gives length to the arm, and enables the javelin to be hurled with far greater force than by the hand alone. While Uitzilopochtli and Camaxtli are usually shown with the bow, most of the other gods appear with the atlatl, which is often richly ornamented with feathers. The javelins were pointed as the arrows, or the ends were simply hardened in the fire; some had two or more points, and were furnished with a cord like a harpoon by means of which they could be retrieved; these were especially feared by the Spaniards. The only mention of poison is found in Burgoa who states that the Mixtec applied it to their javelins. Spears were carried by those of higher rank, and were furnished with stone heads or set with obsidian after the fashion of a macquauitl. Long spears of this pattern, with a fathom of cutting edge, were used by the Zapotec. Slings were also employed, especially by the Matlatzinca, and though bows were found among the Olmec and Huaxtec, they must have been of quite late introduction. Diaz mentions “three blow-guns with their bags and pellet-moulds,” which he saw in the treasury of Axayacatl, the blow-guns themselves being incrusted with mosaic work, but these weapons were probably used only in hunting. Quilted cotton corslets, laced up the back and forming one with the breeches, were worn as defensive armour, and, according to one of the conquerors, could only be penetrated by a good arquebus. Nobles wore cuirasses of gold plates under their feather mantles. The Mexican bucklers were small and circular, usually made of wicker with a covering of feather-work (Fig. 18, _p_; p. 118) and sometimes gold plates; tortoise carapaces were also used, and among the Zapotec larger shields covering the whole body. Helmets were of wood, with hide and feather ornaments, and often represented the head of some animal, jaguar or snake, the jaws of which framed the face of the warrior (as Fig. 18, _m_). The defensive armour of the Mixtec was of hide. Clubs with heads of stone or wood were employed by the Tarascans. Defensive works were not very elaborate, though we read of palisades and walls; but the cities were usually built in some position which afforded natural protection. Thus Tenochtitlan and Xochimilco were situated on small islands in lakes, while the settlements of the Tlalhuica were amidst almost inaccessible barrancas. Of the various nationalities the Aztec were undoubtedly the most warlike, followed at no great distance by the peoples of Tlaxcala and Uexotzinco. Of the peoples of Oaxaca the Mixtec, though inferior to the Aztec, were superior to the Zapotec.