The Saliva seems to have been a class whose area has been one of a receding frontier. The Atures are extinct, and the last words of the Ature language are said to have been heard, not from the lips of a human remnant of the nation, but from a parrot. In respect to their extension eastward, Raleigh enumerates among the inhabitants of Trinidad the Salivi, a nation dwelling on the Continent also, and that to the south of the Quaquas.
Then as to the western area:—on the Orinoko, above the mouth of the Meta, Humboldt often heard of the Quaquas, and adds, that it is asserted that the missionary Jesuits have found them as far as Popayan.
MAYPURE.
Divisions.—1. Maypure Proper. 2. Cavri (Caveri, Cabre). 3. Pareni. 4. Guipunavi (Poignavi). 4. Meppurys(?). 5. Avani. 6. Chirupa.
Area.—The banks of the rivers Orinoco (middle part), Amazons, and Negro.
Conterminous with the Caribs, Salivi, and other unplaced tribes.
The mission of Maypure is the centre of the language.
It is spoken also at the mission of Atures, by tribes other than Maypures, i.e. by the Maco (Piaroa), who are Saliva, and by the Guahivi, belonging to a third division of the Orinoko Indians.
THE ACHAGUA.
Locality.—The river Casanare, a feeder of the river Meta.