truncated pyramid, was 90 feet high, and upwards of 2,000 feet in circumference, having a level summit several acres in extent. It appears also probable that these early nations came originally from the shores of Asia; and although it is a favourite and convenient plan to land the lost tribes of Israel in America, still we have good grounds for thinking a portion of them may with reason be included amongst the numerous tribes that in course of time found their way through Persia and Chinese Tartary to the New Continent. VI. THE ANCIENT INHABITANTS OF PERU. WHEN we consider the wise, firm, and politic sway of the Peruvian Incas, their admirably regulated empire, their laws and institutions which provided for the meanest of their subjects, and contrast them with those of the fierce Aztec emperors, who governed more by the sword than by justice and policy, and who made their vassals tremble at the remotest corner of their empire, we see that the two nations had but little in common, if indeed they were acquainted with one another. But it is necessary to bear in mind that the early history of Peru, like that of Mexico, is clearly divided into two parts. In the latter country, the peaceful and industrious |