CuAP. XVli. TO PORT OF ISLAY. 283 



Arapa built along the shore. Dark mountains rise up im- 

 mediately in the rear. I believe that I am the first English 

 traveller who has ever visited this lake, and M. de Castelnau, 

 who obtained some information respecting it at Puno, says 

 that it is not to be found in any map.^ Along the shores there 

 were long rows of flamingos, standing like a gigantic regi- 

 ment, with a few skirmishers thrown out fishing. There were 

 also huallatas, ibises, ducks, and a stout-built stunted sort of 

 crane. Journeying on, we began to cross a vast plain which 

 extends for many leagues round the north-west corner of 

 lake Titicaca, and is dotted with walled estancias and flocks 

 of sheep. At length w^e reached the ford over the river of 

 Azangaro, in sight of the little village of Achaya, to the 

 left. The water came above the mules' bellies, and, cross- 

 ing half a mile of swampy ground, we came to another 

 ford over the river of Pucara. The two rivers, uniting just 

 below Achaya, form the Eamiz, the largest feeder of lake 

 Titicaca. We continued our way for many hours over the 

 plain, until we reached an Indian's hut long after dark, having 

 been twelve hours in the saddle, at the slow tedious pace of 

 a tired mule. The cargo-mules had played every kind of 

 vicious trick throughout the day, running off in different 

 directions at every opportunity, and constantly trying to 

 roll. 



Starting at daybreak on the 22nd, we forded the river of 

 Lampa, crossed the road between Lampa and Puno, passed 



8 I. ^g gjyg iiei-e the notices which I having traversed two otlier smaller 

 we have collected respecting the exist- j lakes to the west, fall into the Kauiiz, 

 ence and position of a lake which is | which is thus rendered navigable at 

 not to be foimd in any map, and which | all seasons. The principal \'illages 

 bears the name of Arapa. It is said ' aroimd the lake of Aa-apa are Chaca- 

 to be 6 leagues to the north of lake ; niana, Chupan, Arapa, and Vetansas. 

 Titicaca, and is 30 leagues in circiini- I Roimd the latter place it is said that 

 ference. It extends from the foot of a there are many veins tjf silver and 

 vei7 abrupt chain of mountains, and mines of precious sUmea."— Castelnau, 

 its figui-e is that of a half-moon. It tom. iii. chap, xxxix. p. 420. 

 contains some islands. Its waters, 



