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Geospatial Technologies
for Land Degradation
Assessment and
Management
Geospatial Technologies
for Land Degradation
Assessment and
Management
R. S. Dwivedi
CRC Press
Taylor & Francis Group
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
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my beloved wife
Asha
Contents
vii
viii Contents
10 Waterlogging........................................................................................................................ 285
10.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 285
10.2 The Effects of Waterlogging..................................................................................... 286
10.2.1 The Effects on Soils....................................................................................... 286
10.2.2 Plant Responses to Waterlogging............................................................... 286
10.3 Norms for Categorization......................................................................................... 288
10.4 Role of Remote Sensing............................................................................................. 288
10.4.1 In situ Spectral Reflectance Studies............................................................ 289
10.4.2 Aerial Photographs and Airborne Spectral Measurements................... 290
10.4.3 Spaceborne Multispectral Measurements................................................. 290
10.4.3.1 Optical Sensor Data...................................................................... 290
10.4.3.2 Thermal Sensor Data.................................................................... 294
10.4.4 Geophysical Techniques.............................................................................. 295
10.4.4.1 Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)............................................... 295
10.4.4.2 Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Sensors................................. 296
10.5 Using Models to Simulate Plant Responses to Waterlogging.............................. 297
10.6 Conclusions................................................................................................................. 298
References.............................................................................................................................. 298
12 Drought.................................................................................................................................. 321
12.1
Introduction................................................................................................................ 321
12.2
Background................................................................................................................. 321
12.2.1 Drought Indicators....................................................................................... 323
12.3
Global Scenario........................................................................................................... 324
12.4
Drought Assessment and Monitoring.................................................................... 325
12.4.1 Meteorological Indicators............................................................................ 326
12.4.1.1 Deciles............................................................................................. 326
12.4.1.2 Percent of Normal Precipitation.................................................. 326
12.4.1.3 Palmer Drought Severity Index.................................................. 326
12.4.1.4 Standardized Precipitation Index............................................... 327
12.4.1.5 Crop Moisture Index..................................................................... 327
12.4.1.6 Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index............ 328
xvi Contents
xvii
xviii List of Figures
Figure 3.13 rtist’s rendition of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP)
A
spacecraft in orbit...................................................................................................84
Figure 3.14 The RADARSAT-1 spacecraft and illustration of observation geometries...... 85
Figure 3.15 A
rtist’s rendition of the RADARSAT constellation mission imaging
concept..................................................................................................................... 86
Figure 3.16 RADARSAT constellation imaging modes......................................................... 87
Figure 3.17 The imaging modes of ALOS-2 mission............................................................. 88
Figure 3.18 An airborne LiDAR system..................................................................................90
Figure 3.19 bservational differences between discrete-return and full-waveform
O
LiDAR......................................................................................................................90
Figure 3.20 arious kinds of commonly used laser scanners (clock-wise)
V
oscillating mirror scanner, Palmer scanner, fibre scanner and rotating
polygon.................................................................................................................... 92
Figure 3.21 Oscillating mirror scanning pattern................................................................... 92
Figure 3.22 Rotating polygon scanning pattern.................................................................... 93
Figure 3.23 Nutating mirror scanning pattern...................................................................... 94
Figure 3.24 Fiber scanning pattern.......................................................................................... 94
Figure 3.25 Illustration of the CloudSat spacecraft............................................................... 95
Figure 4.1 Digital image.......................................................................................................... 98
Figure 4.2 A
n illustration of the contents of a Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV digital data
(digital numbers—DN values) for vegetation, soils, and water body.
Note the low DN values for water body in columns 8, 9, and 10, and
rows 18–20 in all the spectral bands................................................................... 98
Figure 4.3 Stripping in satellite image and its correction................................................ 106
Figure 4.4 V
ertical striping correction in Resourcesat-1 AWiFS image. The vertical
stripes highlighted with red box (left) have been removed (right)................ 106
Figure 4.5 N
oise correction in spectral band 2 of Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV image.
The image in the left (a) displays vertical stripping—characteristics
of push-broom sensors—and (b) shows the image after employing
necessary noise corrections............................................................................... 107
Figure 4.6 Pixel dropouts in Resourcesat-1 LISS-IV-band 2 image................................. 107
Figure 4.7 Bow-tie effect in Terra/Aqua MODIS image................................................... 109
Figure 4.8 Landsat-MSS band 4 (0.7–1.1 µm) of March 2, 1985 raw digital data
(a), linearly stretched data (b), and corresponding histograms of raw
digital data and linear-stretched data area given in (c)................................. 112
andsat-MSS band 4 (0.7–1.1 µm) of March 2, 1985 raw digital data (a)
Figure 4.9 L
and nonlinear-stretched data (b). The histograms of the raw digital
data and nonlinear-stretched data area given in (c)....................................... 113
xx List of Figures
Figure 4.10 A
n illustration of histogram equalization: raw digital LISS-IV image
(a), corresponding histogram (b), histogram-equalized image (c), and
the histogram of the stretched image (d)......................................................... 114
Figure 4.11 A
n illustration of histogram matching. The first principal component
(pc1) of LISS-IV multispectral image (a), Cartosat-1 2.5 m-PAN image
(b), and histogram-matched image of pc1 (c).................................................. 115
Figure 4.12 n example of spatial filtering of resourcesat-2 LISS-IV data (a), 3 × 3
A
high-pass-filtered data (b), 3 × 3 median-filtered data (c), and 3 × 3 low-
pass-filtered data (d)............................................................................................ 116
Figure 4.13 Cartosat-2 PAN raw image (a) and Fourier-transformed image (b)............. 117
Figure 4.14 dge enhancement and detection. Cartosat-1 2.5 m-PAN image (a), and
E
the image background with edges (b).............................................................. 118
Figure 4.15 he ratio image of Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV dada of October 1, 2015.
T
The spectral band-2 by band-3 image (a), and spectral band-3 by
band-2 image (b). Note the regular-shaped very light gray to white
agricultural fields in center of the image as well as upper-right and
lower-left corner of image (b). Although these features are also
conspicuous in image (a), they stand out much better in band 3 by 2
image...................................................................................................................... 119
Figure 4.16 Principal component analysis of Landsat-8 OLI data.................................... 120
Figure 4.17 Kauth-Thomas transformation.......................................................................... 122
Figure 4.18 T
he standard FCC of Landsat-8 OLI data (a), and the tasseled cap-
transformed image (b)........................................................................................ 123
Figure 4.19 M
odels of IHS color spaces: (a) The color cube model (b) The color
cylinder model..................................................................................................... 123
Figure 4.20 A
n illustration of digital image fusion for Cartosat-1 PAN data
with 2.5 m spatial resolution and Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV image
generated through the Brovey, IHS, and principal component
transformations.................................................................................................... 125
Figure 4.21 esourcesat-2 LISS-IV digital raw image acquired on March 7, 2017 (a)
R
and Salt-affected soil map derived using ISODATA classifier (b). Biege
color denotes severely salt-affected soils, magenta moderately salt-
affected soils, yellow crop with very good vigor, and green crop with
moderate vigor..................................................................................................... 127
Figure 4.22 esourcesat-2 LISS-III digital raw image (a) and thematic map derived
R
using K-mean classifier (b). Pink color indicates moderately deep to
deep ravines, cyan shallow ravines, yellow cropland with very good
vigor, sienne crop with moderate vigor........................................................... 129
Figure 4.23 alt-affected soil map of the area shown in Figure 4.21a developed
S
using maximum likelihood classifier. The pink color denotes salt-
affected soils, yellow crop, and blue water body............................................ 129
List of Figures xxi
Figure 4.24 alt-affected soil map of the area shown in Figure 4.21a developed
S
using Mahalanobis spectral distance classifier. Pink color denotes
salt-affected soils, yellow crop, and blue indicates water body.................... 130
Figure 4.25 he concept of an artificial neural network. Each circular node
T
represents an artificial neuron and an arrow represents a connection
from the output of one neuron to the input of another.................................. 132
Figure 4.26 alt-affected soil map of the area shown in Figure 4.21a developed
S
using spectral angle mapper classifier. Pink color denotes salt-affected
soils, yellow color cropland................................................................................ 133
Figure 4.27 alt-affected soil map of the area shown in Figure 4.21a developed
S
using spectral correlation classifier. Pink color denotes salt-affected
soils, yellow color cropland................................................................................ 134
Figure 4.28 ap showing mining areas in part of Andhra Pradesh, southern
M
India. The map has been developed using support vector machine
algorithm............................................................................................................... 141
Figure 4.29 n illustration of the framework for accuracy assessment of single-
A
date and multi-temporal change detection approaches (Macleod and
Congalton, 1998; http://info.asprs.org/publications/pers/98journal/
march/1998_mar_207-216.pdf, accessed on June 10, 2017)............................. 143
Figure 5.1a Soil and water being splashed by the impact of a single raindrop.............. 152
Figure 5.1b I n spite of across slope tillage operation sheet erosion is taking place
due to the absence of adequate protective vegetation cover during
rainy season......................................................................................................... 152
Figure 5.1c Deep gully formstion due to vertical erosion owing poor soil structure...... 152
Figure 5.1d Rill erosion as observed in the field.................................................................. 153
Figure 5.2 A schematic of wind erosion process............................................................... 153
Figure 5.3 Human-induced soil degradation around the world..................................... 161
Figure 5.4 lobal Assessment of Human-induced Soil Degradation (GLASOD)
G
(Oldeman et al., 1991)........................................................................................... 162
Figure 6.1 heet and rill erosion around Nagireddipalle village, Kurnool district,
S
Andhra Pradesh, southern India as seen in Resourcesat-1 LISS-III image...... 179
Figure 6.2 heet erosion as seen in Resourcesat-1 LISS-III images during three
S
cropping seasons, namely kharif (rainy season), November 2005, rabi
(winter season), February 2006, and zaid crop April 2006. The ground
photograph of the area experiencing sheet erosion could be seen
adjacent to April 2006 image.............................................................................. 179
Figure 6.3 ills and gullies as seen in Resourcesat-1 LISS-III images during three
R
cropping seasons, namely kharif (rainy season), October 2004; rabi
(winter season), February 2005; and zaid crop April 2005. The ground
photograph of the area experiencing sheet erosion could be seen
adjacent to April 2005 image.............................................................................. 180
Figure 6.4 ills and gullies as seen in Landsat-TM image covering part of
R
Belgaum district, Karnataka, southern India.................................................... 181
xxii List of Figures
Figure 6.5 (a) Shallow ravines in part of Mahoba district, Uttar Pradesh, northern
India. (b) Valley land in the foreground (lower left) with fallow
agricultural land amidst medium deep ravines. (c) Very deep ravines
along the river Chambal bordering Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh, northern India. The elevated terrain in the background
indicates the original elevation of the terrain before it had turned into
ravines. Similarly, the isolated two structures- a shrine and an isolated
house (d) attest the extent to which the terrain has been deformed due
to very severe water erosion................................................................................. 181
Figure 6.6 avines in parts of northern India along the river Chambal as seen in
R
Resourcesat-1 LISS-III images during three cropping seasons, namely
kharif (rainy season), October 2004; rabi (winter season), February
2005; and zaid crop, April 2005. The February image provides ample
contrast with the agricultural crop background (seen in different hues
of red color). Whereas moderately deep-to-deep ravines exhibit dark
bluish green color shallow ravines confining to peripheral land show
up in light bluish color. The ground photographs vividly show the
magnitude of dissection (erosion) of the terrain............................................... 182
Figure 6.7 avines as seen along the river Chambal and Yamuna, in Landsat MSS
R
image of February 28, 1975. As evident from the image ravines have
devastated a fairly large areas of erstwhile fertile agricultural lands........... 183
Figure 6.8 Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV image with 5.8 m spatial resolution and acquired
on February 24, 2017 showing meandering Yamuna river in blue colour,
standing winter season crops in red colour on river terraces. Deep to
very deep ravines- network of gullies, with varying widths and side
slopes in green and reddish brown colour indicating scrubs. Etawah
town is located at the upper right corner........................................................... 184
Figure 7.1 The effect of vegetation cover on wind transport............................................. 201
Figure 7.2 egraded dry land area susceptible to wind erosion. Note that the
D
white areas are non-degraded: the Sahara sand desert e.g. is not
considered as being degraded.............................................................................. 202
Figure 7.3 Active barchan (crescent-shaped) dunes in part of Thar desert,
Rajasthan, western India as captured by Resourcesat-1 LISS-III
sensor in October, January, and April images during 2005–2005. The
establishment of vegetation cover seen adjacent to April 2006 image.
Of the three-period LISS-III images, the post-monsoon (October 2005)
shows vegetation in light pinkish color. Blue circle indicates sand sheet
and green color unstabilized barchans dunes................................................... 204
Figure 7.4 artially stabilized longitudinal dunes (finger-like structures) in part
P
of Thar desert, Rajasthan, western India as captured by Resourcesat-1
LISS-III sensor in October, January, and April images during 2005–
2006. The establishment of vegetation cover (ground photo) seen
adjacent to April 2006 image. Of the three-period LISS-III images, the
post-monsoon (October 2005) image shows vegetation in light pinkish
color.........................................................................................................................205
List of Figures xxiii
Figure 7.5 S
helterbelt in part of Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, western
India, for protection of crops from wind erosion as captured by
Resourcesat-1 LISS-IV...................................................................................... 208
Figure 7.6 I llustrating the effect of protecting the areas with wind erosion
activities from cattle grazing and human encroachments in an area
around western Rajasthan, western India.................................................... 209
Figure 7.7 evelopment of crop land due to introduction of canal irrigation
D
around Suratgarh, part of Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, western
India.................................................................................................................... 210
Figure 7.8 aterlogged areas and other land use/land cover categories in (a)
W
1975, (b) 1985, (c) 1990, (d) 1995, and (e) 2002.................................................. 211
Annexure 7a A
ground photo showing severe wind erosion encroaching
boundary wall in village in western Rajasthan, western India................. 221
Annexure 7b ground photo stabilized dunes in western Rajasthan, western
A
India................................................................................................................... 221
Annexure 7c A
ground photograph sowing mixed pearl millet crop on a stabilized
sand dune in part of Thar desert, Rajasthan, western India....................... 222
Annexure 7d obile dune encroaching the village in part of Thar desert,
M
Rajasthan, western India.................................................................................222
Annexure 7e Barchan dunes in part of Thar desert, Rajasthan, western India..............223
Annexure 7f resh sand deposition in an active wind erosion terrain in the
F
periphery of Thar desert, Rajasthan, western India..................................... 223
Figure 8.1 xcessive soil degradation caused by soil salinity, Southeast Iran
E
(Farifteh, 1988)................................................................................................... 230
Figure 8.2 everely salt-affected soils in (a and b) Dashat-e-Kavir, Iran, (c)
S
Northeast of Thailand, (d) South of Spain; Laguna de Fuente de
Piedra (Farifteh, 2007)...................................................................................... 232
Figure 8.3 lobal distribution of solanchalks based on WRB and FAO/
G
UNESCO soil map of the world (FAO, 1998)................................................. 232
Figure 8.4 urface features formed as the results of excessive salt accumulation
S
in soil: (a) Dashat-e-Kavir, Iran; (b) South Spain; (c) Tedej, Northeast
Hungary; and (d) Northeast of Thailand......................................................234
Figure 8.5 ocket of saline soils encapsulated in agricultural fields: (a)
P
Southwest Australia, (b) Northeast Thailand, (c) Southeast Iran, and
(d) South Spain..................................................................................................234
Figure 8.6 aboratory spectra of salt-affected soils from soil materials
L
impregnated by different evaporate minerals.............................................. 236
Figure 8.7 hermal infrared emissivity laboratory spectra of salt minerals
T
including chloride (halite), sulfate (gypsum), and carbonate
(magnesite and calcite). Spectra are offset for clarity.................................. 237
xxiv List of Figures
Figure 8.8 alt-affected soils in black soils (Vertisols) as seen in IRS-1C LISS-III
S
image with 24 m spatial resolution in part of Guntur district, Andhra
Pradesh, southern India. Here salt-affected soils are confined to the
stream beds. The source rock for sodium bearing mineral (plagioclase
feldspar) that impart salinity and/or sodicity to the soils are located in
the upper slope. After weathering of rock the mineral is released and
is carried away by fluvial activities................................................................... 243
Figure 8.9 esourcesat-2 LISS-IV image over an alluvial plain, part of Etah
R
district, Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Salt-affected soils could be
seen in different shades white color. The light reddish brown color
represents salt-affected soils under different stages of reclamation............ 244
Figure 8.10 alt-affected soils developed on the Indo-Gangetic alluvium as seen
S
in IKONOS-2 image in part of Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, northern
India (after Dwivedi, 2008). By virtue of higher spatial resolution, even
individual mango tree is also seen.................................................................... 244
Figure 8.11 uickBird image of Northeast Thailand. The letter ‘S’ indicates saline
Q
soils........................................................................................................................ 245
Figure 8.12 S
alt-affected soil map derived from Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV digital
data of March 7, 2017 using ISODATA classifier. Beige color denotes
severely salt-affected soils, magenta moderately salt-affected soils,
yellow crop with very good vigor and green crop with moderate vigor...... 247
Figure 8.13 n illustration of intra-annual variations in spectral response patterns
A
of salt-affected soil in part of Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, northern
India. Note the manifestation of a pocket of salt-affected soils in the
lowerleft of image acquired on March 6, 2014 seen as white color
(adjacent to canal-linear feature in blue color) on three other dates
(April 23, May 9, and June 26, 2014). During the month of March when
rabi (winter season) crop is in its maximum vegetative growth stage it
provides very good image contrast that helps in improved delineation
of these soils.......................................................................................................... 249
Figure 8.14 emporal behavior of salt-affected soil as seen in Landsat images for
T
1973, 1975, 1998, 2011, and 2014. The numeral ‘1’ indicates salt-affected
soils. The red color background shows standing winter crop and the
linear features are irrigation canals. As evident from the unclassified
images (raw images) of different years there has been substantial
shrinkage in the spatial extent of salt-affected soils during 41 years
period..................................................................................................................... 249
Figure 8.15 emporal behaviour of salt-affected soils in part of Jaunpur and
T
Varanasi distiricts of Uttar Pradesh, northern India as seen in
thematic maps derived from Landsat MSS data of March, 1975
(a) and Landsat TM data of March, 1992 (b). Yellow colour indicates
cropland and purple colour salt-affectes soils................................................. 250
Figure 8.16 patio-temporal behavior of salt-affected soils in Periyar–Vaigai
S
command area, part of Tamil Nadu, southern India...................................... 250
List of Figures xxv
Figure 11.2 Schematic diagram of the approach for delineation of mining features...... 307
Figure 11.3 ining features as seen in IRS-1C LISS-III image and Resourcesat-2
M
LISS-IV image around Mugaon, west Madhban, Goa, southern
India. The numeral ‘1’ in LISS-IV image indicates mining pond, ‘2’
mine dump, and ‘4’ agricultural land. White patches within red-
colored background are opencast iron ore mining, and dark red color
indicates the forests...........................................................................................308
Figure 11.4 ining areas as captured by Resourcesat-2 LISS-III in multi-temporal
M
images ranging from post-rainy season to summer. Accompanying
ground photograph provides a glimpse of various features
associated with mining.....................................................................................309
Figure 11.5 chematic diagram of approach for monitoring aquaculture farm
S
ponds................................................................................................................... 311
Figure 11.6 regional view of aquaculture ponds in coastal Andhra Pradesh as
A
captured by Resouecsat-2 LISS-III sensor with 23.5 m spatial resolution.......313
Figure 11.7 quaculture farm ponds as captured by IRS-1C LISS-III and PAN
A
sensors................................................................................................................. 313
Figure 11.8 quaculture ponds as seen in Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV (5.8 m spatial
A
resolution) and Cartosat-1 PAN-merged image. The numeral ‘1’
indicates aquaculture farm ponds (National Remote Sensing
Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Department of Space,
Government of India)........................................................................................ 314
Figure 11.9 onitoring aquaculture using temporal satellite data over
M
surroundings of Kaikalur, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh,
southern India.................................................................................................... 315
Figure 11.10 S
hifting cultivation areas (irregular-shaped clearings in light
yellow to light green color) within dense vegetation (dark to very
dark colored background) around Gumti reservoir, part of North
Tripura district, Tripura state, north-eastern region, India as seen in
Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) collected on April 6, 2018
image.................................................................................................................... 316
Figure 11.11 hifting cultivation areas (irregular-shaped clearings in light yellow
S
to light green color) within dense vegetation (dark to very dark
colored background) around Gumti reservoir, part of North Tripura
district, Tripura state, north-eastern region, India as seen in Landsat-
3MSS data of April1 5, 1978 (left) and Landsat-8 OLI, April 6, 2018
(right) images...................................................................................................... 316
Figure 12.1 elationship between various types of drought and duration of
R
drought events.................................................................................................... 322
Figure 12.2 orld drought severity distribution map computed over the 1901–
W
2008 period (modified after World Resources Institute, 2015). Drought
is defined as a continuous period where soil moisture remains below
the 20th percentile at monthly scale (Sheffield and Wood, 2007)................ 324
List of Figures xxvii
CHAPTER V.
Peru discovered by Francisco Pizarro.—He invites the Inca to visit
him.—Description of the Inca.—Rejects the Bible.—
Treacherously seized by Pizarro.—The Inca proposes to
ransom himself.—The ransom brought.—Pizarro seizes the
gold, then murders the Inca.—Conquers Peru.
CHAPTER VI.
Indian tradition.—Manco Capac.—His reign.—Religion.—Property.—
Agriculture.—Buildings.—Public roads.—Manufactures.—
Domestic animals.—Results of the conquest of the country by
the Spaniards.
The Peruvians have a tradition that the city of Cuzco was founded
in this manner. The early inhabitants of the country were ignorant,
and brutal as the wild beasts of the forest, till a man and woman of
majestic form, and clothed in decent garments, appeared among
them. They declared themselves to be children of the sun, sent to
instruct and to reclaim the human race. They persuaded the savages
to conform to the laws they proposed, united them, the Indians,
together in a society, and taught them to build the city.
Manco Capac was the name of this wonderful man; the woman
was called Marna Ocollo. Though they were the children of the sun,
it seems they had been brought up very industriously; for Manco
Capac taught the Indians agriculture, and other useful arts; and
Marna Ocollo taught the women to spin and weave, and make
feather garments.
After the people had been taught to work, and had built houses
and cultivated fields, and so on, Manco Capac introduced such laws
and usages as were calculated to perpetuate the good habits of the
people. And thus, according to the Indian tradition, was founded the
empire of the Incas.
The territory was, at first, small; but it was gradually enlarged by
conquering the neighboring tribes,—merely, however, to do good by
extending the blessings of their laws and arts to the barbarians,—till
the dominions of the Inca Atahualpa, the twelfth in succession,
extended from north to south along the Pacific Ocean above 2000
miles; its breadth from east to west was from the ocean to the
Andes. The empire had continued four hundred years.
The most singular and striking circumstance in the Peruvian
government, was the influence of religion upon its genius and its
laws. The whole civil policy was founded on religion. The Inca
appeared not only as a legislator, but as the messenger of heaven.
His precepts were received as the mandates of the Deity. Any
violation of his laws was punished with death; but the people were so
impressed with the power and sacred character of their ruler that
they seldom ventured to disobey.
Manco Capac taught the Peruvians to worship the sun, as the
great source of light, of joy, and fertility. The moon and stars were
entitled to secondary honors. They offered to the sun a part of those
productions which his genial warmth had called forth from the bosom
of the earth, and his beams had ripened. They sacrificed some of the
animals which were indebted to his influence for nourishment. They
presented to him choice specimens of those works of ingenuity
which his light had guided the hand of man in forming. But the Incas
never stained the altar of the sun with human blood.
Thus the Peruvians were formed, by the spirit of the religion which
they had adopted, till they possessed a national character more
gentle than that of any other people in America.
The state of property in Peru was no less singular than that of
religion, and contributed, likewise, towards giving a mild turn of
character to the people. All the lands capable of cultivation, were
divided into three shares. One was consecrated to the sun, and the
product of it was applied to the erection of the temples, and
furnishing what was requisite towards celebrating the public rites of
religion.
The second share belonged to the Inca, or was set apart as the
provision made by the community for the support of government.
The third and largest share was reserved for the maintenance of the
people, among whom it was parcelled out. All such lands were
cultivated by the joint industry of the community.
A state thus constituted may be considered like one great family,
in which the union of the members was so complete, and the
exchange of good offices so perceptible, as to create stronger
attachment between man and man than subsisted under any other
form of society in the new world. The Peruvians were advanced far
beyond any of the nations in America, both in the necessary arts of
life, and in such as have some title to be called elegant.
Agriculture was carried on by the Peruvians with a good deal of
skill. They had artificial canals to water their fields; and to this day
the Spaniards have preserved and use some of the canals made in
the days of the Incas. They had no plough, but turned up the earth
with a kind of mattock of hard wood. The men labored in the fields
with the women, thus showing the advance of civilization over the
rude tribes which imposed all the drudgery upon females.
The superior ingenuity of the Peruvians was also obvious in their
houses and public buildings. In the extensive plains along the Pacific
Ocean, where the sky is always serene and the climate mild, the
houses were, of course, very slight fabrics. But in the higher regions,
where rain falls and the rigor of the changing seasons is felt, houses
were constructed with great solidity. They were generally of a square
form, the walls about eight feet high, built of bricks hardened in the
sun, without any windows, and the door strait and low. Many of these
houses are still to be seen in Peru.
But it was in the temples consecrated to the sun, and in the
buildings intended for the residence of their monarchs, that the
Peruvians displayed the utmost extent of their art. The temple of
Pachacmac, together with a palace of the Inca and a fortress, were
so connected together as to form one great structure, nearly two
miles in circuit.
Still this wide structure was not a very lofty affair. The Indians,
being unacquainted with the use of the pulley and other mechanical
powers, could not elevate the large stones and bricks which they
employed in building; and the walls of this, their grandest edifice, did
not rise above twelve feet from the ground. There was not a single
window in any part of the building. The light was only admitted by the
doors; and the largest apartments must have been illuminated by
some other means.
The noblest and most useful works of the Incas, were their public
roads. They had two, from Cuzco to Quito, extending,
uninterruptedly, above fifteen hundred miles. These roads were not,
to be sure, equal to our modern turnpikes; but at the time Peru was
discovered there were no public roads in any kingdom of Europe that
could be compared to the great roads of the Incas.
The Peruvians had, likewise, made considerable advances in
manufactures and the arts which may be called elegant. They made
cloth, and they could refine silver and gold. They manufactured
earthen ware; and they had some curious instruments formed of
copper, which had been made so hard as to answer the purposes of
iron. This metal they had not discovered. If they had only understood
the working of iron and steel as well as they did that of gold and
silver, they would have been a much richer and more civilized
people.
The Peruvians had tamed the duck and the llama, and rendered
them domestic animals. The llama is somewhat larger than the
sheep, and in appearance resembles a camel. The Indians
manufactured its wool into cloth; its flesh they used for food;
moreover, the animal was employed as a beast of burden, and would
carry a moderate load with much patience and docility. The aid of
domestic animals is essential to the improvement and civilization of
human society.
In short, the Peruvians, when contrasted with the naked, indolent,
and ignorant inhabitants of the West Indian Islands, seem to have
been a comfortable, ingenious, and respectable nation. The
conquest of their country destroyed their system of government.
They were made not merely to pay tribute to their new rulers, but, far
worse, they were reduced to the condition of slaves. They were
compelled to leave the pleasant fields they used to cultivate, and
driven in crowds to the mountains in search of gold. They were
forced to labor hard, and allowed only a scanty subsistence; till,
heart-broken and despairing of any change for the better, they sunk
under their calamities and died!