CHARLES GIRARD.

The Crustacea collected are hut few, and of the Decapod division : some Brachyura, an Ano-
moura, and a Macroura, constitute the entire list.

The latter two, AEglea and PAiynchocinetes , constitute, each in itself, a natural group ; both
their structural peculiarities, and the deep interest which their history consequently involves,
have suggested the following detailed descriptions of these two types.

DECAPODA ANOMOURA.

CENOBITXBiE iEGLEID iE.

Genus fEGLEA, Leach.

Gen. char. Carapax depressed, longer than broad, anteriorly tapering, dilated upon the
branchial region, diminishing in width posteriorly, and biarticulated. Frontal region armed
with an acute rostrum. External antennae about the length of the carapax. External maxil-
laries pediform. Posterior segment of the thorax movable. Legs of moderate size. Abdom-
inal region shorter than the thoracic ; broad, reflexed interiorly and anteriorly, composed of
six or seven segments, five of them bearing oviferic legs.

Syn. AEglea, Leach. Diet. Sc. Nat. XYIII, 1850, 29.

Obs. At the time this genus was instituted, there was but one species known, A. Icevis, an
inhabitant of the coast of Chile. Becent investigations have brought to light a second, from
the same litoral, and to-day we add a third to the list, inhabiting the fresh waters of the
mountainous regions of the Chilean republic, not knowing, however, whether it is altogether
peculiar to that geographic range.

A great deal remains to be done in order to ascertain whether these species are really distinct
from one another. In the want of authentic specimens of both A. Icevis and A. denticulata, I
was not prepared to remove all the doubts I had entertained in regard to their zoological simi-
larities and dissemblances. With upwards of twenty-five specimens, including both sexes, of
A. intermedia , before me, I have been compelled to avail myself, for their determination, of the
writings of my predecessors in the field ; and this has been done with the most earnest desire
to arrive at the truth on this subject. I candidly confess that had I had but one specimen and
but one sex, I would have hesitated describing it as a new sj>ecies. But since my materials
were ample, and the specific characters hence drawn were found not to vary throughout the
whole range of the specimens examined, I felt much less justified in calling them either A. Icevis
or A. denticulata, than ascribing to them a new name.

The description given below, it may be trusted, will enable my followers in the field, with
the assistance of similar materials from the coast of Chile, to determine the true zoological

CRUSTACEA. 255

relations which may exist between the marine and fresh water representatives of this inter-
esting genus.

To facilitate their researches, I subjoin the references I have gathered touching the history of
the two species described by different authors.

iEGLEA LiE VIS, Leach.

Syn. Galathea Icevis, Latr. Encycl. Meth. Crust. PL cccviii, fig. 2.

JEcjlea Icevis , Leach, Diet. Sc. Nat. XVIII, 1820, 49.

Desm. Consid. Gen. Crust. 1825, 186, PL xxxiii, fig. 2.

Latr. in Guv. Regn. Anim. IV, (2d edit.) 1829, 84.

Griee. Guv. Anim. Kingd. XIII, 1883, 184, Pl. vii, fig. 2.

Miln. Edw. Hist. Nat. Cr. II, 1837, 258 ; Atlas du Regn. Anim. de Cuvier, PL
xlvii, fig. 3.

Edw. et Luc. in D’ Orb. Voy. Amer. Merid. VI, I. Crust. 1843, 34.

Nic. in Gay , Ilist. de Chile, Zool. Ill, 1849, 199.

Dana, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. XIII, I, 1852, 476, Pl. xxx, fig. 6.

iEGLEA DENTICULATA, Nic.

Syn. JEcjlea denticulata , Nic. in Gay, Hist, de Chile, Zool. Ill, 1849, 200, Lam. ii, fig 1.

iEGLEA INTERMEDIA, Girard.

Spec, ciiar. Carapax finely punctate ; rostrum moderate, acute, depressed (incurved) upon its
middle, with its point slightly turned upwards. Edges of carapax subdenticulated ; denticula-
tions more conspicuous on the stomacal region than on the branchial region. Anterior legs
larger in the male than in the female ; in both sexes the arm has a prismatic shape, and is
denticulated upon its upper and its lower and inner edges ; the external lower edge being nearly
smooth. Carpus provided witli two rows of subconical tubercles (teeth) upon its upper and
inner portion. Hand exhibiting internally a flattened processus, often denticulated. Inner
edge of claws tuberculous or subtuberculous. Abdominal segments divided into three lobes, by
an undulating line forming a subaneate triangle upon each segment.

Desc. The body is very much depressed, longer than broad; anteriorly about half the width
of the posterior margin. The depth upon the middle region is about equal to the width of the
anterior region immediately behind the orbits. The margin of the carapax is sharp and slightly
indentated; the outline is slightly incurvated upon the suture which separates the thoracic from
the cephalic region. The latter, convex upon its middle, is terminated anteriorly by a subtri-
angular, acerated, and carinated rostrum, slightly raised upwards upon its tip. On each side
of the rostrum a semi-elliptical notch, at the external angle of which a small spine exists, con-
stitutes the orbit. The suture, between the cephalic and thoracic regions, is very convex pos-
teriorly upon the middle region, then slightly concave laterally and anteriorly, then again
oblique towards the edge of the carapax.

The thoracic region is divided by two longitudinally shallow and smooth furrows into three
regions — a medial or cardial, and two lateral or branchial regions. Again, it divides trans-
versally into three regions also — an anterior, a medial, and a posterior ; the last embracing a
very narrow space upon the posterior extremity of the carapax, and extending but very slightly
upon the branchial regions. The central portion of the cardial region is slightly convex, and
limited by a sinuating depression or groove. The last segment of the thoracic region is move-

256

ZOOLOGY.

able, very small, posteriorly rounded and convex, laterally acute, giving points of attachment
to two inferior, transverse, and very slender pieces, situated close to the posterior margin of the
sternal shield, to which system the anterior piece undoubtedly belongs. The fifth pair of legs
is likewise articulated upon that segment. Upon the extremity of the posterior transverse piece
just alluded to, is articulated a rudimentary caudal appendage, or so called oviferic leg. . ’

The sternal shield is subtriangular ; its summit, which is directed forwards, being truncated.
It is composed of four transverse pieces, soldered together, and corresponding to the anterior
four pairs of legs. It is a little longer than the cardial region above.

The eyes , semiglobular in shape, are inserted upon a very short peduncle immediately beneath
the base of the rostrum, and directed forwards.

The inner antennce have a peduncle composed of three articles. The basal is globular, inserted
immediately beneath the peduncle of the eye. The second article is the longest, very slender,
suhcompressed, slightly curved, implanted upon the inner edge of the first or basal, and pro-
vided upon its inner margin with a row of setae. The third article is shaped like the second,
more slender, and- one third shorter : the antenna proper is about the length of the second
article of the peduncle, compressed, tapering, consisting of eleven narrow articles, the inferior
edge being provided with a double series of very short setae. A filiform, eight-jointed append-
age, may he observed, inserted at the upper and anterior margin of the third article of the
peduncle, and shorter than the anterior proper.

The external antennce , inserted upon the same transverse line as the inner, are slender, elon-
gated, cylindrical, and tapering to a point, composed of narrow and somewhat irregular articles,
upon a length of nearly one inch and a quarter. Their peduncle, about a quarter of an inch
long, is composed of four articles, two of which might almost he considered as forming hut an
irregular odd basal, at the upper and anterior margin of which a rudimentary processus may
he observed. The two remaining articles are suhcylindrical : the fourth is the longest.

The inferior labia , or else anterior abdominal segment, on the sides of which the external
jaw-legs articulate, is very small and bidentate.

The external jaw-legs are pediform, provided internally with setae, and composed of six arti-
cles besides the basal. Upon this, and exteriorly, is inserted the palpa, the first article of
which is exceedingly small; the second slender, suhcompressed, and elongated; the third, small
and cylindrical, is followed by a lanceolated, thin blade surrounded with setae. When stretched
out, the tip of the palpa extends to the base of the terminal article of the jaw-leg properly so
called. The first article of the jaw-leg proper is the smallest of the six composing it; .the
second and third, subprismatic in shape, are the largest; the fourth, fifth, and sixth, are sub-
depressed, the latter conical, and the three together equal in length to the second and third
combined.

The second pair of jaw-legs consists of the same number of parts as the first or external pair,
viz : of a palpa and a mandible ; both being composed of the same number of articles ; its differ-
ences consisting in a smaller and more slender form, and in the palpa being more elongated than
the mandible, with its first article Almost as long as the second. Set* occupy the same edges
and surfaces.

The first mandible , or third pair of jaws, is composed of a triple foliaceous cochloid piece, sub-
crenated upon its margin, each expansion being provided upon its base with a rudimentary
palpa, and the external having in addition an elongated membranous expansion which extends
towards the gills.

Finally, the second or inner mandible {fourth pair of jaws) is an elongated and rigid piece,
composed of three articles intimately soldered together ; the third article being the most de-
veloped of the three, and terminated by a subcircular and interiorly concave head, giving to the
whole the form of a small dipper, at the upper and anterior part of which a small rudimentary
palpa may he seen, inclined inwardly.

CRUSTACEA. 25V

The anterior or upper labia is small and tuberculiform, situated in a concavity of the episto-
ma concealed by a slight ridge.

The anterior — pincers or claws-bearing — pair of legs is the stoutest and longest of the am-
bulatory appendages. The second, third, and fourth pairs are flattened; the second a little
longer than the third, and the third a little longer than the fourth. The fifth pair is very ex-
iguous, folded inwardly, and not used at all as an ambulatory organ.

The first (basal) article in the anterior four pairs of legs is similar in shape and structure in
all ; preserving, however, their due proportions.

In the first pair of legs the second article is subprismatic, short and stout, larger than the
first article, angular anteriorly and inwardly, provided with a few rudimentary spines along its
inner edge. The third article (arm) is prismatic, tapering, posteriorly provided with a row of
small spines upon its edges, and subtubercular upon its anterior margin. The fourth article
(carpus) is short, subtriangular and stout, provided upon its inner edge with a double series of
tubercular spines. The fifth article (hand) is subelliptically rounded exteriorly, flattened in-
wardly, and provided upon its inner margin with a flattened processus, subcrenated upon its
edge. The inferior claw, slightly curved inwardly, is concave upon its middle, and margined
with a series of transversally elongated and depressed tubercles disposed upon a double row
towards its base. The upper claw is elongated, subcylindrical, tapering, curved downwards,
thus forming an arch above the inferior one; being similarly provided upon its margin with a
series of flattened, transversally-elongated tubercles, largest posteriorly.

The second, third, and fourth pairs of legs are composed of six articles, including the basal,
already alluded to. The second article is the second also in size ; then the fourth (carpal), which
is slightly bent downwards; then the fifth; the third is the longest of all ; the sixth (tarsal),
about equal to the fifth in length, is very slender, cylindrical, tapering, and terminated by a
minute spine.

The fifth and exiguous pair of legs, inserted, as stated above, upon the post-thoracic and
moveable segment, is composed first of a very small subglobose article, followed by four others
more elongated and slender, subequal, slightly diminishing in length from the base towards the
tip, which consists in a rudimentary claw concealed under a tuft of setae and moveable upon the
fifth article.

The caudal region is shorter than the carapax ; bent upon its middle, and brought forward
beneath in close contact with the inferior surface of the body, the extreme margins of the caudal
paddle covering the posterior half of the sternal shield. It is composed of five segments, divided
into three lobes by a lateral undulating groove. The posterior four segments are angular, and
acute externally, while the anterior one is rounded; all being margined with a series of setae.
Inwardly and laterally they are provided in the female with rudimentary three-jointed, egg-
bearing legs. A subpentagonal thin piece, as sixth segment, terminates that region, having
on either side caudal paddles composed of a basal subtriangular piece inserted partly upon the
fifth segment, and directed forwards ; whilst on the latter are inserted, towards its external ex-
tremity, two subelliptical plates, margined with setae as well as the central piece, and directed
backwards and inwards.

The main surface is minutely punctured ; the second, third, and fourth pairs of legs are pro-
vided with short and scattered setae, more thickly set, and more developed upon the tarsal article.

The body and tail are bluish yellow above, yellowish beneath. The legs are reddish and
bluish, and the antennae reddish.

Specimens were collected in the upper affluents of the Rio de Maypu, 2,000 feet above the
level of the sea, near Santiago.

33 *

258

ZOOLOGY.

DECAPODA MACROURA.

PALJEMONIDJE ALPHEINiE.

Genus RHYNCHOCINETES, Edw.

Gen. char. Body moderately compressed ; carapax exhibiting a spinous processus towards
the middle of the region of the stomach. Fronto-interocular margin provided with three
spines ; two more spines may he observed laterally upon the same anterior margin. Rostrum
very large, sword-shaped (ensiform) attached to the front by a gynglymic articulation in a ver-
tical plane, allowing a free motion downwards between the antennae, and upwards to a vertical
position of its axis. Its length equals, or exceeds a little, that of the carapax. It is toothed,
or else denticulated upon its edges. Eyes conspicuous, and, when brought forward, find a rest-
ing place in an excavation of the peduncle of the superior antennae, the basal article of which
is large, and armed exteriorly with a spiniform blade. The terminal threads of these append-
ages are two in number, and constructed as in Hippolytus. External jaw-legs pediform and
elongated ; their terminal article is slender, cylindrical, and spiny upon its apex. A rudimen-
tary palpiform appendage may be seen exteriorly at the base of each leg. Tarsus of second
pair of legs not multiarticulated. First pair of legs larger than the others, and stretching be-
yond the peduncle of external antennas ; pincers short and spoon-shaped ; finger moveable and
toothed. Second pair of legs very slender, terminated by a small chela, and shorter than the
third ; the tarsus of the latter and the following pairs being short and toothed as in Hippoly-
tus. Abdomen not different from the latter-mentioned genus. Several pairs of small spines
upon the median blade between the caudal paddles. Gills, nine on either side of the thorax,
disposed upon a double row.

Syn. Rhynchochinetes , Edw. Ann. Sc. Nat. Deux Ser. Zool. VII, 1837, 165. — Hist. Nat.
Crust. II, 1837, 383.

Edw. et Luc. in D' Orb. Voy. Amer. Merid. YI, I, Crust. 1843, 35.

Nic. in Gay , Hist, de Chile, Zool. Ill, 1849, 215.

Obs. There is one point in the history of this genus which cannot be looked upon with indif-
ference by naturalists — the fact that the only species on record, when first described, was given
for fatherland the Indian ocean. Specimens thus labelled had been deposited in the museum
of the Garden of Plants in Paris, and these became the originals from which Milne Edwards’s
first description was drawn. As such it was produced in the Histoire naturelle des Crustaces.

Subsequently, Alcide d’Orbigny brought to the same establishment specimens collected at
Valparaiso, which, on being submitted to Milne Edwards, were pronounced identical with those
previously described, and Valparaiso given as locality for the species, without any further
remark upon the subject. Nicolet, in Claude Gay’s Historia de Chile , follows Milne Edwards’s
determination ; adding, however, that the sole species hitherto known of this genus was indige-
nous both to the Indian ocean and to Chile. Dana, in his Report on the Crustacea of the United
States Exploring Expedition , adopts the views of his predecessors in regard to the identity of
the species, ascribing to it, in his tables of geographic distribution, a still wider range, since
it is stated to occur in the northern zone of the western coast of the Pacific ocean.

The question now occurs as to whether the specimens labelled “Indian ocean,” in the Paris
Museum, do really belong to that district, or else got a wrong label; no mention being made
by any one as to the channel through which they have been obtained. The figure published

CRUSTACEA.

259

at the time in the Annales des Sciences naturelles is a female, answering altogether to the specific
features in the specimens of the same sex now before us.

There can he also no doubt as to the specific identity of both d’Orbigny’s and Gray’s figures,
the originals of which were procured at Valparaiso. They both represent the female.

Specimens of both sexes were brought home by Lieutenant Grilliss. In the female the
external maxillipes are equal in length to the distance between the apex of the rostrum and
the articulation of the caudal region upon the thorax. The first pair of legs extends to nearly
the serrated portion of the rostrum ; the apex of their chela, therefore, does not reach as far as
the extremity of the latter organ. The tip of the second pair of legs is even with that of the
first pair, though inserted behind it. The third pair of legs is the longest, projecting beyond
the second and first pairs, and extending to nearly the apex of the rostrum. The tip of the
fourth pair is nearly even with the second and the first. Finally, the extremity of the fifth
pair reaches the base of the last article of the third pair ; its tip, therefore, remaining behind
that of all the others. The rostrum is equal in length to the middle line of the cephalo-tho-
racic region. Now there can be no doubt as to the identity of these specimens with those
figured by d’Orbigny and Gay.

In the male the external maxillipes are nearly as long as the absolute length of the animal ,
since they equal the distance between the apex of the rostrum and the middle -of the length of
the caudal paddles. The first pair of legs is stouter, the hand more elongated, and extending
beyond the apex of the rostrum for the whole length of the finger. The second pair is very
slender, hardly reaching with its extremity the middle of the hand, and not quite as far as the
denticulated portion of the upper edge of the rostrum. The third pair extends to the base of
the moveable finger or upper portion of the big claw, and consequently a little beyond the apex
of the rostrum. The tip of the fourth pair is nearly even with, mayhap slightly longer than
the second. Finally, the fifth pair slightly projects beyond the base of the last article of the
third pair. The rostrum is somewhat longer than the middle line of the cephalo-thoracic
region. The antennas are longer than in the preceding instance. In every other particular
both sets of specimens appear to agree perfectly. Those from which our description is drawn
belong to the latter group.

RH YNCHOCINETES TYPUS, Edw.

Spec. char. Dull greenish, variegated with yellowish red. Locomotory appendages and jaws
transversally barred or annulated with pinkish. Patches of the latter hue are also observed
upon the convexity of the caudal region.

Syn. Rhynchocinetes typus, Edw. Ann. Sc. Nat. 2de Serie VII, Zool. 1837, 165, PI. iv, C. —
Hist. Nat. Crust. II, 1837, 383.

Edw. et Lucas, in D’Orb. Voy. Amer, Merid. VI, r; Crust. 1843, 36, PI. xvii,
fig. 1.

Nic. in Gay , Hist, de Chile, Zool. Ill, 1849, 216; Crust. Lam. I, fig. 7.

Rhynchocinetes typicus, Dana, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. XIII, I, 1852, 568, PI. xxxvi,
fig. 7.

Descr. The following description is based upon the male : The entire length, from the tip of
the rostrum to the extremity of the caudal paddles, is four inches and a quarter ; the rostrum
measures one inch and an eighth ; the middle line of the cephalothorax one inch and a six-
teenth.

The cephalothoracic region is rounded above, compressed, deeper than broad, smooth, with
the exception of the anterior extremity, which is provided with eight acerated points ; two of
which being situated upon the middle line, and one immediately above the base of the rostrum :

260

ZOOLOGY.

the other is behind it, at a distance of about an eighth, of an inch. One pair of spines may be
seen — one on each side of the postrostral — immediately above the orbit. Another pair occu-
pies the externo-inferior angle of the orbit. Finally, a third and very small pair may be ob-
served at the inferior and anterior angle of the carapax.

There are nine gills on each side, disposed in a double series, in the following manner :
The external series, composed of five of these appendages, are much the smallest ; the anterior
one rests upon the base of the external jaw-leg ; the four remaining ones are situated immedi-
ately above the insertion of the anterior four pairs of ambulatory legs. The gills of the inner
series, four in number, are disposed obliquely opposite the insertion of the ambulatory legs ;
they increase gradually in size from forwards backwards.

Th e jaw-leg (external or sixth pair of mandibles) is three inches and a quarter long, stretch-
ing beyond the apex of the rostrum for about the half of their length, and composed of five arti-
cles. The basal is a circular ring, bearing a very small palpiform appendage, placed trans-
versally, and directed backwards. The second article is subtriangular, very small, developed
only upon the outer or inferior aspect of that organ, and upon its inner edge is a slender, palpi-
form, subarticulated appendage, nearly two thirds the length of the third article, tapering,
flattened, and provided upon its inferior edge with a series of closely-set hairs or setae. The
third article itself is three quarters of an inch long, anteriorly subcylindrical, posteriorly con-
cave immediately beneath the mandibles, for whose benefit this concavity exists ; its antero-
superior edge is provided with two small spines. The fourth article is small, about a quarter
of an inch long, subcylindrical, and spineless. The fifth article measures two inches and three
sixteenths ; it is slender, cylindrical, and tapering towards its extremity, which is provided
with five or six minute spines.

The mandibles of the fifth 'pair (proceeding from the innermost or first) are composed of five
articles, the fifth and largest of which is flattened and bent downwards upon the fourth, which
is the smallest. Exteriorly to the first or basal article arises a processus, bearing a membran-
ous palpa and a subcircular flap, above which, and from the external edge of the second article,
may be seen, stretching forwards, a palpiform appendage about half an inch long, and exhibit-
ing distinct traces of transverse articulations, most numerous towards its extremity. The third
article is of moderate development.

The fourth pair of mandibles consist of but one article each, thin, foliaceous, subtriangular,
cochloid, provided upon the posterior portion of its base with a double, subelliptical, membranous
expansion, and directed forwards ; a crustaeeous expansion, terminating in two small, filiform
pseudopalpre, one larger than the other.

The third mandible is composed of a few very thin, foliaceous, and rounded pieces, broadest
towards the mouth, and provided upon their external margins with a crustaeeous expansion,
directed forwards, besides a tapering and hairy one extending backwards across the gills.

The second mandible consists of three small plates, two inferior, subcrustaceous, and flexible,
whilst the third is rigid, cochloid, and provided upon its margin with a double and close series
of very small, conical, and slender black spines. At the base and upper portion of this pair of
mandibles may be observed a rudimentary palpa.

Tbe first or innermost mandible consists of one piece only, subcylindrical upon its base, termi-
nating anteriorly in processi, the inner of which is stout and blunt upon its apex, whilst the
other is cochloid, and margined with a series of small, conical, black spines.

The upper labia is short and stoutish, flattened and rounded upon its margin.

The external amtennai are more than five inches in total length. The first article is short and
stout; provided upon its anterior margin with a small spine, and upon its inner edge is inserted
an elongated, sword-shaped, subtriangular appendage, anteriorly tapering to a point, and ap-
parently composed of two elongated pieces soldered together, judging of this by the presence of
a groove upon its external or upper surface. It is provided upon its inferior and crenated edge
with a series of closely-set hairs or bristles. Beneath, and towards the inferior surface of the

CRUSTACEA.

261

first article, arise the antennae proper : three articles (second, third, and fourth of the series)
follow one another within a distance of about half an inch, the first two being small and irreg-
ular, the next is suhtriangular or rather compressed ; to the latter is appended the remaining
portion of these organs, composed of narrow and circular articles, increasing in length up to
the middle of their extent, hence diminishing again gradually towards their filiform apex.

The superior antennce, two inches and three quarters in total length, are composed of a basal,
rather large and suhtriangular piece, anteriorly tapering into several points, followed by two
small articles, upon the latter of which, the smallest of the series, are inserted : first, a filiform,
transversally and minutely articulated antenna ; and, second, a flattened, much shorter an-
tenna (about half an inch long), provided inferiorly or interiorly with a series of closely-set
hairs or seta3.

The eyes, inserted upon a short peduncle immediately above the superior antennae, are large
and conspicuous, and when indexed they are lodged in a concavity of the basal article or seg-
ment of the organs just alluded to.

The rostrum , one inch and an eighth in total length, is very much compressed, and thin,
tapering off towards its extremity, which is slightly curved downwards, and provided upon said
curvature with ten acerated spines, directed forwards, the anterior one being the largest, and
constituting the very extremity of that piece. Two more spines, similarly directed forwards,
exist upon the upper margin, one near the base^ the other a quarter of an inch anteriorly. The
inferior edge is provided upon its whole extent with eighteen spines, similar to the anterior
upper ones, hut much larger and broader posteriorly. On the posterior edge of each of the
latter spines exists a series of minute and closely-set hairs.

The anterior — pincers-bearing leg— is the stoutest and longest of the five pairs ; the second
pair is the most slender and the shortest ; the third, fourth, and fifth pairs are equal as far as
stoutness is concerned, hut the third pair is a little longer than the fourth,' and the fourth a
little longer than the fifth pair, which is somewhat longer than the second.

The first (basal) and second articles in the five pairs of legs are similar and proportional in
their development ; the first is an annular ring, bea^jng a rudimentary palpiform appendage,
similar to that observed upon the basal article of the jaw-leg ; the second is suhtriangular and
acute exteriorly.

In the first pair of legs the third article is a little larger and more acute exteriorly than the
second. The fourth article is long, compressed towards its base, and subcylindrical anteriorly,
where it is provided with a small spine. The fifth article is short, subprismatic, bearing a
large spine upon its anterior margin, and several small ones beneath and exteriorly. The sixth,
which forms the claw, is the stoutest and longest, bearing upon its extremity three small, black
spines ; the upper piece of the claw is slightly arched, bearing upon its convexity a well-devel-
oped tuft of hairs ; its anterior extremity is provided with a series of about a dozen small, black
spines, largest near the apex.

In the second pair of legs the third article is nearly as long as the fourth, and similar to the
latter in shape, in a reverse position. The fifth article is the longest, and subcylindrical. The
sixth article, which bears a small claw, is likewise subcylindrical, or slightly compressed and
elongated. The moveable upper piece is provided anteriorly with four small, black spines,
whilst there are but two below.

In the third, fourth, and fifth pairs of legs the third article is a little larger than the second,
and also more acute. The fourth article, the longest of all, is compressed, and provided along
its external edge with three or four small spines. The fifth article, one-third shorter than the
sixth, is likewise compressed, and provided externally with a few minute spines. The sixth
is slender, a little shorter than the fourth, provided with exceedingly minute spines beneath,
and terminated by a subconical and slightly-curved spine, moveable upon the latter, representing
a seventh article.

The caudal region, composed of six segments, is rather stout, compressed, higher than broad

262

ZOOLOGY.

upon the extend of the first segment, the third being considerably developed upon its upper
region, which is prominently convex. The remaining portion of the tail is very much reduced,
tapering posteriorly, bent downwards and forwards under the body. The lateral and free
expansions of the anterior three caudal segments are rounded off ; that of the second segment
is the largest, subcircular in shape, external, and covering partly the expansions of the first
and the third segments. In the fourth and fifth segments that expansion is subtriangular,
posteriorly acute. The sixth ring has no such lamellar expansions, but is provided upon its
posterior and inferior angle with a slight ridge, at the inner margin of which a row of setae is
observed similar to that which exists upon the external margin of the lamellae of the other
segments. The central caudal appendage, subconical in shape, elongated and tapering, is con-
vex above, concave beneath, and terminated by three pairs of spines; a very minute external
pair, and two median, the upper one very slender, and two thirds the length of the lower pair,
which is the most conspicuous. Along the upper and convex surface there are three pairs of
rather short, stoutish, though small spines. On each side of this central appendage, and
inserted in a concavity of the lateral and posterior edge of the sixth segment, with one spiny pro-
cessus above and below, is another appendage composed of a short basal piece, upon which are
inserted two moveable very thin lanceolated lamellae, provided upon their edges with well devel-
oped setae disposed upon one close series. The inner lamella is made of a solitary piece ; the
external one is composed of two pieces, the undulated and transversal articulation of which
may be seen across the posterior third of said lamella, exteriorly marked by two small spines
belonging to the largest piece.

The caudal or oviferic legs , five in number (one pair for each anterior five caudal segments),
are of moderate development, the second and third pair being the largest. The posterior four
pairs are similarly constructed. They consist of a flattened article, terminated by two narrow,
elongated, thin blades, margined with setae. The anterior pair is distinguished from the others
in the structure of the terminal pieces, the inner of which is short and rather broad, and de-
prived of setae upon its edge, whilst the outer one is similar to those of the other legs, being,
however, considerably smaller.

The surface of the carapax is almost entirely smooth ; a minute, prickly granulation becomes
visible under a magnifying glass and to the touch also. This granulation is more apparent
upon the locomotory and other appendages than elsewhere. The upper margin of the large claw
is provided with an elongated tuft of setae extending from the anterior portion of the hand
(so called) along the convexity of the finger to near its apex. An elongated cushion of short
setae may also be observed along the convexity of the finger to near its apex. An elongated
cushion of short setae may also be observed along the inner surface of the third, fourth, and the
base of the fifth article of the jaw-legs. Scattered bristles or setae exist along the inner surface
of most of the articles constituting the legs, and principally upon the mandibles.

The ground-color is yellowish ; the sides of the cephalothorax and tail are variegated with
irregularly meandric, fuliginous red maculae. The appendages are annulated with purplish
red. The third caudal ring is purplish upon its convexity, exhibiting two parallel light vittae
along the upper surface of the anterior three rings, uniting at an acute angle upon the poste-
rior portion of the third ring. The caudal legs are spotted with fuliginous red.

The specimens were caught in Caldera bay.

LIST OF SHELLS BROUGHT HOME BY THE U. S. N. ASTRONOM

ICAL EXPEDITION.

BY AUG. A. GOULD.

Chiton aculeatus. Lin. Coquimbo.

££ spirriferus. Fremb] y.

“ MAGNIFICUS. Desk.

■ “ oliyaceus. Fremb.

“ peruyianus. Lamk.

“ granasus. Fremb.

“ cumingii. Sowerb.

Oliva Peruviana. Lamk. Coquimbo.

“ u var. Senegalensis.

Turbo Niger. Gray.

Trochus ater. Lesson.

“ araucanus. D’Orb.

Murex crassilabrum.

££ horridus. Sowerb.

“ boivinii. Kien.

Fissurella latimarginata. Sowerb.

CALYPTRiEA PILEUS.

“ PERUVIANA.

Littorina peruviana. Gray.

“ ARAUCANA. D’Orb.

Bulimus erythrostoma. Sowerb.

Acmcea viridula.

“ var. ACHATES.

“ scutum. D’Orb. and Eschh.

“ SCURRA. Less.

Triton scaber. King.

“ rudis. Sowerb.

Nassa rubricata. Gould.

Meradesma donacia. Lamk.

Cytherea pannosa? D’Orb. Two or three
shells are confounded under this name.

Mytilus. Undetermined.
Planorbis. Undetermined.
Dombeya (chilina) fluctuosa.
Carbium unedo.

“ FRAGUM.

Conus ebumeus.

Ricimula horrida.

“ ALBILABRIS.

Monoceros crassilabrum. Lamk.
Oliva gultata.

“ JASPIDEA.

“ ELEGANS.

“ FLAMMULATA?

Strombus GIBBERULUS.

Cerithium lineatum.

Cyprea moneta.

“ ANNULUS.

“ CICERCULA.

“ EBUMEA.

££ FIMBRIATA.

Venus pannosa. Sowerb.
Terebra cinerea.

££ STRIATA.

Nerita ALBICILLA.

££ LE GRILLOUANA.

Neritina canales. Sowerb.
Siphonaria lessoni. Blainv.
Katica uber.

Melampus. Undetermined.

'

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.

.

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■

APPENDIX G.

BOTANY.

LIST OF THE DRIED PLANTS BROUGHT FROM CHILE BY THE
U. S. N. ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION.

BY ASA GRAY.

LIST OF LIVING PLANTS AND SEEDS.

BY W». D. BRACKENRIDGE.

34*

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.

1. 1

■

LIST OF DBIED PLANTS BROUGHT HOME BY THE U. S. N. ASTRO-
NOMICAL EXPEDITION.

BY ASA GRAY.

FROM CHILE.

Silene gallic a. Linn. Introduced from Europe.

Medicago maculata. Willd. do. - Yulg.

Asteriscum chilense. Cham, and Schlecht.

Scyphanthus elegans. Don (Grammatocarpus volu-

hilis, Presl.)

Buddleia globosa. Lamk. ------

Lippia canescens. Kunth.

Ambrina ambrosioides. Spach. -----

Tupa salicipolia. Don. DC.

“ polyphylla. Don. var. latifolia.

Prosopis siliquastrum. DC.? -----

'Loranthus tetrandrus. R. and P.

Geranium rotundifolium. L. -

Cestrum parqui. L’PIer. ------

Leonotis leonurus. R. and Pay. Introduced.

Mentha piperita. Linn. do. - - -

Cichorium intybus. Linn. do. -

Fumaria agraria. Lag. do. -

CUSCUTA CHILENSIS. Choi. ------

Treyoa trinervia. Plook. ------

Eccremocarpus scaber. R. and Pav.

Centranthus ruber. DC.

Agati grandiflora. Dew.

Cassia tomentosa. Lam.

Hoffmanseggia falcaria. R. and Pav. -
Medicago satiya. L. Introduced. -

Genista cumingii. Hook, and Arn.

Lathyrus sessilifolius. Hook, and Arn.?

VrVIANIA ROSEA. Hook. ------

Anemone decapetala. Linn. -----
SCHIZOPETALON WALKERI. Hook.

Malesherbia linearifolia. R. and P.?

Epilobium denticulatum. R. and P.

Loasa floribunda. H. and Arn.

Loasa placei. Lindl. ? -

Bowlesia multradiata. Colla.

Sanicula MACROiiH izA. CoRa.

Hualputa.

Mucliu and Anisillo.
Mongita.

Panil.

Paico.

Algarroho.

Quintral.

Corre-corre.

Parqui.

Yerha huena.
Achicoria.

Fumaria.

Cahello de Anjel.
Trevu.

Porrotillos.

Alfalfa.

Oreganillo.

Centello.

Ortiga macho.

268

BOTANY.

Stellaria cuspid ata. Willd.

Matthidla incana. R. and Br. - - - - Vulg.

Oxalis gemot at A. Hook. and Arn. -
££ aren aria. Bertero.?

Godetia cavanillesii. Spach.

“ TENUIEOLIA. Spack.

Cruckshanksia hymenodon. Hook, and Arn.

Schizanthus pinnatus. Ruiz, and Pay. -

“ hookeri. Gillies in Bot. (Bentk. in DC.)
Calceolaria polifolia. Hook.

££ nudicaulis. Bentii.

££ PARALIA. Cav.

££ indeterminable. Two species.

Alonso a incisaifolia. R. and P. -
Mimulus luteus. (Yar. guttatus.)

££ paryiflorus. Lindl.

(tTlta laciniata. R. and P.

Galium eriocarpum. Bartl.

££ relbun. Endl.?

Teucrium bicolor. Smith.

Sphacele subhastata. Benth.

Gardoquia GiLLiEsn. G-raham. -
Eritrichium fulvum. DC.

£ £ FULVUM. ?

Heliotropium floridum. Hook and Arn.

Pn a cflt a circinata. Jacq.

Convolvulus dissectus. Cav. ------

Hagenekia oblonga. R. and Pav. - - - -

Fabian a imbricata. R. and Pav. -
Yerbena erinoides. Hook, and Arn. -
£ £ ribifoli a . W alp .

Nicotiana angustifolia. R. and Pav. -
Scytalanthus acutus. Walp. (Neriandra. DC.)
Witheringia tomatillo. Gay. Solanum Dunal.

££ crispa. Gay.? Solanum Dunal.

Eucelia oblongifolia. DC.

Bahia ambrosioides. Lag. -----
Centauria melitensis. L. Introduced. -
Galotsoga parviflora. Cavan. -
Bidens chilensis. DC.

Centaurea chilensis. H. and Arn. -
Senecio serenensis. Remy. in Gay. (Doubtless some
older species also.)

Eupatorium salvia. Colla. -----
££ glechonophyllum. Less. -
Bacciiaris pinilloriana, Remy. (or B. pingrma.)

££ CONCAVA. DC. -----
££ PiNGRiEA. Less. Remy. Mas.

Tylloma glabratum. DC.

ClKETANTIIERA MULTICAULIS. DC.

Aleli.

Ojos de agua.

Pajarito.

Flor del Soldado.

Relbun.

Oreganillo.

Correjuela.

Guayo Colorado, Huayu 6 Bollen.
Picbi.

Yerba del incordio and Sandia la-
buen.

Tobaco cimaron.

Cuernecilla.

Tomatilla.

Natri e Yerba del Chevalongo.
Coronilla de Fraile.

Manzanilla cimarona.

Zizana.

Paico. Julio, &c.

Escabiosa, Yerba del Minero.

Salvia Macho.
Barba del Viejo.

Gaultro, Guanchu.

DRIED PLANTS.

269

LEUCERIA HIERACI01DES. Cess.

“ ACANTHOIDES. Don.

CHABRiEA ROSEA. DC.

Moscharia pinnatifida. E. and Pav.

Atriplex peruviana. Moq. in DC.

Stillingia ligustrina. ?

Aristolochia chilensis. Bridges.? - - Yulg.

Muhlenbeckia injucunda. (Polygonum injucundum,

Bot. Keg.) -

Dioscorea oblurifolia. Hook, and Arn.?

ClILORiEA MULTIFLORA. Lindl.

Sisyrin chium andicolum. H. and Arn. ; and two or

three other species.

Amaryllis chilensis. Spreng.

Marica striata. Bot. Mag.?

PaSITIIEA CA5RULEA. Don.?

Trichopetalum stellatum. Lindl.

Leucocoryne alliacea. Lindl. -----
Ornithogalum gramineum. Bot. Mag.? - - -

Avena fatua. Linn.

Oreja de Zorra, &c.

Quilo, in Coquimho, Mollaca.

Anehuca.

Pajarito.

Guillis.

Flor de la cuenta.

FKOM THE ANDES AND BUENOS AYKES.

PORTULACA HIRSUTISSIMA. Camb.

Colog ania iiilerophylla. Gillies.

Acaina macrostemon. Hook. f. ?

Berberis empetrifolia. Lam.

Pii ac a elata. H. and Arn.

Larrea divaricata. Cav. ? Jarrilla.

Hibiscus bifurcatus. Cav. ?

Cleome iieptaphylla. Linn.?

Cercostylos brasiliensis. Less.

LIST OF LIVING PLANTS AND SEEDS SENT FEOM CHILE TO THE

GOVERNMENT GREEN HOUSE.

BY WM. D. BRACK ENEIDGE.

Acacia cavenia. Bent-b. -----
Acacia lophantha.

Allium roseum. Lirm. -----

Alstrcemeria-? Linn.

Amarola glandulosa.

Amaryllis belladona. -----

Anemone hepaticcefolia. Hook. - - -

An ON A CHERIMOLIA . Mill. -----

Apuritia vulgaris. ------

Araucaria imbricata. Pav. in Mem. Acad. Madrid.
Aristotelia maqui. L’Her. - - - -

Boldoa fragrans. Pav. (syst. fl. per. 260.)

Bromelia sphacelata. Euiz and Pavon.

Calandrinia longiscapa and discolor. Schrad. -

“ GRANDIFLORA. Lind.

Calceolaria integrifolia. Linn.

Calceolaria. Lin. ------

Cassia frondosa. Ait.

Cereus quisco. -------

Cestrum parqui. L’Herit. - - - - - -

Chlorea speciosa. Poepp. -----

Convolvulus. Dub. in DC. - - - -

CUCURBITA MAXIMA. Ducll. -----

Datura arborea. Lin. (Ruiz and Pav.) -
Dolichos ruber. ______

Dubana dependens. DC. -
Erodium cicutarium. Leman : in DC.

Fragaria chilensis. Ehrh. - - - -

Fragaria vesca. Linn. ------

Fumaria media. Lois. -----

Guevina avellana. Mol. ------

Gunn era chilensis. Lam. ------

Habranthus. Herbert. -----

“ chilensis. Plerb. - - - -

Jubgea SPECTABILIS. LI. B. and K until.

Lapageria rosea. Ruiz and Pav. - - -

Laurus peumo. -------

Leucocoryne odorata. Lindl.

“ alliacea. Lindl. -

- Yulg. Espino.

Lagrima de la Virgen.

Peregrina.

Azucena.

Flor de la Estrella.
Cherimoya.

Tuna.

Pinon.

Maqui.

Soldo.

Cbupon.

Renilla.

Arguenita.

Quisco.

Parqui.

Azucena del campo.
Correjuela.

Zapallo.

Floripondio.

Enredadera.

Huingan.

Alfilerillo.

Frutilla.

Fresa.

Fumaria.

Avellano.

Panque.

Amancay.

Anenuca.

Lilia and Cancan.
Copigue.

Peumo.

Guillis.

LIVING PLANTS.

271

Litre a venenosa. Miers. -
Loranthus tetr andrus. Ruiz and Pav. -
Lucuma odorata. Dehurnb. -
Cl V ALPAR ADISE A . Mol. -
Lupinus microcarpus. Linn. -
Maytenus chilensis. DC. -
Medicago sativa. Linn. -
Myrtus coquimbensis. -

CEnothera berteriana. Spach. -
Ornithogalum gramineum. -
OXALIS LOBATA. SimS. -

Parkinsonia aculeata. Linn.

Poinciana. Tourn.

“ GILLIESn. Hook. -
Phaseolus caracalla. Linn. -
Physalis pubescens. Linn. -
Puya coarctata. Rniz and Pav.

Quill a ja saponaria. Molina. -
Retanilla ephedra. (Colletia ephedra, Vent.

t. 16.)

Salpiglossis sinuata. Rniz and Pav. -

SciLLA CHLOROLEUCA. Kunth. -
Tricuspid aria dependens. Ruiz and Pavon.
Triticum vulgare. Yill. -
Tropceolum majus. Linn. -

“ tricolorum. Sweet. -

- Vulg. Litre.

Quintral.

Lucuma.

Lucumilla.

Alberjilla.

Mayten.

Alfalfa.

Array an.

Don Diego de la noche.
Flor de la cuenta.

Flor de la Perdiz.

-

Barbon.

-

Caracol.

-

Capuli.

Chauar.

Choix,

Quillay.

-

Frutilla del campo
Panza de Burro.

-

Cebolleta.

-

Patagua.

Trigo.

Capuchina, and )
Pajarito. )

Most of tlrese have heen propagated ; and there are more than 200 plants of the Araucaria
imbricata, large numbers of the Juhsea spectabilis, sixty to eighty hulbs apparently belonging
to the families of Amaryllidese, Asphodeleie3 and Hemerocallideie, besides many singular Til-
leaccous bulbs from the desert of Atacama.

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APPENDIX H.

PALEONTOLOGY.

DESCRIPTION OF A PORTION OF THE LOWER JAW AND A TOOTH OF
THE MASTODON ANDIUM; ALSO, OF A TOOTH AND FRAGMENT
OF THE FEMUR OF A MASTODON FROM CHILE.

BY JEFF KIES WYMAN.

SOME REMARKS ON THE ORGANIC REMAINS FROM CHILE, WITH DE-
SCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES.

BY T. A. CONRAD.

35*

U.S.lSr. Astrl Exp eel1?

PL - XII.

ON. Wallis.

Dougal Sc.

MASTODON ANDIUM , Cuvier.^ Natl Size.

FOSSIL MAMMALS

BY JEFFRIES WYMAN, M. D.

Description of a portion of the loiver jaw of Mastodon Andium of Cuvier , also of a tooth and

fragment of the femur of a Mastodon, brought from Chile by Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, U. S. N.

From the various recorded discoveries of the remains of Mastodons in South America, it
appears that they once had a geographical range over nearly the whole of that continent, since
they were found by Humboldt as far north as Santa Fe de Bogota, especially at the Camp des
Geans, where they were collected in great numbers ; and have also been discovered as far south
as Buenos Ayres, on the Atlantic, by Admiral Dupotet, at Concepcion de Chile* on the Pacific,
and at various intermediate points in Peru, Chile, La Plata, Brazil, and Columbia, by Dom-
bey,f Gray, | Alcide d’Orbigny, Darwin, || and others. Thus their remains extend from 5°
north to about SY0 south, and on both sides of the great chain of the cordilleras, from ocean to
ocean. What is still more remarkable, the hones of Mastodons have been discovered at unu-
sually great elevations, according to d’Orbigny, even up to the borders of perpetual snow.§
One of the molars, described by Cuvier, was obtained by Humboldt on the volcano of Ibam-
bura, at an elevation of seven thousand and two hundred feet above the level of the sea.

The specimens submitted to me for examination by Lieut. Gilliss, and which are here
described, were exhumed in an attempt to drain the lake of Tagua-Tagua, in the province of
Colchagua, about one hundred and five miles south of Santiago, about sixty from the Pacific,
and at an elevation of about fourteen hundred feet above the level of the sea. The lake, in
latitude 34° 18' south, lies in a basin at the foot of the central range of the cordilleras, and is
completely closed in except at its outlet, which is through a narrow channel towards the south-
east and through a narrow gorge to the west, which last, however, was above the level of the
lake. In this gorge a drain was cut, and, as the waters flowed off, was gradually extended
into the lake until it reached nearly two hundred yards from the margin, where, at a depth of
twenty feet below the bed, the hones of a large animal were discovered, and eight or ten yards
from these some others. They attracted hut little attention at the time, and, in consequence,
many of them were either destroyed or dispersed. The larger portion of those now known to
exist are in the museum at Santiago. Those here described were presented to Lieut. Gilliss by
Mr. Bichard Price, an English gentleman, long resident in Chile. They consist of a broken
lower jaw, a molar tooth, and the fragment of a thigh-bone.

Plate XII, Figs. 1 and 2.

I. Fragment of a loiver jaw. — This comprises the horizontal portion of the right side, extend-
ing from the symphysis, which is entire, to the base of the coronoid process, which is broken off,
the fractured surface sloping obliquely backwards to the commencement of the “angle this

* Cuvier states that Humboldt gave him a tooth which he had brought from Concepcion de Chile. (Oss. Foss, 4me edition,
T. II, p. 370.) Lieut. Gilliss has called my attention to the fact, that Humboldt did not personally visit that locality. A proba-
ble explanation of the statement is, perhaps, to be found in the circumstance that the tooth may have been presented to Hum-
boldt by some one who brought it from Concepcion de Chile ; and still more probably, as Lieut. Gilliss suggests, it may have
been obtained from a town of the same name near the equator, which Humboldt actually did visit.

t Cuvier, Oss. Foss., Tome III.

t Gay, Hist. Nat. de Chile.

|| Geological Observations in South America, by Charles Darwin, F. R. S. Ac.; London, 1851, p. 103.

$ Darwin, Op. Cit., p. 105.

276

PALEONTOLOGY.

last, in so far as can be predicated from what remains, must have been very regularly rounded.
The left branch is quite short, being broken just in front of the first molar tooth. The dimen-
sions of the fragment are as follows :

Inches.

Length of specimen -------- - 14.50

Length from symphysis to base of coronoid process - - - 12.50

From symphysis to base of first molar - - - - 5.00

Space between right and left branches of jaw - - - - 2.75

Symphysis from before backwards - - - - - - 4.75

Length of alveolar portion - . - - - - -6.00

Width of gutter at extremity of symphysis - - - - 0.75

Transverse thickness of jaw at base of coronoid - - - 4.75

Height of jaw in front of coronoid - - - - - - 4.25

Height of jaw in front of first molar - - - - - 5.00

Transverse thickness of jaw at coronoid - - - - -4.75

Transverse thickness of jaw at base of first molar - - - 2.50

The inner face of the jaw is nearly vertical, and is almost exactly parallel to the median line,
except posteriorly, where it diverges from it and becomes convex. The lower edge of the jaw
is horizontal, hut the upper or alveolar portion ascends rapidly from behind forwards till it
reaches the anterior extremity of the first molar, where it becomes continuous with a sharp
ridge having a slightly serpentine outline, and converging as it descends forwards towards a
similar one from the opposite side ; and the two include between them a gutter or channel,
which is met with under various modifications in both Mastodons and Elephants. This channel
is continued, gradually diminishing, to the most prominent part of the chin, where it termi-
nates in a rounded depression ; but a small, narrow groove extends from this last about three
inches along the under side of the symphysis. When seen in profile, the symphysis forms a
slightly depressed beak, with a regularly rounded extremity. This part in other Mastodons is
usually quite pointed, the symphysis having the appearance of having been obliquely trun-
cated. The greater elevation of the front part of the alveolar portion is doubtless to be attrib-
uted to the worn condition of the tooth ; the former being generally built up as the latter wears
away, and thus keeping the grinding surface constantly on the same level. The canal for the
mandibular branch of the fifth pair of nerves is about one half of an inch in diameter at its
posterior portion, lies quite near to the inner face of the bone near its lower border, and run-
ning parallel to it till it reaches a point near the first molar, where it passes obliquely forwards
to the outer surface, on which it opens by a single foramen just in front of the tooth, and mid-
way between the upper and lower edge.

The teeth consist of two molars in place, and of a fragment of a third which is imperfectly
developed, and the points of which had not yet risen above the edges of the alveoli.

The anterior tooth, (PI. xii, Figs. 1 and 2, IV,) which, from the existence of an anterior and
posterior supplementary ridge or talon, may be regarded as the fourth in the complete dental
series, has the crown worn down quite near to the base of the ridges, traces of all of which —
viz : the three principal and the two supplementary ones — still remain. The dimensions of
this tooth are as follows :

Inches.

Length ----------- 2.75

Breadth in front, at anterior ridge ------ 1.50

Breadth posteriorly, at third ridge - - - - - -1.75

The inner side of the crown is less worn than the outer, so that nearly all the traces of the
transverse ridges have disappeared externally ; but on the inner side they are represented in
transverse sections, which have the characteristic trefoil-shaped appearance. At the bottom of
the interval, between two adjoining ridges, are converging grooves of enamel which unite in a
common channel.

FOSSIL MAMMALS.

277

The second molar , the fifth of the dental series, (Figs. 1 and 2, V,) is much larger than the
preceding ; has its three principal ridges arranged rather more obliquely to the axis of the
tooth ; has a small talon in front, and another much more largely developed behind. The
dimensions are as follows:

Inches.

Length - -- -- -- -- -- 3.80

Breadth across first ridge at base ------ 2.00

Breadth across third ridge at base - - - - - - 2.40

Height of ridges, about - - -1.00

The anterior talon, though below the level of the other ridges, is much worn ; it occupies the
outer half of the front of the tooth only, and its section gives the half of a trefoil, the folded
side being directed backwards. The first ridge is a little worn, and, like the others, is deeply
cleft in the centre, the two sides of the cleft being in close contact. The third ridge is fractured ;
the inner half being broken away, the cleft is exposed to the depth of three fourths of an inch.
The external half of each of the three ridges is folded in such a manner as to form a salient pro-
jection or buttress on its anterior and posterior face, and each meets a corresponding projection
from the ridge in front and behind. The foldings of the inner half of each ridge are not so
well defined. The posterior talon is cleft in the middle, and each lateral half is composed of a
large, stout tubercle slightly bifid at the apex. There is no basal ridge in this tooth ; but
there exists between the first and second and the second and third ridges a lobed projection on
the inside, and on the outside, between the first and second ridges, a tubercle. A thin layer of
cement exists in the interstices of the ridges at some points ; and though generally detached or
worn off from the summits, yet in one instance it was found as high as the apex.

The fragment of a third molar , the sixth of the dental series, (Figs. 1 and 2, VI,) is that of
an immature one, still lodged in the socket, the points just reaching to the level of the edge of
the alveolus. One ridge, with a small anterior talon, is preserved; also, the broken base of a
portion of the second ridge. The anterior one is about one inch and three fourths high, is
deeply cleft in the middle, and each half again partially subdivided so as to form two tubercles
upon its summit: the external ones are the largest and highest; the internal tubercles are con-
tinuous posteriorly with a salient ridge, that of the outer half of the tooth being the largest.
Behind the ridge just described, the tooth becomes suddenly broader, measuring three inches
and an eighth in width, the enlargement being made mainly on the outer half. The fangs of
the tooth had but just begun to be developed, the crown still consisting of a hollow shell ; no
cement was deposited as yet upon the enamel.

The great increase in size of this tooth anteriorly, when compared with that which precedes it,
as well as its actual measurements, indicate that it is the sixth or ultimate member of the entire
molar series. By a comparison of the series of lower molar teeth of M. Humboldtii, given by
Falconer & Cautley, (PI. 40, Figs. 10, 13, 14, and 15,) which comprises the whole series of
molars, from the second to the sixth inclusive, it will be seen that while the anterior extremity
of each successive tooth up to the fifth is but little broader than that which preceded it, the sixth
becomes at once much broader and longer than its predecessor ; its greatest breadth being in
front, and gradually diminishing in size to the posterior extremity.*

* The following measurements, from Falconer & Cautley, (PI. xl, Figs. 13, 14, and 15,) will serve to give the proportional

sizes of a series of lower teeth, except only of the first :

Molar II. Fig. 13 2|jf- inches.

“ HI- Fig. 13 3ft “

“ IF. Fig. 15 4ft “

“ V. Fig. 15 SH “

“ VI. Fig. 14 8ft “

The fifth and sixth molars of the jaw from Chile, figured by Blainville, have the following proportions:

Molar V. 6 inches.

“VI. 9 “

278

PALEONTOLOGY.

GENERAL REMARKS.

In the fourth, edition of the Ossemens Fossiles, Cuvier, in describing the Mastodontes ci dents
etroites, speaks of the similarity between the teeth brought from Peru by Dornbey and Hum-
boldt, also between those brought by the latter from the Camp des Geans, near Santa Fe de
Bogota, and the Mastodon angustidens of Europe. He even goes further, and asserts the spe-
cific identity between one of the teeth brought from Peru, and another brought from Simmore,
in Europe ;* and consequently regards M. angustidens as a South American as well as a Euro-
pean species. He also established, or rather suggested, two additional species peculiar to
South America, which he denominated M. Andium and M. Humboldtii, which are more espe-
cially distinguished by their difference in size.f

De Blainville, always an antagonist to the opinions of Cuvier, after reviewing the whole
subject in all its details, expresses the conviction that but one species exists in South America —
viz: M. Humboldtii — in which are included the M Andium and M. Humboldtii , as well as the
remains described by Cuvier as identical with M. angustidens of Europe and Dr. Falconer§
appears to adopt the views of De Blainville, but they have been strenuously opposed by Lau-
rillard, the friend and coadjutor of Cuvier.

De Blainville was undoubtedly correct in differing with Cuvier as to the identity of M. angus-
tidens with any South American species. Cuvier’s opinion is not only opposed by anatomical
tacts, but by what appears to be the rule with regard to the geographical distribution of ani-
mals, and which in his time was but imperfectly understood. From what is now known in
relation to the geographical range of species, we should not expect any Mammal, and the least
of all a gigantic Pachyderm, to be an inhabitant of two continents so widely separated as
Europe, or even Asia and South America, at the same time no members of the same species
being found in Xorth America, which intervenes.

As regards the existence of the two species — M. Andium andM. Humboldtii — while De Blain-
ville has taken a position so decidedly in opposition to that of Cuvier, and has been followed,
as it appears, by Dr. Falconer, they both seem to have overlooked some of the facts in the case
which tend to show the existence of two species at least. Among the different figures of
molars illustrating the dental series of South American Mastodons, Cuvier || gives one of a sixth
or ultimate molar, De Blainville^ four, and Falconer** four; making in all nine different speci-
mens of ultimate or sixth molars. The size of each of these is readily determined, as they are
all drawn to a scale indicated on the plates. The following table will give the full dimensions
of the different ultimate molars figured by the authors mentioned above, and will show their
relative proportions :

Inches.

I — 1. Cuvier, PI. xxviii, Fig. 4, (Domhey’s specimen) - - - 6

2. De Blainville, PI. xii, (from Peru, much worn) - - 6|

3. De Blainville, PI. xii - -- -- -- -6

4. Falconer, PI. xl, Figs. 12 and 12a ------ 6T9e

5. Falconer, PI. xl, Fig. 10 - -- -- -- 6

* “ Malgre l’eloignement des lieux, il ru’est done impossible de ne pas reconnoitre ces deux dents comme de lamerne espece.”
— Cuvier, Oss. Foss., 4me edit., T. II, p. 338.

t Op. Cit. , p. 368.

i De 15., in the same chapter in which he discusses the identity of species, refers the celebrated remains once described as
those of Teutoboeehus to M. Humboldtii. — Osteographie, G. Elephas, p. 286.

§“Tlie South American teeth which he (Cuvier) distributed among three nominal species — viz: M. Andium, M. angustidens,
and M. Humboldtii — appear to be all referable to a single form, the M. Andium (Humboldtii ?) of De Blainville.” — Fauna
Antujua Sitaltnsis, by Hugh Falconer, F. R. S., &c., and Proby Cautley, F. G. S., &c. : London, 1846 ; Part I, p. 19.

I! Oss. Foss., Tome II, p. 339, and figured in PI. xxviii, Fig. 4.

r Osteographie, Genus Elephas, PI xii.

** Fauna Auliqua, Plates xxxv, xl. and xliv.

U. S.N. Asti® ExpedT

PL . XHI

OJ -Wallis. DouOal Sc.

I,

MASTODON

ANDIUM

Cuvier

Natl Size.

FOSSIL MAMMALS.

270

Inches.

II— 6. De Blainville, PI. xii, Buenos Ayres ----- 9

7. De Blainville, PL xii, Chile -------9

8. Falconer, PL xxxv, Figs. 3 and 3% (lower jaw) - - - 9

9. Falconer, PL xl, Fig. 14------ - 8Jg

From the above measurements it will he seen that these nine molars may be arranged in two
distinct groups : those in. one measuring between six and seven inches in length, and those in
the other between eight and nine. The ninth specimen is nearly an inch shorter than the
other specimens of the same group, which may he attributed to the circumstance of its belong-
ing to the upper, while the others belong to the lower jaw.

Not only does there exist this difference in the dimensions of the teeth, hut there is good
evidence for the belief that a corresponding one exists in those of the lower jaw. Of these, De
Blainville gives the dimensions of three fragments, Cuvier of one fragment, and Falconer
of an entire mandible ; to these should be added the fragment described in this notice, the dimen-
sions of all of which are, respectively, recorded in the following table, an allowance having

been made for the last portions.

Inches.

1. Falconer, Pl. xxxv, Figs. 3 and 3a ; entire 30

2. De Blainville, Chile; broken off at angle, length more - - 30

3. De Blainville ; broken at Symphysis and angle, about - - 20

4. Cuvier, Pl. xxviii, Fig. 4 ; broken at angle, about 20

5. Specimen from Tagua-Tagua, about - - - - - 20

The estimated length of the broken specimens is based upon the proportions of the entire
mandible figured and described by Falconer, as above. The broken mandibles are all fractured
just behind the first molar, which corresponds very nearly with the base of the coronoid pro-
cess. The length of the jaw behind the base of the coronoid is a little more than one third of
the whole length. Although the above estimates have not the accuracy that is desirable, yet
they clearly indicate the existence of jaws which acquire quite different dimensions, viz : of
thirty inches and of about twenty inches. The ultimate molars contained in those of thirty
inches in length were nine inches, while in those of twenty they were six inches in length ; not
only do the shorter ones contain ultimate molars, hut in one instance the tooth is ground quite
to its base, so that only traces of the transverse ridges remain.

From the facts which have just been mentioned, we have strong evidence, in confirmation
of the opinion of Cuvier, that there exists a large as well as a small species of Mastodon in
South America. The lower jaw from Tagua-Tagua corresponds with those of the smaller
dimensions, and which Cuvier recognised as affording the basis for a distinct species. If the
existence of the second species — viz : M. Andium — be not admitted, the only alternative which
remains is to suppose that an ultimate molar may range in its length, in different individuals,
from six to nine inches, and the lower jaw from twenty to thirty inches. The existence of two
species — viz : M. Andium and M. Humboldtii — distinguished, as Cuvier stated, by difference in
size, seems by far the more probable view.

Plate XIII, Figs. 1 and 2

II. Sixth molar of Mastodon Humboldtii. — The single broken tooth which was sent in com-
pany with the lower jaw presents some peculiarities of structure which render it desirable that
it should be described separately. It is an upper molar, of which the anterior portion is
broken off; but a slight abrasion of some of the anterior points which remain shows that it had
come into use. Its greatest breadth is in front, and becomes, as is usual in ultimate molars,
gradually more narrow posteriorly. Its length is six inches, and its breadth three and a
half; it has four ridges remaining, and a conical nipple which forms the posterior talon. If
it had five ridges, which is the case generally in ultimate molars, its entire length must

280

PALEONTOLOGY.

have been between nine and ten inches. All the ridges were covered with a layer of cement,
(Figs. 1 and 2, a a,) hut in many places it had become accidentally detached. Near the
base of the tooth it had the thickness of one fourth of an inch. The enamel which invests the
base of the crown is tuberculated throughout ; and between the bases of the transverse ridges
are to he seen at the outer border longitudinal ones, the upper edges of which are more or less
multifid. Each transverse ridge is composed of two very unequal portions separated by a deep
cleft : one portion consisting of a very large conical tubercle, with a smaller one attached to,
and as it were impressed into, the side towards the axis of the tooth ;'the other portion is com-
posed of three tubercles of more nearly equal size, of which the outer one is the longest, all
closely packed together ; the cleft between these two portions, as seen on the broken anterior
end, is one inch and a quarter in depth. A large tubercle is found in the middle of the
space between the anterior and second ridges ; also two smaller ones between the second and
third; in both cases connecting two adjoining ridges with each other.

The unequal division of the transverse ridges, and the strongly tuberculated enamel on the base
of the crown, do not appear to he represented in any of the different figures of the teeth of Mas-
todons, except, perhaps, in one instance, the molars from the Camp de Gleans, figured by Cuvier,
where there is an indication of a longitudinal tuberculated ridge ; hut the other peculiarities
indicated above are not apparent. Were it allowable to establish a species on the authority of
a single tooth, it might he done in the present instance ; hut, before such a step is taken, other
specimens should he examined, in order to ascertain how far these individual peculiarities are
constant.

If it he referable to either of the species referred to above as coming from South America,
it would he to the larger species, where the molars are from nine to ten or more inches in
length, viz: M. Humloldtii — M. Andhim being applied to designate the smaller species.

III. Fragment of a femur. — This is the lower portion of the thigh-hone of the right leg. It
does not appear to he wholly mature, as the line of separation between the epiphysis and the
shaft of the hone is still distinct, though the co-ossification of the two has taken place. The
following measurements give the dimensions and proportions :

Inches.

Breadth through tuberosities ------- 8

Breadth across condyles *7

Breadth of inner condyle -------- 3|

Breadth of outer condyle - - - - - - - - 3§

Length of inner condyle - -- -- -- -5

Length of outer condyle -------- 4

Breadth of groove for patella - - - - - - - 3|

Length of groove for patella ------- 4§

Breadth of interval between condyles - - - - - “Of

Depth of interval between condyles ------ 1^

The inner condyle is the longest and most prominent, hut the difference in length is less than
in M. giganteus. The interval between the condyles dilates anteriorly into a pyriform space, of
about one inch in its transverse diameter, for the attachment of the crucial ligament. The
whole fragment is nine inches in length ; and on the fractured end, which is triangular with a
flattened apex, it measures seven inches in its transverse and four in its anterior-posterior
diameters.

Note. — Since the preceding descriptions were written, Lieut. Gfilliss has forwarded to me
another molar of a Mastodon Andium, more recently received by him from Prof. Domeyko,
of Chile. It was taken from Lake Tagua-Tagua, and belongs to the same species as the lower
jaw already noticed. Its dimensions are as follows :

FOSSIL MAMMALS.

281

Inches.

Length of crown

2*
2 U

Breadth at anterior ridge -
Breadth of posterior ridge -
Length of roots ----- 4

The crown is surmounted by three ridges, and is terminated at either end hy a rudimentary
one. The three principal ones are much worn, and give the usual characteristic trefoil-shaped
sections ; the right and left halves of each ridge are separated hy a deep cleft, and the portions
of enamel on either side of this are very distinctly crenulated, hut those of the outer half much
the most so. The outer section is likewise larger than the inner. There is no basal ridge, nor
is the side of the crown tuberculated ; the enamel generally is quite smooth, hut is somewhat
channeled in the interspaces of the inner halves of the ridges ; on the outer border a blunt
tubercle is seen between the bases of the first and second and the second and third ridges.

These last are slightly oblique, their direction being outwards and backwards. The two roots
which support the crown are about four inches in length, one of them being situated beneath
the first ridge and the other beneath the second and the third ; this last, however, is partially
subdivided by a deep groove. The great length of the roots corresponds with the attrition of
the crown, the former increasing as the latter diminishes in the ordinary use of the teeth.

This tooth is of the right side, and corresponds with the one marked V (PI. xii, Figs. 1, 2)
in the lower jaw, from which its dimensions vary hut slightly.

36*

REMARKS ON THE FOSSIL SHELLS FROM CHILE, COLLECTED BY
LIEUT. GILLISS, MATH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES.

BY T. A. CONRAD.

The few secondary fossils collected in Chile, that I have been requested to determine, appear
to he referable to the Oolitic, although d’Orbigny has referred two of them to the Cretaceous
period — his Turritella Andii and Pecten alatus. Coquand and Bayle have, however, arranged
them in a section of the Oolitic group, which they have termed “Etaaes du Lias superieur a la
G-ryphee arquee et de Boolithe inferieure.” They name Terebratula tetrcedra and T. ornithoce-
phala , Sowerby, as South American species ; but two shells collected by Lieutenant Gilliss,
though closely related to the former two, appear to be distinct. The Turritella Andii of d’Or-
bigny is found in Europe, but its geological relations are uncertain. There remain, then, only
two species of Ostrea, the forms of which genus are not so satisfactorily compared with Eu-
ropean types as in many other genera, and it is with some doubt I refer them to exotic species.
There is in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences a species of Terebratula resembling
T. meridionalis , and very likely identical with that which I have described in this report. It is
said to have been obtained in the Andes, at the elevation of perpetual snow. None of these
species of South American shells have yet been found in any part of North America ; and, as
the continent has been so frequently crossed by exploring expeditions, it is not likely they occur.

TEREBRATULA.

Plate XLI, Fig. 4.

1. T. subexca vata . Ovate from base to apex, with three folds at base; sides rounded; umbo
not very prominent ; basal margin profoundly sinuous.

Locality. Cordillera de Dona Ana ; 13,432 feet above the ocean.

Allied to T. perovalis , Sowerby, but a very distinct species. The mesial fold is short and
deep, and the lateral ones less deeply impressed. The umbo is not large, as in the meridionalis.

Plate XLII, Fig. 10.

2. T. meridionalis, Conrad. Ovate, both valves ventricose ; umbo prominent ; sides and
base rounded.

Locality. Cordillera de Doha Ana.

This species differs from T. ovoides of Sowerby, in being broader and more obtuse at base, &c.

Plate XLII, Fig. 8.

3. T. subtetraedra, Conrad. Suboval, with three prominent ribs on the mesial elevations,
and five or six on the sides ; ribs angular, acute.

Locality. Portezuelo de Manilas, 6,545 feet, and also on the Cordillera de Doha Ana, 13,432
feet, above the ocean.

Differs from T. tetrcedra ;, Sow., in its less ventricose form, and in having three instead of four
or five plaits on the mesial elevation, &c.

PL . XLI.

LB. Richard . Dougal Sc.

FiQ. 1. OSTREA GKEGARIA , Sow. Fig 2. PECTEN ALATUS , Bueh. . Fig . 3 . LITHOTROCHUS
AMM, Conrad. Figs. 4. TEREBRATULA SUBEXCAVATA , Conrad. Fig . 5 . AMMONITES .

PL . XLII .

U. S.N. Astrl ExpedR

6

— 1

J.H.Richard . D.ou^al Sc J

Pigs. 6. Casts. Pigs .7 . FERNA CHILIANA , Conrad. Figs. 8. TEREBRATULA SUBTETRAEDRA. ,

Conrad - Fig 0. OSTKEA IRREGULARIS , Munst. Figs. 10. TEREBRATULA MERIDIONAL! S , cfonrad.

FOSSIL SHELLS.

283

OSTEEA, Linn.

Plate XLII, Fig. 9.

1. 0. irregularis. Rhomboidal ; lamelloso; striate concentrically; superior valve flat;
inferior valve irregular, ventricose, sessile at the umbo or whole surface ; sides ascending,
subrugose.

Locality. Cordillera de Dona Ana.

0. irregularis, Munster, Gold. Petrif. vol. II, p. 20 to 79, Fig. 5.

A

Plate XLI, Fig. 1.

2. 0. gregaria. Elliptical, encurved ; inferior valve acutejy carinated, affixed ; superior
valve plano-convex, folds simple, narrow, bifurcate.

Locality. Cordillera de Dona Ana, 13,432 feet above the ocean.

0. gregaria, Sow. Gold. Petrif. vol. II, p. 7, PI. cxxiv, Figs. 1, 2.

PECTEN ?

Plate XLI, Fig. 2.

P. alatus. Inequilateral ; anterior side of the larger valve considerably enlarged towards
the base in form of a wing ; ribs, fourteen, rounded below, flattened above ; umbo very promi-
nent ; upper valve flat, a little excavated in the middle ; ears small.

Locality. Cerro de Tres Cruces, in the province of Coquimbo, and 2,887 feet above the sea.

P. alatus, (Yon Buch,) D’Orbigny, Petrif. rec. in Amer. par Humb. p. 3, Fig. 1 — 4.

This shell probably belongs to the genus Neithea of Drouet. D’Orbigny remarks that it
forms entire mountains, and that Humboldt observed it in immense quantities at the height of
8,400 feet between Guambos and Montan, on the route from the river Amazon towards Lima.

LITHOTEOCHUS, Conrad.

Plate XLI, Fig. 3.

Conical or trochiform ; aperture contracted, subquadrate, entire ; labrura not extending be-
yond the line of the body whorl above.

L. Andii. Conical ; whorls six (?) ; sides straight, oblique, carinated near the* base, and
angulated ; whorls marked with conspicuous revolving lines ; angle of the body whorl obtuse
or rounded.

Localities. Coquimbo ; San Felipe, Peru ; near Hamburg.

Turritelli Andii, D’Orbigny, Yoy. dans Amer. p. 104, PL vi, Fig. 11.

Pluerotomaria Humboldtii, De Buch. Petri, rec. en Amer. par Humb. Fig. 26.

Trochus Struveanus, Zim. Dunk. Pabeont, p. 185, t. 26, Fig. 2.

This shell has been referred to two or three different genera, but it does not correspond in
characters with any of them, I have no doubt of its being an extinct genus. Perhaps Turri-
tella Renauxiana , d’Orbigny, a Cretaceous species, should be associated with it. Dunker’s
Trochus Struvianus was found among tertiary fossils, and he is in doubt whether it was out of
place or not. It is most likely a stray Jurassic species ; and, if so, is no doubt identical with
the South American shell.

284

PALEONTOLOGY.

BELEMNITES.

B. chilensis, Conrad. Subacicular ; somewliat curved towards the apex, which is obtuse; sides
flattened ; groove profound, and terminating much below the apex.

Locality. Caldera.

Becent formation of Copiapo, Chile.

The collection of fossil shells obtained by Lieut. Gilliss consists of some of the common recent
species of Chile, living as far south as Valparaiso. This recent formation, discovered upon the
line of the Copiapo railroad, is an aggregation of fragmentary and water-worn shells, mixed
with sea-sand and gravel in varying proportions, having evidently been a sea-heach during the
existence of the present fauna, and now elevated from twenty-five to four hundred and twenty
feet above the sea. Specimens of this rock are composed of fine fragments of shells, apparently
cemented by carbonate of lime, and which consist chiefly of one species of bivalve, Mulinia By-
ronensis, a common recent species of Valparaiso. On the upper surface which marks the last
deposition of shells previous to their elevation beyond the reach of the sea, many specimens of
Mulinia are nearly entire, hut always water-worn. On one specimen of this rock the most
abundant shell is Turritella cingulata, also water-worn ; and these two species chiefly compose
this probably extensive rock formation. The other shells enumerated in the list appended are
rare, and add little, therefore, to the hulk of the rock. It is evident, from these specimens, that
the coast of northern Chile has been elevated more than four hundred feet, and to a distance of
twenty-five miles from the Pacific, at a comparatively recent period. Indeed, these aggrega-
tions of shell fragments have a striking resemblance to those now forming on Anastatia island,
on the Florida coast. Darwin, in describing the formations of Copiapo, does not allude to this
rock, and therefore it has been probably exposed for the first time by excavations made for the
Copiapo railroad. A large oyster-shell, found imbedded in a mixture of ferruginous quartzose
sand and gravel, at an elevation of four hundred feet above the sea, is a species that I do not
find described or referred to by authors, and it is probably tertiary fossil. It has a Balanus
attached to it, very like one of the Miocene species.

Many of the specimens of concreted shells are no more altered in structure than those on the
coast of Florida ; but a specimen of this rock, from an elevation of four hundred feet, twenty-
five miles from the coast, is of a sparry or crystalline structure, the fragments so small and water-
worn that it is scarcely possible to ascertain with certainty the species of which it is composed,
hut is most probably made up of Mulinia Byronensis.

List of Shells in the recent formation of the Copiapo railroad.

UNIVALVES.

1. Turritella cingulata, Sower by.

2. Concholepas peruviana, Lam. One young specimen; elevation 138 feet.

3. Fusus recurvus? Koch. One broken specimen.

4. Trociius MICROSTOMA, d’Orhigny. Bare; elevation 138 feet.

5. CrepidUla dilatata, Lam. Bare.

6. Strephona peruviana, (Oliva, Lam.) Two specimens.

*7. Trociiita radians, (Calytrcea, Lam.) One specimen.

bivalves.

8. Mulinia byronensis, Gray.

9. Tapes lithoida, (Venus, Jonas.) Elevation 138 feet; one valve.

FOSSIL SHELLS.

285

10. Mytilus ovalis, Lam. One specimen.

11. Papiiia donacia, Young. Eare.

No. 1. Darwin did not find this species among the recent upraised shells near Valparaiso.

It is a common living species on that part of the coast of Chile, where it has been dredged up
from a depth of ten to twenty fathoms. No. 2 is recent on the coast of Peru; No. 4, recent at
Valparaiso; No. 5, ditto ; No. 6, recent at Coquimbo and Copiapo; No. 7, living on the coasts
of Chile and Peru ; No. 8, living at Valparaiso; No. 9, living at Copiapo ; No. 10, living on
the coast of Peru. No. 11 : Darwin says, that about Quintero there are immense accumula-
tions of this species, packed in sandy earth. It lives north and south of Valparaiso, inhabiting
sand-hanks at the level of the lowest tides.

Tertiary Shells of Chile.

In the collection I find three shells which are probably extinct species, as they differ widely -
from any recent shells of the Pacific coast that we have in our collections or are described in
scientific publications. They have no resemblance to Eocene species ; hut, from their corre-
spondence with Miocene forms, I have scarcely a doubt that they will prove to he members of
that formation. I have traced Miocene deposits from Columbia river, in Oregon, to San Diego,
in California, by means of fossil shells collected by Townsend, Dana, Lieut. Blake, Dr. Heer-
mann, and Dr. Leconte; and no doubt the same formation, or synchronous deposits, may yet be
found at intervals from San Diego to Cape Horn, at greater or less distances from the coast, and
sometimes, as in California, bordering the sea.

PEKNA.

Plate XLII, Fig. 7.

P. chilensis, Conrad. Oblong-subquadrate ; anterior hinge extremity somewhat rostrated;
anterior margin rectilinear ; hinge oblique, and furnished with about fifteen cardinal teeth ;
posterior margin and basal margin rounded ; muscular impression oblong ; subovate, very
large.

Locality. Caldera, Chile.

This is a cast of a very large species, allied to P. maxillata of the Virginia Miocene, and
measures ten inches from hinge to base. The muscular impression is remarkable for its size ;
measuring 4^ inches in length, and its greatest breadth three inches.

OSTKEA, Linn.

0. copiapina, Conrad. Upper valve obliquely oblong-oval, somewhat curved, ventricose, with
very broad, not elevated, irregular radiating undulations ; cartilage depression profoundly di-
lated ; beak not prominent, submargins entire ; muscular impression profoundly elongated,
falcate; cavity capacious.

Locality. Line of Copiapo railroad.

This is a large species, measuring from beak to base seven inches ; from anterior to posterior
extremities, eight and a quarter inches. I have not seen the lower valve, hut suppose it to he
not very different from the opposite one. There are some large Balani attached to it, resem-
bling a Miocene species of Virginia; hut not being in good condition, it remains undetermined.
These shells are imbedded in a brown quartzose sand, and were found at an elevation of four
hundred feet above the sea.

286

PALEONTOLOGY.

Recent Species.

LAXICAVA.

L. calderensis, Conrad. Ovate-oblong ; of a cbalky whiteness ; inequilateral ; anterior and
posterior margins acutely rounded ; anterior side with broad, flattened, waved radiating ribs ;
posterior side with narrow, sub-acute, radiating, more prominent ribs ; an oblique wide space
on the disk without radii, or they are obsolete ; surface with closely-arranged prominent wrin-
kled lines, larger posteriorly.

ADDENDU M .

METEORIC IRON OF ATACAMA.

BY DR. R. A. PHILIPPI.

[From the “ Anales de la Univeraidad de Chile,” for June, 1854.]

When hunting guanacos, some thirty or forty years ago, the meteoric iron of the Desert of
Atacama was discovered hy two Indians from the hamlet of Peine, situated some twenty-two
leagues to the southeast of Atacama — Jose Maria Chaile and Matias Mariano Ramos — the latter
now dead. Being white and soft when cut, they at first mistook it for silver, and Chaile
extracted two masses from their places, each weighing five or six arrohas (of twenty-five pounds
each), which were buried in the ground near the water-holes of Pajonal, though the spot of
their concealment is no longer remembered. As soon as it was known that it was meteoric
iron and not silver which they had found, many persons curious in such matters made expedi-
tions in search of specimens, others asked like samples from residents of Atacama, who availed
themselves of the inhabitants of Peine to obtain them, and I was told that even the blacksmiths
of Atacama sought the iron for manufacturing purposes. The larger specimens were the first
to he taken away ; and now the iron is so nearly gone, that I am persuaded it will cost much
time to any one who makes a journey in search of the few fragments of this mineral remaining.

This rare substance is found at one league in a southwest direction from the water-holes of
Imilac — almost in the centre of the most arid and desolate part of the desert. Imilac is distant
in a right line from the coast about thirty leagues, from Cohija forty leagues, and from Atacama
thirty-five leagues. On the west, the nearest place where water can he had is at Aguas Blancas,
some twenty-four leagues off; in the direction of Atacama, none exists nearer than Tilopaso,
nineteen leagues distant; on the east it may he found at Pajonal, a journey of seven leagues,
and at Punta Negra, twelve and a half leagues off, on the road towards Paposa. Imilac is a
little hollow at an elevation of some 3,350 varas, or 8,620 French feet, above the level of the
sea, with a small salt marsh near its centre, which produces a few gramineous plants, viz : a
species of Festuca, the Scirpus acicularis , or a species very similar to it, a Ciperacea, and a Trig-
lochin. Even these are so scarce that a dozen mules would find it impossible to satisfy their
hunger. There is no other combustible than the dung of mules, and the plants eaten hy the
poor animals are charged with so much salt that this burns only after much difficulty, leaving
a sort of black scoria instead of ashes. I found it impossible to boil water with it; and as
observation of the temperature of ebullition was the only mode left to me by which to calculate
the heights of these elevated places, after my aneroid no longer served and the mercurial
barometer had become useless, the altitude assigned to Imilac can he considered only approx-
imate.

One of the very discoverers of the iron, Jose Maria Chaile, served as my guide to the spot.
In order to reach it, on leaving the water-holes of Imilac we turned to the southwest, entering
a little valley with an eastern aperture, whose very gentle slopes are scarcely more than (30
or 40 varas) 110 to 120 feet high. After half an hour’s travel, the first small specimen of
iron was found, and ten minutes later we reached the principal place from whence it has been

- 288

ADDENDUM.

obtained. At tbe bottom of the valley a hole eighteen to twenty feet deep has been excavated by
Indians, who expected to encounter a vein of iron ; and at several directions from this principal
one, at distances of ten to twenty steps, there are other apertures and piles of rubbish two to
three feet high, indicating, beyond doubt, the places from which the largest and heaviest pieces
of. this greatly-sought substance had been extracted. At Atacama I heard it said that there
was still a large mass buried in the surface, and one Manuel Plaza told me, at Peine, that a
very great specimen was rolled to the bottom of the valley; but I saw nothing of either. I
remember reading, in a manual of mineralogy, that a stone weighing three hundred pounds
had been obtained from here ; but it must be a mistake, because masses of that weight cannot
be carried by mules, and they afford the only mode of transport on the desert.

Arriving at the spot, we began the search for specimens. Nothing was found at the bottom
of the valley or on the northern slope ; but, in a search of more than an hour on the southern
declivity, and at an elevation of seventeen to twenty-eight feet above the bottom of the valley, I
found a very great number of small fragments, within a space from sixty to eighty steps long
by twenty paces broad.

The surface has been formed from the decomposition of certain classes of porphyritic rocks,
and is composed of a loose clayey earth mixed with an infinity of little stones, from the size of
a walnut to that of an apple, and does not differ essentially from the greater portion of the
desert. The porphyry may be termed granitic or sienitic, because, in a whitish, crystalline,
felspathic component, of which the oxide of iron on the surface becomes reddish, we find dis-
seminated grains of hyaline quartz, slightly inclined to gray, which are of the size of hemp-
seed. Small black spots, more or less dendritic, appear to arise from manganese; but in some
cases they are positively known to be amphibole, as in a specimen I have marked A. It is very
rare to find, as in one marked B, any specimens containing small spots of white mica, which
forms the transition to granite, and are more granular. Some of these stones have their sur-
faces covered with a black rust, which appears to be principally formed of the hydrated oxide
of iron, as in the specimen marked C. The most remarkable thing is, that all of them have
their angles very sharp, proving that they have not been rolled from afar, but were formed on
the same spot by natural fracture of the rock.

The specimens I collected weigh three pounds, less three drachms, and number 673; so that
the mean weight of each is twenty-three grains — the largest weighing two ounces, and the
smallest one less than one grain. We may suppose that my companion, Don G-uillermo Doll,
obtained the same number, Jose Maria Chaile as many, and it is probable that one half
remained unseen. Therefore the total number of pieces in that locality exceeded 3,000, without
enumerating the many large stones carried away during the last thirty or forty years, and
which there is no possible mode of estimating.

The smallest specimens have the forms of lamellae. Among the larger of them there are
many of arborescent lamellar forms, with intersecting lines as on paper that has been compressed
in the hand and opened again. The surfaces of these are very black, and when collected some
of them were iridescent. In their cavities transparent olivine is very distinctly seen, although
it is full of crevices, and the hollows are somewhat regular as if the iron had introduced itself
when in a state of fusion among already formed crystals of olivine. There are other pieces
more compact. The olivine which we must suppose originally filled their cavities is generally
very much decomposed and converted into a whitish-yellow, or a ruddy and earthy substance
whose examination under a lens shows it to be composed of small vitreous or crystalline grains.
It would be tedious to describe the varied and multitudinous forms of the Atacama iron ; and
the samples that I have the honor to present will save me the irksome task. I must mention,
however, the largest specimen seen, and which is in the collection of our colleague Don Ignacio
Domeyko. This mass weighs more than fifty pounds, and is of an irregular Oblong form with
somewhat smooth surfaces and sharp corners. Its smooth sides look as though they had been
rubbed down, whilst its elongated extremities are rough and crooked, with indices of octahe-

ADDENDUM.

239

ral crystallization. It has polar magnetism, the poles being near the two extremities of the
mass, an interesting peculiarity which I do not remember as belonging to any other meteoric
iron.

I may remark, further, that the diameter of the cavities filled with olivine is rarely so much
as six lines, or less than two lines. One specimen appeared to be composed of two pieces which
had fallen separately in a state of fusion, and on touching at a point they had become united.
I also noticed specimens whose exteriors seemed to have been rubbed down as is observed on the
outsides of numerous minerals taken from within the earth, and principally from metallic veins,
a phenomenon only explicable on the supposition of a friction or sliding over one another
during their motion. May we attribute the appearance which the surface of some of these
meteoric masses have, to a like origin ?

It is clearly shown, in what has been said, that only a meteoric origin can be supposed for the
iron of Atacama: it must have fallen from tlie atmosphere as did that of Aram and Braunan.
The fragments are so delicate, so crisped, and have extremities so fine and sharp, that any
hypothesis that they were transferred from another locality on the globe is inadmissible ; we
must admit that they were found on the spot precisely as we see them. Now, they lie upon
the surface ; they have the same chemical and physical characteristics as other meteoric iron :
how, then, could we think them to have had other origin ?

I think we may conjecture, with a reasonable probability, the direction from which came the
meteor furnishing these iron fragments. Bemembering that the first samples are found ten
minutes before reaching their principal locality and in a N. N. E. direction, and that almost all
the specimens yet found lie on the slope facing to the north, none on that falling southward,
we must almost necessarily believe that the great mass came from the 1ST. N. E., lost some par-
ticles on its path, and burst in the place already described, scattering the small pieces as sparks
on the slope, whilst the larger fragments either fell or rolled to the bottom of the valley.

. .

'

.

.

INDEX

A.

Achiras village, 31, 49.

Aconcagua river, 3, 4, 6, 14.

Acorocorto, 23, 51, 52.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 79.

iEglea intermedia, 255-257.

Agachadera, 191.

de la Cordillera, 191.

Agelaius curmus, 178.
thilius, 179.

Aglaia cseruleocephala, 181.
cyanicollis, 181.
fanny, 182.
gyroloides, 182.
peruviana, 182.
viridissima, 182.

Agourachay, 154.

Agriornis lividus, 183.

Aguila, 174.

Aguilucho, 175.

Alcatraz, 206.

Alcon, 177.

Alfalfa, 17, 23.

Algarrobas, 23, 29, 38, 47.

Alosa musica, 245, 246.

Alto de la Laguna, 6, 66.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 76, 77.

Alvares, General A. M , his collection of Peruvian antiquities,
123-143.

Ameiva oculata, 224.

American night heron, 193.

American stork, 196.

Analysis of powder collected on the banks of the Yeso, 68.

Anas antarctica, 200,201.
bahamensis, 203.
chalcoptera, 202.
chiloensis, 201.
creccoides, 203.
cyanoptera, 202.
fretensis, 203.
ganta, 200.
maculirostris, 203.
magellanica, 201.
melauocephala, 202.
metopias, 204.
nigricollis, 200.

Anas oxyptera, 203.
oxyura, 202.
rafflesii, 202.
specularis, 202.
specularoides, 202.
urophasianus, 203.

Aneroid barometer, 71-73.

Angelito, 195.

Anser melanopterus, 201.

Antarctic goose, 200, 201.

Antimonial gray copper, 90.
silver, 95.

Antimony ores, 103, 104.

Aporomera ornata, 223-226.

Aquila pezopora, 174.

Arboleda, 57.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78.

Ardea candidissima, 193.
cocoi, 192.
ccerulescens, 192.
cyanocephala, 193.
egretta, 193.
exilis, 194.
galatea, 193.
gardeni, 193.
leuce, 193.
maguari, 192, 196.
nycticorax, 193.
thula, 193.

Arenales, 57.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78.

Arequitas, 39, 45.

meteorology of, 80.

Arica, antiquities found there, 115, 118-122.
Armadillos, 46, 55.

Arquerite, 97.

Arroyo de la Lagunilla, 32.
de San Jose, 47.
grande, 57.

Arseniate of cobalt, 103.

of copper, 91.

Arsenic, 104.

Arsenical cobalt, 102.

copper, 91.
gray copper, 90.
nickel, 103.

Arsenillo, 88.

292

INDEX.

Arseniuret of iron, 101.
Asbestos, 105.

Atacamite, 88.

Athene cunicularia, 178.

patagonica, 178.
Atherina microlepidota, 238.
Attagis gayii, 192.

Atuel river, 25, 53.

Auchenia llama, 159-162.
Avecasina, 194.

pintada, 194.
Azara’s plover, 195.

Azurite, 92.

B.

Bagre, 243.

Bailarin, 175.

Balde, el, 25, 50.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 79.

Banded plover, 195.

Bandurria, 197.

Barometers used, 71-73.

Barranquitos, los, 32, 49.

Barrial, el, 21.

Barriales, los, elevation of, 76.

meteorology of, 79.
Basilichthys microlepidotus, 238, 239.
Bdellostoma polytrema, 252, 253.
Bebedero, salt lake, 24, 25, 53.

Bernicla antaretica, 200.

magellanica, 201.
melanoptera, 201.

Bichos, 36.

Bicn te veo, 42.

Birds, 172-206.

Biscachas, 30, 53, 54.

Bismuth, 103.

Bismuth silver, 95.

Black- faced ibis, 197.

Black-necked swan, 200.

Black oxide of copper, 88.

Black oyster-catcher, 198.

Black vulture, 173.

Black -winged goose, 201.

Blende, 104.

Blue carbonate of copper, 92.
Biue-headed Tanager, 181.

Blue vitriol, 93.

Bolas, 54.

Brazilian cormorant, 205, 206.

Bromic silver, 96.

Bubo crassirostris, 177.

Buenos Ayres, custom-house, 42.

latitude and longitude, 76.
meteorology, 81, 82.

Buitre, 172.

Burrowing owl, 178.

Buteo erythronotus, 175.

tricolor and unicolor, 175.

Buteo uuicinctus, 174.

Buzzards, 65.

C.

Cabeza del Tigre, 39, 46.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Cabral, 47.

Cachorino de Mato, 155.

Caguil, 204.

Calandrias, 13, 55, 183.

Calcareous spar, 105.

Caleta, la, 10.

Calidris arenaria, 194.

tringoides, 194.

Calliste cyanicollis, 181.

cyanoventris, 182.
desmarestii, 182.
gyroloides, 182.
larvata, 182.

Callomys aureus, 156.

Calzoncillas, 27.

Canada de Luca, 47.

Candelaria post-house, 45.

Canis azarae, 154, 155.
brasiliensis, 154.
magellanicus, 154.
melanostomus, 154.

Capillary red copper, 88.

Caprimulgus bifasciatus, 186.

parvulus, 186.

Caracara chimango, 174.
eagle, 173.
vulgaris, 173.

Carbonate of iron and manganese, 102.

Cardueiis atratus, 181.

Carpintero, 190.

Carranchas, 55.

Carolina gold mines, 28, 29.

Castor coypus, 158.

Casucha de la Cuinbre, 6.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 77.

Casucha de las. Calaveras, 6.

Casucha de los Ojos de Agua, 6.

Casucha de los Puquios, 8.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 77.

Casucha del Portillo, 6.

Cathartes atratus, 173.
aura, 172.
jota, 172, 173.
urubu, 173.

Catitas hamlet, 23.

Cavia australis, 156.

Cernicalo, 176.

Cerro de los Penitentes, 10.
del Yeso, 60.

Dorado, 13.

Chacabuco, Cuesta de, elevation of, 75.

INDEX,

293

Chacabuco, posada de, elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 76.

Ckacra de Montumas, latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 76.

Ckanares, 22, 23, 29, 47.

Charadrius annuligerus, 195.
azarse, 195.
calidris, 194.
collaris, 195.
falklandicus, 195.
hymantopus, 196.
lampronotus, 195.
trifasciatus, 195.

Charqui, 4.

Cheirodon pisciculus, 219, 250.

Cheuque, 198.

Chifles, 19.

Chilca, 10.

Chilcas, las, 36, 48, 53.

Chilcas river, 36, 53.

Chilean blackbird, 178, 179.
coot, 196.
lark, 179.

Chile mocking-bird, 183.

widgeon, 201.

Chilla, 154.

Chincol, 180, 181.

Chircan negro, 188.

Chiripd, 27.

Chlamydophorus truncatus, 158.

Chlamyphorus truncatus, 158, 159.

Chloride of silver, 96.

Chloro-arsenate of lead, 99.

Chloro-bromide of silver, 96.

Cklorophonia occipitalis, 182.

Cklorospiza fruticeti, 179.

gayi, 180.

Choroy, 189, 190.

Chronometers used, 69, 70.

Chrysocolla, 92.

Chrysomitris atratus, 181.

marginalis, 181.

Chucul. See Las Chilcas.

Chucul river. See Chilcas river.

Chuncho, 178.

Churrete, 187.

Ciconia maguaria, 196.
pillus, 196.

Cinclodes nigrofumosus, 187.

vulgaris, 187.

Cinnabar, 99.

Circus cinereus, 175.

macropterus, 175.
superciliosus, 175.

Cisne, 200.

Cnemidophorus prsesignis, 227-229.

Cobalt, 102, 103.

Cobalt bloom, 103.

Cobaltene, 102, 103.

Cochineal, 28.

Colaptes pitiguus, 190.

pituis, 190.

Colegial, 185.

Colina, posada de, meteorology of, 76.

Collared sparrow, 180, 181.

Columba araucana, 190.
denisea, 190.
fitzroyi, 190.

Columbina strepitans, 191.

Comadreja, 155.

Concepcion, villa de, 32-35.

Condor, 172.

Couurus cyanolysios, 189.

Copiapite, 101.

Copper, 87-93.

glance, 89.
pyrites, 89.

Coquimbite, 101.

Cordova province, population of, 32.

Corral de Tortoras, 25.

Cortaderas, las, 10, 30.

Cougar, 153, 154.

Coypu, 158.

Crithagra luteiventris, 181.

Cruz, Alta, 39, 45.

meteorology of, 80.

Cruz de Piedra, 56.

Crypturus perdicarius, 192.

Cuca, 192.

Cuckareta, 197.

Cuerno de Yaca, 58.

Cuesta de Chacabuco, 3.

Cuesta de la Cumbre, 7.

Cuervo, 197.

Cuguacuarana, 154.

Culpeu, 154.

Cumbre Pass, and elevation of, 75.

Curucho, 157.

Cururo, 157.

Curraca Salt lake, 64.

Curandcros, 27.

Cuyeita, 157.

Cuzco province, antiquities found there, 123-143.
Cyanotis omnicolor, 186.

Cygnus nigricollis,200.

Cystignathus teniatus, 207, 208.

D.

Dafila bahamensis, 203.

Dasycephala livida, 183.

Deer, 37, 54.

De Luna post-house, 45.

Desaguadero river, 24, 25, 51, 53.

Desaguadero, elevation of, 76.

meteorology of, 79.

Desmochados, 39, 45, 53.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Diamante river, 25, 53.

Didelphys elegans, 155, 156.

294

INDEX.

Didelphys hortensis, 155.

Distances from Rosario to Mendoza, 68,

Diuca, 180.

Diucon, 185.

Divisadero bill, 61.

Dolomite, 105.

Domeykite, 91.

Dormida, la, post-house, 23, 52;

Dryophis vittatus, 211-213.

Ducks, 55, 57.

Dwarf owl, 178.

E.

Egretta galatea, 193.
leuce, 193.
thula, 193.

Elanus dispar, 175.

leucurus, 175.

Elaps nigrocinctus, 210,211.

Elevation above the sea-level, observations for, 71-73.

table of, 75, 76.

Emberiza luctuosa, 179.

unicolor, 180.

Embolite, 96.

Emperor of Brazil, Peruvian pottery from his collection, 133.
Engraulis pulchellus, 247-249.

Enicognathus leptorhynchus, 189.

Erismatura ferruginea, 204.

Erubescite, 89.

Ericornis melanura, 188.

Espatula, 197.

Esquina de Ballesteros, 47.

Esquina de Lovaton, post-house, 39, 46.

Esquina de Medrano, 4.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Estero de las Cruces, latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 76.

Euphonia bicolor, 182.

occipitalis, 182.
rufiventris, 182.

F.

Falco aquia, 174.

brasiliensis, 173.
cheriway, 173.
dispar, 175.
dominicensis, 176.

gracilis, cinnamominus, and isabellinus, 176.

harrisii, 174.

histrionicus, 175.

nigriceps, 176.

palustris, 175.

sparverius, 176.

tharus, 173.

Felis concolor, 153-154.
discolor, 153.
puma, 153.

Fire-crowned humming-bird, 137.

Fishes, 230-262.

Flamenco, 198.

Flamingoes, 37.

Fossil mammals, 275-281.

■ shells, 282-286.

Fraile Muerto village, 46.

longitude and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Fringilla diuca, 180.

luteiventris, 181.
matutina, 180.
mortonii, 180.

Fulica chilensis, 1 96.

crassirostris, 196.

Fuligula mecopias, 204.

G.

Gaimard’s cormorant, 206.

Galena, 99.

Galictis vittata, 155.

Gallina ciega, 186.

Gallinago paraguiae, 194.

Gallinazo, 173.

Gallinula ceesia, 195.

crassirostris, 196.

Gancillo, 201.

Garnet-eyed fly-catcher, 185.

Garza chica, 193.

grande, 193.

Gaviota grande, 204.

Gay’s finch, 180.

Giant humming-bird, 186.

Glaucidium nanum, 178.

Goitre, 16, 27, 67.

Gold, 87.

Gold mines of La Carolina, 28.

Gotliite, 100, 101.

Graculus brasilianus, 206.

gaimardi, 206.

Grass of the pampas, 40.

Greater white heron, 193.

Great- footed ground-thrush, 184.

Green carbonate of copper, 92.

Grison, le, 155.

Guairabo, 193.

amarillo, 194.

Guala, 205.

Guanacache lakes, 21, 24, 53.

Guanaco, el, 48.

Guanacos, 37, 54, 159-162.

Guardia, la, 57.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78.

Guardia de la Esquina, 39, 45.

meteorology of, 80.

Guardia Yieja, 10, 67.

Guazuara, 154.

Guillinomys chilensis, 158.

Gulo vittatus, 155.

II.

IRematopus ater, 198.

INDEX,

Hsematopus niger, .193.

ostralegus, 197.
palliatus, 197.
townsendii, 198.

Halcon, 177

Haliaetus erythronotus, 175.

Harpagus bidentatus, 177.

Heavy spar, 105.

Hesperomys, 158.

Hiaticula azaree, 195.

trifasciata, 195.

Himantopus nigricollis, 196.

Hoary rail, 196.

Horn-plovers, 46, 55.

Horn-silver, 96.

Thiaca, 112.

Huron, 155.

Huron menor, 155.

Hydromys coypus, 157.

Hypotriorchis femoralis, 177.

I.

Ibis falcinellus, 197.
guarauna, 197.
melanopis, 197.

Iguanas, 25, 40.

Inea’s bridge, 9.

Indian antiquities, 111, 150.

implements and figures of metal, 112-115, 119, 128-130,
137-143.

pottery, 115, 116, 121, 127, 130.
wooden-ware, &c., 116, 120, 143.
utensils in stone and wood, 134-137.
textile fabrics, 118, 121, 122, 128.
cranium, 122.

Iodic silver, 96, 97.

Iron ores, 100-102, 287-289.

J.

Jarilla, 10.

Jotecillo, 173.

Juncal river, 6, 14.

Juncalillo river, 6, 14.

Junta, la, 4.

K.

Kerodon kingii, 156.

L.

Ladera de las Polvaderas, 10.
las Vacas, 10.
los Quillais, 5.

San Francisco, 61.

Lagidium cuvieri, 156, 157.

peruanum, 156.

Lagotis cuvieri, 156.

Laguna de Guanacacbe. See Guanacache lakes.

Lapis-lazuli, 104, 105.

Larus bridgesii, 205.

cirroceplialus, 204.

Larus dominicanus, 204.
glaucodes,204.
modestus, 205.

Latitudes, observations for, 69; table of, 75, 76.

Lead ores, 99, 100.

Least bittern, 194.

Leiestes Americanus, 179.

niger, 178.

Leon, 153, 154.

Leptorhynchus ruficaudus, 189.

Lesser white heron, 193.

Lichenops erythropterus, 185.

perspicillatus, 185.

Liebres, 25, 55.

Lignite, 105.

Lile, 206.

Lions and tigers, 36.

Llaca, 155.

Llama guanaco, 159.

Llautu, 129, 145.

Loica, 179.

Longitudes, observations for, 69-71 ; table of, 75, 76,
Loro, 189.

Lucacha, 37.

Lujan, town of, 56.

M.

Magellanic goose, 201.

Magnetic determinations, 73-75; table of, 75,76.
Magnetic oxide of iron, 100.

Malachite, 92.

Mai Paso, 58, 63.

Mammalia found in Chile, list of, 163-171.
Mammals, 153-172.

fossil, 275-281.

Manco Capac, 148-150.

Manganese, 102.

Manzanito river, 61.

Mareca chiloensis, 201.

Mastodon, fragments of, described, 275-281.
Mastonotus popelairi, 158.

Maypu river, 61.

Megalonyx medius, 184.

rufus, 184.

Mellisuga kingii, 187.

Mendoza city, 13, 15-20, 54, 64.
canals, 15.
churches, 15.
goitre, 16.
produce, 16, 17.

latitude, longitude, and elevation, 75.
meteorology, 77, 78.

Mendoza river. See Rio de Mendoza.

Mercurial gray copper, 90.

Mercury, 99.

Merganetta armata, 204.

Mero, 183.

Merula falklandica, 183, 184.
fuscater, 183.

Meteoric iron, 100, 287-289.

296

INDEX.

Meteorological observations, 7G-S2.

Micaceous oxide of iron, 100.

Milvago cbimango, 174.

Milvus leucurus, 175.

Miinetene, 99.

Mitnus thenca, 183.

Minerals of Chile, 85-105.

Mineral waters of Chile, 105-107.

Mispickel, 102.

Mocking birds, 13,55, 183.

Molinero, 187.

Molybdeuate of lead, 99.

Montevideo, latitude and longil ude of, 76.

Morphnus unicinctus, 174.

Morro, el, 30.

Motacilla perspicillata, 185.

Mus castoroides, 157.

Mus coypus, 157.

Muscisaxicola mentalis, 185.

Myopotamus bonariensis, 158.

coypus, 157, 158.

N.

Nebli, 175.

Nematogenys inermis, 240-242.

Nickel, 103.

Noctua cunicularia, 178.
pumila, 178.

Nothura perdicaria, 192.

Nuco, 177, 178.

Numenius hudsonicus, 194.

Nutria, 158.

Nycticorax americanus, 193.
gardeni, 193.
ntevius, 193.

O.

Observations, 69-82.

of the latitude, 69.
of the longitude, 69-71.
elevation above the searlevel, 71-73.
magnetic determinations, 73-75.
table of latitudes, longitudes, elevations,
magnetic elements, 75-82.

Ocypetes torquatus, 191.

Ojos de Agua, 6, 49.

Olivenite, 91.

Olla, la, 58, 62.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78.

Opetiorhynchus lanceolatus, 187.

Orrgons, or Orcjons, 145.

Oreotrochilus leueopleurus, 187.

Ornismya gigantea, 186.
tristis, 186.

Orthorhynchus sephanoides, 187.

Ostriches, 37, 55.

Otus brachyotus, 177, 178.

Owls, 30, 177, 173.

Oxide of manganese, 102.

Oyster-catcher, 197.

P.

Painted snipe, 194.

Palomares mountains, 58.

Pampas, description of, 52.

modes of crossing them, 18-20.
Panther, 153, 154.

Paramillo, 13.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 77.

Parand river, 39, 53.

Parra cayanensis, 195.

Parrina, 198.

Parrots, 55, 189.

Partridges, 25, 37, 55.

Patagonian heron, 192.

parrot, 189.

Pato anteojillo, 202.
capuchino, 203.

Colorado, 202, 203.
de la cordillera, 204 .
jergon chico, 203.
jergon grande, 203.
pimpillo, 204.
real, 201.
rinconero, 202.
sin cresta, 204.

Peje-tree station, 37, 38.

latitude and longitude of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.
Pelecanus gaimardi, 206.
molinae, 206.
thagus, 206.

Pelidna pectoralis, 195.

Peuco, 174.

Penon Easgado, 10.

Pequen, 178.

Percha trucha, 231-233.

Percichthys cbilensis, 231-233.

melanops, 233-235.

Percilia gillissii, 236-237.

Perdiz, 192.

cordillerana, 192.
del mar, 194.

Perdizita, 191.

Peristera auriculata, 191.

Perpilen, 198.

Perrito, 196.

Peruvian Tanager, 182.

Peje rey, 238.

Petaquito, 191.

Phalacrocorax brasilianus, 205, 206.
gaimardi, 206.
niger, 205.

Phcenicopterus andinus, 198-200.

chilensis, 198.
ignipalliatus, 198.

Phrygilus diuca, 180.

fruticeti, 179.

INDEX.

297

Phrygilus gayi, 180.

unicolor, 180.

Phyllobates auratus, 209.

Phytotoma bloxhami, 183.
vara, 183.
silens, 183.

Picaflor, 187.

grande, 186.

Picurio, 205.

Pichi-eiego, 55, 158, 159.

Pichiuta river, 11.

Pious chilensis, 190.
lignarius, 190.
melanocephalus, 190.
pituis, 190.
puncticeps, 190.

Piden, 196.

Pillo, 196.

Pifiuda, 187.

Pipilo cinerea, 180.

Pitigue, 190.

Piuquen, 201.

Planeta, 197.

Plants, dried, list of those brought home, 265-267.

living, list of those sent to the government green-house,
268, 269.

Platalea ajaja, 197.

Podiceps leucopterus, 205.

Podilymbus brevirostris, 205.

Poephagomys ater, 157.

Pole-cat, 45.

Pollito bianco, 194.

negro, 195.

Pollola, 196.

Polybasite, 95.

Polyborus chimango, 174.

teeniurus, 174.
tharus, 173.
vulgaris, 173.

Pontoaetus melanoleucus, 174.

Poplars, Lombardy, 4, 15, 22, 57.

Portezuelo, 49.

Portillo Pass, 58, 59, 66.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78, 79.

Post-houses :

Acorocorto, 51.

Arequitas, 39, 45.

Arroyo de San Jose, 47.

Balde, 25, 50.

Barrancas, 46.

Barranquitas, 49.

Cabeza del Tigre, 39, 46.

Canada de Luca, 47.

Candelaria, 45.

Chucul 48.

Cruz Alta, 39, 45.

De Luna, 45.

Desaguadero, 51.

Desmochados, 39, 45, 53.

38*

Post-houses :

Dormida, 23, 52.

Esquina de Lovaton, 39, 48.

Esquina de Medrano, 47.

Guanaco, 48.

Guardia de la Esquina, 39, 45.

Ojos de Agua, 49.

Portezuelo, 49.

Retamo, 52.

Rio Quinto, 49.

Saladillo de la Orqueta, 45.

Santa Rosa, 52.

Tambillos, 48.

Tres Cruces, 47.

Tortoral, 47.

ZaDjon, 46.

Potamys coypou, 157.

Procellaria braziliana, 205.

Proctotretus femoratus, 219-221.

stantoni, 221-223.
tenuis, 217-219.

Psammomys, 157.

Psammoryctes noctivagus, 157.

Psaracolius curseus, 178, 179.

Psittacara leptorbyncha, 189.

smaragdina, 189.

Psittacus cheroyeus, 189
cyanolysios, 189.
ochrocephalus, 189, 190.
rectirostris, 189.
smaragdinus, 189.

Pterocyanea caeruleata, 202.

Pteroptochus albicollis, 184.

inegapodius, 184.

Ptyonura mentalis, 185.

rufivertex, 186.

Puente de Biscachas, 5.

Puma, 153, 154.

Puna, 7, 63.

Punta de las Vacas, 8, 10.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 77.
del Sauce, 36, 39.

Purple copper, 89.

Pyrites, 101.

Q.

Queltregue, 195.

Querquedula caeruleata, 202.

creccoides, 203.
cyanoptera, 202,203.
maculirostris, 203.
versicolor, 203.

Quillais, 5.

Quiqui, 155.

R.

Rallus bicolor, 195.

csesius, 195, 193.

Raphipterus chilensis, 204.

298

INDEX.

Eaposo de mato, 154.

Kara, 183.

Red copper, 88.

Red teal, 202, 203.

Red-backed buzzard, 175.

Red-winged hawk, 174.

Reduccion, village of, 35.

Regulus byronensis, 186.

oruuicolor, 186.

Represa, meteorology of, 79.
de Ckomes, 25.
de las Cabras, 25.

Reptiles, 207—229.

Retamo, el, 22, 52.

Retamos, 22, 23.

Rhync-hoea oecidentalis, 194.

semicollaris, 194.

Rhynchocinetes typicus, 258.

typus, 258—261.

Rio Blanco, 14.

Colorado, 5, 14, 62.

mouth of, elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 76.

Cuarto, 32, 35, 39, 53.

de las Cuevas, 8, 66.

de Gualtatos, 14.

de los Horcones, 8, 14.

de los Hornillos, 14.

de la Laja, 32, 53.

de Mendoza, 10, 12, 14,21,56.

elevation of, 75,
meteorology of, 78.
del Penon, 14.

elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 76.

Quinto, 29, 49, 53,

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 79.
de Tambillos, 66.

Tercero, 36, 39, 45, 46, 53, 54.
de las Tunas, 57.
de Tupungato, 10, 14.
de las Vacas, 10, 14.
del Yeso, 60, 68.

Rodeo de la Cruz, 21 .

del Medio, 21.

Rosario, 40, 43, 50.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80, 81.

Roseate spoonbill, 197.

Ruby silver, 94, 95.

Ruins of Indian houses, 66.

S.

Saladillo de la Horqueta, 45.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.
de Rui Diaz, 38, 39, 46.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Salado river, 53.

Salto, el, del Soldado, 5.

Sanderling, 194.

San Felipe valley, 3.

Francisco, festival of, 2.

Gabriel, 61.

Ignacio, meteorology of, 76.

Isidro, 22.

Jose de Chile, 61.

antiquities found there, 113.
elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 79.

Jose del Morro, 30, 49.

elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 79, 80.

Juan river, 21.

Luis de la Punta, 26-28, 49.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 79.

Nicolas river, 61.

Vincente village, 56.

Santa Rosa estate, 22.

de los Andes, 3, 4, 52.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 76.

Santiago, latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 76.

Sarcoramphus condor, 172.

gryphus, 172.

Scissor birds, 38, 47.

Scolopax borealis, 194.

guarauna, 197.
paraguayse, 194.

Scytalopus fuscus, 188.

obscurue, 188.

Shells, fossil, 282-286.

list of those brought home, 263.

Short-billed curlew, 194.

Short-eared owl, 177, 178.

Siete-eolor, 186.

Silicate of copper, 92.

Silver ores, 94-99.

Smaltene, 102, 103.

South American barn-owl, 177.

horned owl, 177.
lapwing, 195.
teal, 203.

turkey vulture, 172.

Southern glossy ibis, 197.

Spalacopus poeppigii, 157.

Sparrow-hawk, 176.

Spizcetus melanoleucus, 174.

Stenopsis parvulus, 186.

Stilt, 196.

Strix brachyotus, 177.
californica, 178.
crassirostris, 177.
cunicularia, 178.
ferox, 178.
georgica, 177.

INDEX.

299

Strix nana, 178.

perlata, 177.

Sturnella militaris, 177.

Sturnus aterrimus, 178.
cureeus, 178.
militaris, 179.

Sulphate of baryta, 105.

copper, 93.

Sulpho-arsenical cobalt, 102.
Sulphuret of silver and copper, 94.

of zinc, 104.

Swans, 200.

Sylvia melanops, 188.

rubigastra, 186.

Synallaxis dorso-maculata, 188.

T.

Tachymenis chilensis, 213-215.
Tceniophis tantillus, 215,216.
Taenioptera pyrope, 185.

Tagua, 196.

Taguita, 196.

Tambillos post-house, 48.

Tambillos, 66.

Tanaga rufiventris, 182.

ruficollis, 180.

Tantalus chalcopterus, 197.
pillus, 196.
melanopis, 197.

Tapaculo, 184.

Tenorite, 88.

Terebratulae, 93, 282.

Terrapins, 24.

Tertiary shells, 285.

Thamnophilus lividus, 183.

Thenca, 183.

Thick-billed gallinule, 196.
Thinocorus eschscholtzii, 191.

obignyianus, 191.
rumicivorus, 191, 192.
Trichomycterus inermis, 240.
Thrichomycterus macrsei, 245.

maculatus, 243-245
Thylamys elegans, 155.

Tinnunculus sparverius, 176.
Tira-tira, 197.

Tiuque, 174.

Torcassa, 190.

Tordo, 178, 179.

Torlosa mountain, 8.

Torsales, 37.

meteorology of, 80.

Tortola, or tortolita, 191.

Tortolita cordillerana, 191.

Tortora, 48.

Tortoral, 47.

elevation of, 76
meteorology of, 80.
Tortugas, las, 27.

Totanus semicollaris, 194.

Traro, 173.

Travesia, 24.

Trenca, 183.

Tres Cruces, 47.

Tres Puntas, antiquities found there, 112.

Trille, 179.

Tringa arenaria, 194.

pectoralis, 195.

Trochilus galeritus, 187.
gigas, 186.
leucopleurus, 187.
sephanoides, 187.

Trucha, 231-233.

de Guanacache, 21.

Tucuquer, 177.

Tungstate of lime, 105.

Tunuyan river, 21, 22, 23, 25, 53, 58, 64.
elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 78.

Tupungato mountain, 10, 24, 58.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.

Turco, 184.

Turdus falklandicus, 183.
fuscater, 184.
magellanicus, 183.
thenca, 183.
thilius, 179.

U.

Ulula crassirostris, 177.
otus, 177.

Uppucerthia dumetoria, 188.

nigrofumosa, 187.
vulgaris, 187.

Urre llauquen. See Curraca.

Ursus brasiliensis, 155.

Uspallata hamlet, 12, 14.

Uspallata pass, 66, 67.

Uspallata peak, latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.

meteorology of, 77.

Uspallata river, 12.

y.

Vagre, 243.

Vanadate of copper and lead, 93.

Yanadinite, 99.

Vanellus cayannensis, 195.

Yibora, 37.

Villa de la Concepcion. See Villa del Eio Cuarto.

Paz, 23.

del Eio Cuarto, 32-35, 48, 50, 53.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 76.
meteorology of, 80.

Villavicensio, 13, 65.

latitude, longitude, and elevation of, 75.
meteorology of, 77.

Viscacha, 156, 157.

Viverra vittata, 155.

Volborthite, 93.

Vulpes magellanica, 154.

300

INDEX.

Vultur atratus, 17 >.
condor, 172
gryphus, 172.
jota, 172.
magellanicus, 172.
urubu, 173.

W.

White antimony, 104.
copperas, 101.

White-sided mountain humming-bird, 187.

White-tailed hawk, 175.

White-throated ground thrush, 184.

White-winged grebe, 205.

Wulfenite, 99.

X.

Xanthornus cayennensis, 179.

Y.

Yeco, 206.

Yellow copperas, 101.
Yellow-winged blackbird, 179.
Yeso river. See Rio del Yeso.

Z.

Zanjon post-house, 46.

Zenaida aurita, 191.

Zinc, 104.

Zonotrichia matutina, 180, 181.
Zorzal, 184.