1 6 The, Butterflies and Moths of Teneriffe, 



Occasionally, during the winter months, a great 

 quantity of water runs down the barrancos, but the 

 supply only lasts a short time, soon drying up, and 

 leaving a few small stagnant pools here and there, 

 and these in turn soon disappear. 



Walking over much ground is hard work, as the* 

 country is steep, and rough with stones and rocks. 

 I advocate strongly the use of mules, as being the 

 most pleasant mode of locomotion. They are so sure-, 

 footed and easy in their quick walk, that one feels far 

 less tired after a long day's excursion on mule-back up 

 the mountains and barrancos, than by any other mode 

 of locomotion. The muleteer carries all necessaries, 

 together with luncheon, and one is able to stop and 

 alight where fancy dictates or butterflies abound. 

 Mules can be hired at Villa Orotava, the charge being 

 one dollar, or five pesetas, for a short day ; beyond this 

 a small gratuity to the muleteer makes him pleased and 

 happy. 



There are many completely uncultivated spots up the 

 mountains, intersected by little bye-paths along which 

 the mules can walk ; these are perfect " Eldorados " for 



