MR. WILTON.  “The Peruvians had at one time a curious contrivance for crossing their rivers.  They did not know how to make a bridge of wood or stone; but necessity, the parent of invention, supplied that defect.  They formed cables of great strength, by twisting together some of the pliable withes or osiers with which their country abounds; six of these cables they stretched across the stream parallel to one another, and made them fast on each side; these they bound firmly together, by inter-weaving smaller ropes so close as to form a compact piece of net-work, which being covered with branches of trees and earth, they passed along it with tolerable security.  Proper persons were appointed to attend to each bridge, to keep it in repair, and to assist passengers.”

GEORGE.  “Almost as clever a contrivance as the bridge of the present day, although neither so strong nor durable.  They were a persevering people.”

EMMA.  “The Gulf of Guayaquil is so called from a river of this name which is famous for its shifting sand-banks, on which as the water recedes alligators are left in great numbers.  The Bay of Choco is on the same coast (Columbia), and is the scene of continual storms.  The greatest riches in washed gold are deposited in the provinces of Choco.  The largest piece found there weighed twenty-five pounds; but this country, so rich in gold, is at the same time scourged with continual famine.”

GRANDY.  “Proving that gold is only valuable as the means of procuring the necessaries of life, and enabling its possessor to benefit his fellow-creatures.  ’Whoso seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion, how dwelleth the love of God in him?’ The people here value not the gold, for it is unable to buy them freedom from the awful scourge.”

DORA.  “Emma, the Bay of Choco is on the coast of Granada, which, although it is a district of Columbia, is large enough to be regarded with some attention, particularly as it is actually one of the three great divisions of Columbia.”

CHARLES.  “Nearly in the same latitude, just over the equator, are the Galapagos.  They are pretty islands:  the cactus and aloe cover the sides of the rocks, flamingoes and turtle-doves fill the air, and the beach is covered with enormous turtle.  But no trace whatever indicates the residence of man, and I believe no man has ever landed on these lonely shores.”

MRS. WILTON.  “Columbia abounds in stupendous natural wonders; amongst the rest are the natural bridges of Iconongo, not far from Bogota; the fall of Tequendama, the loftiest cataract; and the Silla de Caracas, the loftiest cliff yet discovered.  The climate is hot and unhealthy, and the country subject to earthquakes.  It is inhabited by Indians, Spaniards, and Negroes.  The Caribs are the ruling Indian tribe; they are tall, of a reddish copper-color, with dark intelligent eyes, and a grave expression of features.  They raise the flesh of their legs