122 SPORTING ADVENTURES 



saw, being more like the dry bed of a Highland 

 river than anything else ; in the rainy season it 

 somewhat resembles the river itself. 



On our arrival at Tepic we were lodged 

 in the magnificent house of Messrs. Barron, 

 Forbes, and Co,, where we were most hospitably 

 entertained during our stay by Mr. Heaven, the 

 energetic manager of the house. 



The deputation sent to Mexico was not 

 expected back for some time, so we had ample 

 leisure to enjoy ourselves pending their return, 

 when the question of war or peace was to be 

 decided. Horses and carriages were placed at 

 our disposal, and nothing was forgotten which 

 could contribute in any way to our comfort or 

 amusement. 



Tepic is situated in a valley 3000 feet above 

 the level of the sea, and contains some 20,000 

 inhabitants ; the climate is far superior to that 

 on the coast ; although hot in the middle of the 

 day, the mornings and evenings are cool and 

 pleasant, and there are no mosquitoes or sand- 

 flies as at San Bias. 



