16 Excunionjrom Angostura to the 



The view extensive, but without variety, until we came to a 

 shady brook, where we breakfasted. V.'s attention had pro- 

 vided a store of eatables, so we spread our sail on the ground 

 and passed an agreeable hour, engraving our names and the 

 date of our visit on the bark of the tree under whose shade we 

 were regaling. Resuming our journey, found the plains im- 

 prove in fertility and better watered. Crossed many brooks 

 and swamps, that must occasionally be dangerous, all empty- 

 ing themselves to our right into the Yuarnare, which we soon 

 reached and forded ; its course here N.W. On the opposite 

 bank, fell in with frequent herds of wild cattle, that stared at 

 us in seeming defiance. V.'s horse knocking up, he was im- 

 prudent enough to bathe him in the river, and brought on the 

 staggers ; from which the contents of my flask with difficulty 

 recovered him. His servant was obliged to lead him to Puedpa. 

 Among the bushes, was surprised by the sight of a black tiger- 

 cat crossing close to me. He appeared about two feet high, 

 and full four feet in length. Was assured this animal is rarely 

 met with. Proceeded still over savannahs well watered, and 

 equally stocked with wild cattle. Reached Puedpa not before 

 five P.M., well fagged and my horse a little cut by the saddle. 

 This place is famous for nothing but the richness of its savan- 

 nahs and number of wild cattle in the neighbourhood. It is a 

 small mission, and in 1803, reckoned but 291 inhabitants, 

 being with Santa Clara, which contained 285 only, the smallest 

 of the whole range. The Indians are chiefly Guayanos, mixed 

 with a few Guayacas. Soil hereabouts very fertile, and capable 

 of high cultivation. The plain of wide extent. We had tra- 

 versed upwards of 14 leagues. The hills of Cupapuy faintly 

 distinguishable towards the N.N.E. Westward, the level conti- 

 nues to Euri. The date of this mission is 1769. Site agree- 

 able, but Labranza inconsiderable. Found here an excellent 

 shoemaker, who mended our saddles. The manager regaled 

 us with abundance of sweet potatoes, served up with unusual 

 decency. The present aspect of Puedpa is dreary ; the Guayacas 

 had ail fled, and Santa Clara been nearly abandoned. The 

 population cannot now exceed 150 ; the fever had penetrated 



