that their life, health, and prosperity, as well as the fertility of their grounds, depended on these idols, they recommended to them, in their prayers, themselves, and all that they possessed.
Not satisfied, however, with such protecctors, they contrived lares, or household gods, who had the particular charge of their families. These were considered as the proprietors of the habitations; and their ministry was implied by the names of conopas, or guasicamayoc[1], which were bestowed on them. Their plantations, which they regarded as a considerable part of their property, were not destitute of a divinity who was to provide for their fertility, and for the abundance of the crops. The compas[2] were charged to contribute all the water requisite to the irrigation of their cultivated lands. It was the province of the mamateras[3] to multiply the maize, and to prepare copious stores of grains. On the huaticas[4], as the peculiar lords of such a portion of territory, it was incumbent to alleviate the labours of the cultivators.
Soliciting on every occasion the aid of the Divinity, they sought to divide that which is indivisible, and to communicate His essence to vile creatures deprived of every sensation, and incapable of themselves to produce the smallest effects. This error prepared them for still greater ones, and led them to disturb the manes of their forefathers. The sanctuary of the
