14 Excursion from Angostura to the 



Yuarnare on the Puedpa road. A new piece of ground had 

 been cleared for the purpose and planted with tobacco, cotton 

 and plantains. All looked very healthy, as likewise did a field 

 of rice. Cabbages and pines grew in perfection on each side of 

 the path. In short, I had seen no ground looking so well. The 

 tobacco large and well-flavoured. The drying-house outside 

 of the enclosure served also for the habitation of the people 

 during the planting season, it being too far distant to return at 

 night. Partook of a water-melon and returned. V. much 

 surprised at the English mode of riding. He had flattered him- 

 self I should be unable to manage his fiery steed, and tried my 

 saddle, but soon dismounted in fear of his neck. Were- much 

 pleased with this man's skill in planting, also with his treatment 

 of the people, whom he affected to consider as his children. We 

 had brought a boy from Carapo, and bought him an old saddle 

 for twelve rials. Procured here a new cover, of which many 

 had been made for the use of the army. 



30th. U. not making his appearance, rode over to Ayma 

 this morning ; distance seven leagues to the south. Crossing 

 the Yuarnare at the ford, with the water up to the horses' bellies, 

 turned oiFto the left before coming to the Labranza, and soon en- 

 tered upon beautiful savannahs, skirted by lofty woods. Nume- 

 rous herds of deer and wild cattle fled at our approach ; they had 

 been grazing in these delightful grounds. Might imagine our- 

 selves in an English nobleman's park. A ridge on our left bore 

 away to the south. About midway, crossed some rocky hills, 

 whence we had a glimpse of Ayma in the distance. Being dis- 

 incumbered of baggage, gallopped on briskly till near the place, 

 when we slackened our pace to prevent the Guaycas from taking 

 alarm. The people of this mission had fled when the levies 

 took place. Many had since returned, and some been brought 

 in by the Caraib horsemen from Carapo employed in this service, 

 who had spread much terror and killed many of the fugitives. 

 Passing a little brook, found this little town beautifully seated 

 on an elevated spot nearly surrounded by the mountains. The 

 buildings of recent construction, and in better taste than most 

 that wehad seen. The people were employed inmiMm^enxalmas, 



