breeches, with the waistband very low, and always open at the knees, the buttons being for ornament, not for use. Shirts are seldom worn; the legs are bare, with the exception of pieces of hide under the soles of the feet, tied sandal-fashion round the instep and

toes.

"The dress of the female Indians consists of a petticoat, worn much shorter by the unmarried than by those that are married, and a scarf of sundry colors round the shoulders, which is pinned on one side of the chest with a topa, a large silver pin; but sometimes they use a spoon, the handle of which being pointed serves as a pin.

Cholas, those descended from Spanish and Indian parents, are very fond of dress. I have seen them with topas of gold, set with pearls and precious stones of considerable value."

ARAUCO, or Araucania, occupies the western slope of the Andes, in the southern part of Chili. Though an elevated district, the soil is fertile, and the climate delightful. It is indeed a beautiful region, and suited to the interesting people who inhabit it.

When Chili was invaded by Almagro, the companion of Pizarro, in 1535, he found the country inhabited by numerous tribes possessing a warlike character,

and in this respect, being strongly contrasted with the Peruvians. Disgusted with the hardships he encountered, he returned to Peru. Valdivia succeeded him, and after a severe contest of ten years, subdued the greater part of the country, and founded several cities. But he had yet to contend with the Araucanians, a brave nation of mountaineers, who had made some advances in civilization, and who cherished their liberty as above every other possession. Valdivia marched against them, but he was defeated, taken prisoner, and put to death. The exploits of the Araucanian leaders, *Caupolican and Lautaro, have furnished an interesting theme for the muse of the Spanish poet Ercilla. In spite of the efforts of succeeding generals, the Araucanians baffled every attempt to subdue them, and remain to this day in a state of independence, possessing the soil which was the home of their fathers. They have entered into a treaty with the republican government of Chili and even agreed to a kind of union.

The Araucanians have introduced some European customs, though they are not greatly changed since the days of Valdivia. They have now horses and horned cattle, and have adopted the rude agriculture of the Spaniards. They have added the musket to their original arms of the bow, arrow and club, but their religious belief, and most of their customs are the same as those of former times.

Their complexion is of a reddish brown, though

*For the history of the Araucanians, and the Life of Caupolican, see "History of American Indians," and "Lives of Famous Indians."

considerably lighter than that of other Indians. They have round eyes, full of expression, flat noses, handsome mouths, and remarkably even, white teeth. The hair is thick and black, and, growing to a great length, is twined in tresses around their heads. The men exterminate the beard with great care. They are seldom grey before 60 or 70 years, and baldness or wrinkles are rare at so early a period. They often live to the age of a hundred, retaining their sight and teeth unimpaired. They possess the elements of a high moral character; generous and faithful, intrepid and courteous, enthusiastic and patient, they seem formed to challenge the admiration of more civilized nations.

DRESS. The clothing of the Araucanians is chiefly of wool. The men wear a shirt, vest, and pair of breeches, usually of a greenish blue. They have also a cloak, which they call poncho, consisting of a square piece of cloth of ample length, with a hole in the middle for the head. This garment is often made of fine materials, and some of them are so elegant as to sell for 150 dollars. A broad sash for the waist is common. The head is covered with a cap, or bandage in the form of an ancient diadem. The common people go barefoot. Persons of condition wear sandals and woollen boots of many colors.

The dress of the women is a tunic of turquoise color, a girdle, and a short cloak, fastened in front, as well as upon the shoulders with brooches and buckles. This is without sleeves. Their dress is never varied, except as to diversities of color and finery. They divide their hair in several tresses which float upon

their shoulders. They use a profusion of false emeralds, necklaces and bracelets of glass, and ear-rings of square pieces of silver. Each finger is also often decorated with a silver ring.

DWELLINGS.-The Araucanians live in scattered villages, in houses large or small, according to the wants of the family. They are usually of mud, but sometimes wholly or in part of stone or wood. Nothing beyond ordinary comfort is sought, either in the construction or furniture of the house. Cleanliness is a prevailing virtue. Bathing is common with all classes. The women sweep the houses and courts several times a day and are scrupulous to wash their utensils as soon as used. They are very neat in their persons, combing their heads twice a day, and every week washing them with soap made from the bark of the quillai. A spot of dirt is not to be seen on the dress of an Araucanian woman.