DESERT OF PINCHINCHA. 35 



the rock. During this time, little, comparatively, 

 was done, for when it was fair, and the weather 

 clear, the other mountains, on whose summits the 

 signals were erected that formed triangles for mea- 

 suring the degree of the meridian, were hid in 

 clouds. When, on the contrary, it was reasonable to 

 suppose that they were clear, Pinchincha was hid- 

 den from the sight. It was, therefore, necessary to 

 descend lower, and to erect signals in more favour- 

 able situations. This, however, did not lessen 

 either the cold or the fatigue to which the party 

 was subjected, for though they descended from the 

 summit of the rock, the places where they made 

 their observations, were still on the highest parts 

 of the vast desert. 



In all their stations, subsequent to that on Pin- 

 chincha, each company lodged in a field tent, which, 

 though small, was less inconvenient than being 

 crowded in one hut. Yet still the necessity for even 

 greater exertion continued, the party being oftener 

 obliged to clear away the snow ; the weight of which 

 would otherwise have demolished the covering. At 

 first, they pitched these tents in the most sheltered 

 places, but having resolved to use them as signals, 

 they removed them to a more exposed situation, 

 where the impetuosity of the wind was such as to 

 tear up the piquets, and blow them down. Happily 

 they had brought with them supernumerary tents, 

 which, on more than one occasion, saved them from 

 perishing. This occurred especially in the desert 

 of Asuay. Three tents belonging to the company 

 were pitched one after the other, and successively 

 overturned by the fury of the wind. In this terrible 



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