CANELOS TO BANGS 145 



Pastasa, which is at no great distance. We were 

 gradually approaching the Pastasa, and we slept at 

 night on a plain where the rushing of its waters 

 was distinctly audible. 



June 23. About 10 A.M. we reached Allpa-yacu, 

 a stream of clear cool water about the size of the 

 Pindo. This also was low and we got across it 

 without accident. There were steep cliffs of gravel 

 on the east bank just above the ford. Our way to-day 

 was almost entirely across a plain, bounded on the 

 left by a very steep alluvial cliff (which gives the 

 name of Barrancas to the site), at whose foot ran 

 the Pastasa. There is a great contrast between 

 the aspect of this river here leaping and foaming 

 over 'rocks with a din which throughout the rest 

 of our journey we heard more or less distinctly- 

 and in the lower part of its course, where it spreads 

 out into a broad placid river. The track in places 

 ran along the very edge of the cliff, and the pro- 

 jecting bushes menaced thrusting us over. At 

 about 2 P.M., on the top of a low hill, we came to a 

 rancho, but as our Indians were still disposed to 

 proceed we determined to sleep at a more advanced 

 post. From this place we descended into a deep 

 ravine, and crossed a narrow clear stream with 

 some peril, as the ford was over slippery stones on 

 a steep declivity. To our right the water came 

 down from a lofty hill in a cascade. To climb out 

 of the ravine we had to use hands as well as feet, 

 but a winding path might be easily made, for the 

 soft sandstone admits of being cut by a spade. 

 We slept about half-way down the descent of the 

 other side of the mountain, but were wetted by a 

 shower ere we could get our nmchos put up. 



VOL. II L 



