56 STATES OF 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, ^nd 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 

 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 supphed by social club-meetings for the inter- 

 change of om- respective experiences, agitating questions of 

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

 and the Hke, which, as in all enhghtened 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 



