IN THE PACIFIC. 275 



dangerous. On one occasion, whilst looking 

 for deer on the top of some mountains not far 

 from the town, my retreat was fairly cut off by 

 a rattlesnake which commanded the narrow 

 path by which I wished to descend ; whenever 

 I advanced I could hear the warning rattle, 

 although I could not see the creature to shoot it, 

 on account of the thick scrub, and as I had only 

 thin shoes and trowsers on, I had to go round 

 by another way. Shooting at Guaymas in the 

 dry season is rather a labour, owing to the 

 excessive heat and lack of water, obliging one 

 to carry a supply, which soon becomes so heated 

 as to be quite nauseous. We bagged some 

 hares and other small game, but were unlucky 

 with the deer, in consequence of which a chasse 

 was arranged by some friends on shore. About 

 three a.m. a boat-load of sportsmen called along- 

 side for me ; they were accompanied by an 

 officer of the garrison, two drummers, and 

 a couple of buglers, carrying their instruments, 

 and a bundle of hand-rockets, the use of which 

 will be presently seen. 



T 2 



