Expedition to Tucuman and Salta. 417 
May 25. Turdus rufiventris (?). I shot a Thrush this 
morning, which I believe to be this species, and found it not 
uncommon. 
May 26. Butterflies. I have taken some today near the 
Rio Dulce, but all, I believe, common ones. There are very 
few to be had now. 
May 27. All day trying to find mules, but unsuccessful ; 
the people of this country are so intensely slow and lazy. 
May 28. Partridge, the same as the small one seen in 
Buenos Ayres, pretty common about the campo. Started 
early this morning with an estancien to see some mules about 
eighteen miles S.E. of Tucuman. We arrived about 12 at 
his estancia, and after breakfast I chose four mules out of 
his troop of about forty. I remained the night at the 
estancia. 
The campo about there is not unlike the Buenos-Ayres 
campo; but the pasturage is stronger, and the ground more 
undulating and woody. It has the great disadvantage, how- 
ever, of being very short of water; artificial ditches have to 
be made for leagues to carry the water from the river to the 
campo. 
May 29. I arrived at Tucuman about 11 a.m. with the 
mules. All the afternoon I was engaged trying to find 
“‘aparejos,” or pack-saddles for them. Finding it impos- 
sible to meet with any, I determined, if possible, to hire a 
cart, and tomorrow morning I am going with Sr. Santillan 
to see if we can meet with one. I believe that, on the whole, 
it will be much more convenient than pack-mules. 
May 30. At last, I believe, all is arranged, and I hope to 
be able to start tomorrow morning. I have bought today 
a pair of aparejos, for 8 and 6 dollars respectively. The mules 
cost me 30 dollars each. I am anxiously looking forward to 
the journey. 
May 31. Started at 10 a.m. this morning for Salta. Our 
journey at first lay through thick woods till after getting 
about six miles from Tucuman the country became more 
open. About 1 it commenced to rain, and I determined to 
stop at the first rancho if possible. Accordingly, about 2, 
SER. IV.—VOL. IV. QF 
