If the more intimate features of colonial society are to be understood only through a perusal of _Tradiciones Peruanas_, a general idea of the viceroyalty is best obtained from the works of Don Sebastian Lorente, who wrote the first complete history of Peru, in five volumes, published in 1871, giving an especially interesting description of the colonial period. He made a lifelong study of the history of the country, and for forty years lectured on his favorite theme in the University of San Marcos. Another historian, Don Mariano Paz Soldán, contributed a most important geographical work to the literature descriptive of his country, and wrote several books on historical subjects. His _Atlas del Peru_ and _Diccionario Geografico y Estadistico_, published thirty years ago, contained the first complete description of the political divisions of the republic, and afforded valuable information regarding the physical features, climate, resources, and population of Peru. Dr. Paz Soldán was a statesman of noted ability and rendered invaluable services to the cause of education and in behalf of prison reform. As Minister of Justice and Public Instruction in the cabinet of President Balta, he founded a school of sciences and reorganized the Universities of Arequipa and Cuzco, besides establishing numerous secondary schools. The illustrious patriot died in 1886 at sixty-five years of age, his funeral being conducted with State ceremonies, and attended by the highest officials of the government. The historian, Dr. Eugenio Larrabure y Unánue, pronounced the funeral oration, and the assemblage at the bier of the lamented scholar was representative of the best intellect of Peru. Dr. Larrabure y Unánue is the author of a number of historical works, of which his studies relating to ancient Peru possess especial interest and value. He is also a statesman and diplomatist, literature being his favorite diversion in such hours of leisure as an active public career affords. Another celebrated Peruvian authority on the antiquities of the country, Dr. Pablo Patron, is a scholar of international renown, whose archæological study, _La Lluvia_, read a few years ago before the Congress of Americanists at Stuttgart, attracted general attention among antiquarians. Dr. Patron has rendered important services to his country in scientific research and has made the study of Peruvian textiles and potteries a specialty, giving them a fascinating charm, which ethnologists as well as lovers of decorative art are quick to appreciate. [Illustration: DR. JOSÉ ANTONIO MIRÓ QUESADA, THE NESTOR OF THE PERUVIAN PRESS.]