Ch. III. SOUTH AMERICA. 231 



small in comparison of others in this Cordillera, and 

 thus saved us the many inconveniencies of .a lot'ty 

 station, vet the steepness of its sides put us to no 

 small difficulty, there being no other possible method 

 of going: up than by climbing; and the greatest care 

 is requisite in fixing the hands and feet close and firm; 

 nor is it possible to cHmb it in less than four hours. 

 The descent, as may naturally be concluded, is little 

 less hazardous, as you must sit and slide down much 

 the greater part of it ; and this must be done gently, 

 lest, by celerity of motion, you tumble down the 

 precipice. 



VI. Signal on the plain of Cbangalli. 



On the 7th of March we removed to the signal of 

 Changalli, and finished the necessary observations on 

 the aoth. We spent the time here very comfortably. 

 The signal was erected on a plain, where neither the 

 air nor weather molested us ; and being lodged in a 

 farm-house near the signal, and not far from the town 

 of Pintac, we had all the necessary conveniencies of 

 life, the want of which we often severely felt in the 

 deserts. These comforts did not, however, in the least 

 abate our diligence to avail ourselves of every instant 

 when the signals on the mountains were not conceal- 

 ed in clouds. But one circumstance which lengthen- 

 ed our stay was, that some of the signals were want- 

 ing, having been blown down by the wind ; it was 

 therefore resolved, that for the future the field-tents 

 should serve for signals. And, accordingly, v\e after- 

 wards constantly pursued this method. 



VII. Signal on the derert of Pucaguaico, on the 

 side of the mountain Cajtopaxi. 



This mountain we ascended the 21st of March, 

 and on the 4th of April were obliged to return, after 

 in vain endeavounng to finish our observations. For, 



Q 4 not 



