Capuchin Missions of the Caroni. 25 



baggage, that it was noon before we had breakfasted, and were 

 ready to proceed, — had to encounter them again, in a veiy 

 awkward place. The savannah continued for about two leagues 

 beyond Alta Gracia, when we made a circuit round a rugged 

 hill. On the other side, and near the entrance of the forest, 

 found a hut or shed, apparently constructed for the accommo- 

 dation of the troops on their march to the river. Had by this 

 time approached a lofty range of mountains covered with thick 

 forests, and stretching to an immense distance. Now entered 

 a path that led along a sort of glen or ravine. Wood so thick 

 on either side, as to preclude all view, except where a bare 

 projecting rock or small open space occasionally displayed 

 the romantic dell beneath. Continued ascending for a con- 

 siderable space, until we found ourselves on the very summit 

 of the ridge, which was on both sides very steep. Halted, as 

 well to rest our beasts, as to seek shelter from a smart shower 

 that overtook us; but did not escape a complete drenching. The 

 road ran through this mountain tract for about seven leagues in 

 length. It was five P.M. before the savannah commenced again. 

 Saw on the road the skeletons of at least 100 horses. These 

 poor animals, if overcome by fatigue in this long woody pass, 

 must inevitably perish ; there is not a blade of grass the whole 

 way. In the savannah, came up with a bivouack of Indians 

 employed in conducting a convoy of corn and cassava from 

 Carapo to San Joachim. Learnt from them that we had still 

 four leagues to go, and indeed lengthy leagues we found them. 

 Had another range of lower hills to cross ; were benighted in 

 the wood and scarcely able to scramble over the fallen trees. 

 By good luck, however, hit the right road, (it branches off to 

 Caroni,) and at last reached the savannah of San Felix. Never 

 in my life was more delighted to get to a journey's end. It was 

 eight o'clock ; we had eaten nothing since breakfast. A young 

 man, who came out to receive us, expressed a doubt of his 

 ability to procure any thing. The Tcniente and his whole 

 family ill of the fever ; the former with a swelled liver that en- 

 dangered his life ; the domestics, three boys, had also the fever, 

 and not five inhabitants remained in this beautiful spot. Got 



