336 HALL'S EXCURSIONS, 
on the dreary regions, known in all the mountain country 
by the name of Paramos or Pajonales. The prospect above 
described is here hidden by the sinuosities of the ascent, and 
the eye rests on an unvaried expanse, covered by long grass, 
the faded hue of which harmonizes with a sky almost con- 
stantly clouded. It is at this elevation, from 13,000 to 
14,500 feet, we find the cattle-farms, or Hatos, of the Andes. 
On many of these, several thousand head of cattle wander 
almost wild over an extent of country equal to an English 
county ; but of this we shall make more particular observation, 
in our excursion to Antisana. The practice of burning the 
Paramos to improve the pasture, has probably contributed to 
diminish their Flora. We find, mingled with gramineous 
plants, Swertia umbellata, Werneria nubigena, Andromachia 
acaulis, Gentiana sedifolia, the corolia of which contracts and 
folds up on the touch; Ranunculus Peruvianus, chiefly near the 
ditches; Senecio—? Valeriana—? a species of Plantago and 
Calceolaria ericoides. Few wild animals inhabit these elevations; 
one of the few is a species of reddish Fox, which the natives 
call a wolf. Rabbits are often numerous, but different both 
in colour and habit from those of Europe. They are of a 
small size, with fur nearly resembling that of the hare, 
which they are also like in their mode of living among the 
rocks and bushes instead of burrowing. They are, in a certain 
degree, migratory, abounding at times and suddenly disap- 
pearing for several months. Deer are found on most Para- 
mos. A beautiful species of spotted partridge also frequent 
the long grass, and the Condor is seen sailing down the 
dreary vales in quest of the carcases of such cattle as die by 
disease or accident. He frequently approaches so near as to 
startle the traveller by the rushing of his dark broad wings, 
and seems, to watch his journey as if with the hope some sud- 
den snow-storm might leave him a stiffened helpless prey. Nor 
is such an occurrence impossible or even very uncommon. 
tor’s place. (N. B. The plates referred to in this paper will be given with 
the next number of the work.)—Ed. 
