y produced enough to feed and clothe themselves. The use
of money was forbidden among them, and trade and barter limited
practically to the individual who, desiring something particular from
his neighbor, procured the latter an equivalent in return.

They regarded material things as merely a means to an end, and
considered it a disgrace for any one to accumulate wealth; for it was
noted that one's spiritual development declined in the same ratio that
his material possessions increased. Like the land, they held the forests
and minerals and waters and animals in common. These were the sacred
things, the gift of nature, and could not be bartered or sold. In their
eyes, only the depraved soul of a peddler ever could have conceived the
idea of turning them into merchandise. Naturally it had taken centuries
of evolution to create this attitude--but they had attained. There was,
however, no need of wealth. Since they enjoyed the earth's natural
resources in common, there was enough and an abundance for all; placing
the high and the low on a footing of material equality.

Four months' energetic labor was all that was required to produce the
annual necessities of life, allowing the individual the greater portion
of his days to devote to the development of his natural capacities.
There were no idlers, the women sharing the responsibilities of life the
same as the men. All contributed their services to that which was
required for the good of the community; the maintenance of aqueducts and
roads in the towns and the guarding of the herds. Aside from these
slight duties, the individual was free to follow the bent of his
desires. Those who refused to contribute such services were driven from
the community and became nomads, but such instances were rare; all
preferring to enjoy the benefits which civilization, combined with the
greatest amount of liberty, bestowed upon the individual.

Opposite the chief _pueblo_, on the same side of the river occupied by
themselves, stood the ruins of another town in a fair state of
preservation. It differed greatly in appearance from the one opposite.
It was compactly built, resembling more a modern Mexican town than the
pure type of Indian _pueblo_. In answer to the Captain's inquiries
concerning it, Chiquita smiled and said: "Originally there were sixty
_pueblos_, averaging from two to three thousand inhabitants each; the
number of inhabitants to which the size of our towns are limited. Owing
to