Expedition to Tucuman and Salta. 415 
Grande), which is now full of water, but which is dry in 
summer. Here we sleep, the company finding beds and 
dinner free. There is no fresh water to be had in the neigh- 
bourhood, it being all brackish, and all used is brought in 
tanks from a distance. 
May 18. We are delayed five hours in starting, owing to 
some trucks having broken down on the line, and soon after 
we get away one of the iron rods supporting the spring of 
our engine breaks, causing a further delay of an hour. 
At Recreo I saw a tame hare, taken in the neighbourhood 
when quite young, but now full-grown. It appeared to me 
the same as the Patagonian species. I believe it must be 
the kind Burmeister has lately described as new: he received 
some skins from this neighbourhood. The black on the 
rump is perhaps not quite so dark as in the Patagonian 
species, and the sides and breast may be also lighter. (N.B. 
When I pass back this way I must try and get one or two 
specimens; they are quite common in the neighbourhood.) 
As we continue our journey we pass through vast forests 
till within fifty miles of Tucuman, when the country at once 
becomes fine level pampa, with numerous herds of cattle and 
some small woods. Nevertheless water is scarce, and arti- 
ficial ponds have to be made to obtain it. The pasturage is 
thick and luxuriant. 
At 9.30 we reached Tucuman, and I take a carriage to the 
Hotel Paris, about ten squares, or blocks of houses, from the 
station. 
May 19, Sunday. I delivered my letters of introduction 
to Juan C. Mendez and Incencio Liberani. The latter seems 
well up in the natural history of this locality (Professor of 
Natural History in the National College), and says that very 
little can be done in collecting near Tucuman. He advises 
me to buy three mules and hire a peon, and thus go to Oran. 
J intend taking his advice, and so shall do this as soon as 
things can be arranged. 
The chuchu, or intermittent fever, hangs like the sword of 
Damocles over this country. I have seen one of the lads in 
this hotel suffering from it, and it is a most virulent form of 
