420 Henry Durnford’s last 
Liberani a very active and intelligent Professor of Natural 
History for the National College. The great difficulty he 
has to encounter is the want of funds, the government not 
allowing him more than his salary, no subsidy for museum &c. 
He is most courteous to strangers who visit him or take an 
interest in their mutual hobby. 
June 4. Chuchu seems to be the great curse of the country. 
About one fourth of the people are constantly suffering from 
it. Whether it comes from damp or the sudden changes of 
temperature, I am unable to say; but the general opinion here 
is that it arises from dampness ; and yet here, at Vipos, the 
climate is exceedingly dry, and the air feels fresh and invigora- 
ting, but chuchu is only too well known. The summer 
months (the wet season) are the most fatal. 
The owner of the estancia and posta where I am staying 
is a Chileno, and a delightful companion. He has been out 
shooting with me, and it is a pleasure to see the ease with 
which he threads his way through the thick undergrowth and 
cover in the monte. I can hardly keep up with him. 
Wood-Pheasant (Argentine “Charata”) not uncommon in 
the thick monte, lives in the trees; when flying spreads its 
tail, and sometimes erects the elongated feathers on its head. 
Nests in trees, makmg large structure of sticks. 
Thrush, one shot to day, the only one seen; habits appa- 
rently like the common Calandria here. 
Finch, one shot, a. young bird apparently; the old ones 
are, I believe, perfectly bluish all over ; saw several. 
June 5. Started at 104.m., leaving my kind host. The 
road is winding through beautiful scenery. We travelled 
for eighteen or twenty miles, at 4 p.m. reaching 'Trancas, 
where we passed the night in a rancho. No collecting. 
June 6. Started early on our journey. For the first 
twelve miles road, as usual, wended through thick monte 
near the foot of the Sierras. About noon reached Tapi, a 
most beautiful spot, the scenery to the left, looking up the 
river of that name, being most lovely. The Sierras are low, 
but much broken, and irregular ground prevails, making the 
picture any thing but monotonous. Weare now, after passing 
