Capuchin Missions of the Caroni. 15 



(packages, or saddle-bags,) for transporting the corn and cassava 

 required for the army. They are made of raw hides and a species 

 of reed ; a knife is the only tool necessary for the manufacture ; 

 others were twisting leathern ropes ; while two boys, who had 

 suffered the sheep to run wild, were confined by a very simple 

 contrivance, answering the purpose of a pair of stocks, viz., a 

 leathern thong passed round both their legs, and made fast and 

 tight to the posts of the gallery. The grounds though much 

 neglected in consequence of the recent troubles, appeared fertile. 

 The cotton and tobacco looked well. Breakfasted and returned 

 to Pastora. Note that the Yuarnare is rocky and rapid ; about 

 100 yards across at the ford ; course about S.E. ; water limpid. 

 Dinner to-day so greasy, that it almost made me sick. Was 

 obliged to take a cold bath before bed-time. U. had not 

 arrived. My mule not forthcoming. Despatched Anisette to 

 Santa Maria with orders to wait for me at San Antonio, thinking 

 she might have found her way back to her old master. Agreed 

 to start for Puedpa on the morrow, with V. in our company. 



1st. Dec. Witnessed this morning the method of taming the 

 wild horses. About thirty had been brought in with thongs 

 about their necks, and were made fast to different posts. The 

 gentlest were taken first, as an example to the rest. Each was 

 first blindfolded, by drawing a leathern bandage over his eyes. 

 After a little coaxing, a leathern thong with two buttons was next 

 passed with some dexterity round the fore-legs, in the manner 

 of a pair of irons ; if refractory, another is passed round the 

 hind-legs. The animal is thus left to his reflections for half an 

 hour, when the packsaddle is boldly fastened on, so that he 

 cannot rid himself of it. His eyes are then unbandaged, and 

 he is permitted to look about him. If he behave well, his legs 

 are then set free, and he is suffered to caper about ; but left all 

 night with the enxalmas on. Next morning his legs are again 

 tied up, until he is loaded, and he soon finds his advantage in 

 submission. Sometimes there is a little sport, but the rough 

 usage of the Indians soon breaks them in. Started at sfeven. 

 Direction a little to the north of westward. Traversed some 

 elevated savannahs, in one of which there was a large cattle-pen. 



