34 VALLEYS OF ARAGUA AND VALENCIA. 



vices — who had lost by the way one of our herbariums, 

 filled with choice plants. The loss was an irreparable one ; 

 for many of the species were known only to the high table- 

 land and mountains of Caracas, where they had been col- 

 lected, and consequently could not now be replaced. 



The imposition again practised upon us in making ar- 

 rangements for the prosecution of our journey was the 

 next thing to destroy our equanimity, and to persuade 

 us, if not already convinced, that Yenezuelian officials 

 and posaderos possess the fewest virtues of any mortals 

 Ave were ever privileged to meet. Our mules, which had 

 been engaged only to Victoria, were not allowed to go 

 farther, and others could not be obtained. We therefore 

 made a trial of coaches, which our post, who monopolized 

 this business in Victoria, furnished us for the moderate 

 sum of sixty jiesos. This was the price of a single day's 

 ride in one of the miserable, wheeled arrangements of the 

 country. Nor did this include the keeping of the driver 

 and horses by the way. Such is Venezuelian extortion to 

 which the traveller in these fair lands is subject. 



We will here add, for the benefit of any who may fol- 

 low us over this route through Northern Venezuela, that 

 complete arrangements should be made for the entire 

 journey at Caracas or Valencia, whichever place may be 

 the starting-point. If you are not familiar with the 

 Spanish language, procure an interpreter, who can al- 

 ways be had, to make the bargain for you, being particu- 

 lar to mention every thing, and have all agreed upon, 

 even to the feed for your animals, and also the toll which 

 may be extorted by the way. An occasional cigar and 

 glass of aguardiente will also be expected by your mule- 

 teer. The journey is most easily performed by mules. 

 Be contented with allowing the beast to choose his own 

 time for accomplishing the distance. Like his counter- 

 part, his master, he is a subtle animal ; if not deceitful 



