56 STATES OP THE RIVER PLATE. 



these costly ' galpones,' costly ' Negrettis ' wheezing and 

 looking wretched costly 'Gilberts' 'tisicos' and mi- 

 serable, without texture in the wool or firmness in the 

 skin ; and I have seen the decrepid progeny of these 

 unhealthy animals running or hobbling with the 'majada' 

 from year's end to year's end, and yet expected to beget 

 improved stock out of ' borregas ' and ewes of all ages ! 

 I need no one to tell me of disappointment and failure it 

 was patent and palpable everywhere. Only in one 

 ' Cabana ' that I have had a report of, or seen a small 

 unpretending establishment belonging to, and under the 

 immediate direction of, a native gentleman have I recog- 

 nised the practice of a thorough system, more or less 

 perfect in all points as adapted to the climate, &c. and 

 there success is as marked as failure is in other establish- 

 ments of much greater pretensions, as far as extent and 

 costly appliances are concerned. It suffices that success 

 has been attained by one or two to demonstrate that 

 it is attainable by others : and one instance of complete 

 success should animate us with a hope that, despite our 

 present backward position, a great future is open to us, if 

 we know how to avail ourselves of the natural advantages 



o 



at our command. 



There is a great ' want ' felt in the absence of a bond 

 of union amongst the intelligent sheep-estancieros, which 

 would be supplied by social club-meetings for the inter- 

 change of our respective experiences, agitating questions of 

 interest, and for the promotion of exhibitions, ferias (fairs), 

 and the like, which, as in all enlightened communities, 

 should have the moral and direct support of the govern- 

 ments, both national and provincial; and medals and 

 other prizes awarded for successful breeding of improved 

 stock. Distinction is gratifying to all men ; and many a 

 persevering effort would be made, were there a hope of 



