"The ultimate and irrevocable line of caste distinction in these places is that between the coat and the _poncho_. From the prefect and the lawyer and the doctor, down to the shop assistant, the dress is the coat of the ordinary European form. Be there but the smallest recognized strain of European blood in the individual, it will be sheltered by the coat, but below this all is ignorance and the _poncho_. This useful but uncivilized garment consists of a species of blanket with an opening in the centre by which it is slipped over the head. We must, however, temper this 'clothes--philosophy' by remarking that the _poncho_ is used even by _caballeros_ on certain occasions, especially on horseback, when, in the form of a thin white material, it wards off the sun's rays and protects the horseman from dust, whilst as a thick woollen garment it shields him from the bitter blasts and keen air of the mountain uplands. The _ponchos_ woven of _vicuña_ wool by the Cholos are of the most exquisite texture, and practically, waterproof. But the ordinary blanket _poncho_ is the poor Indian's greatest possession. It shelters him by day from the sun or rain, and at night it forms his bed. "The advent of a foreigner in these more remote places is a matter of interest to the inhabitants, and--especially if he be a person bent upon some scientific or exploratory work--he is well and hospitably received, and all facilities afforded to him. Keen interest is taken in anything pertaining to the outside world, for these people, cut off as they are by natural barriers from its happenings, are far from being apathetic, or indifferent of events. Indeed it is this eager interest and avidity for knowledge of the modern world which most greatly touches the sympathy of the traveller, and which is the element which must redeem the people of these remote places from stagnation and decadence.