1835. ' haciknda' — river a — xf.gr a. 4B8 



but so lately that there has not been any leisure time in which 

 to think of more than the first necessaries of life. Noble trees 

 surround this 'casa de hacienda.''* No underwood impedes 

 your riding at a rapid pace in any direction : and beyond the 

 woody spaces, extensive plains stretch towards the sea and to 

 the bank of the river. These plains are intersected by nume- 

 rous streams, and adorned with irregular clumps or thickets of 

 trees : smaller indeed than those which shade the ' casa de 

 hacienda,' but of a size sufficient to shelter cattle. 



This estate, which is not considered a large one in that coun- 

 try, comprises, besides many square leagues of wild hilly coun- 

 try, more than one hundred square miles of excellent land, well 

 watered, abundantly wooded, and most pleasantly as well as 

 conveniently situated. The owner is said to be a most worthy 

 man, and numerous instances of his active goodness as well as 

 excellent disposition, have been related to me at different 

 times ; one of which I must stop to relate. 



My attendant, Vogelborg, passed near the door of Don 

 Juan de Dios Rivera, while executing a commission entrusted 

 to his most speedy despatch. Stopping a moment to ask the 

 way, Don Juan remarked that he looked ill, and had better 

 rest. Vogelborg thanked him, but explained the necessity of 

 hastening onwards : in truth he was ill and very tired, though 

 anxious to proceed. Don Juan then suggested the quicker 

 method of forwarding the letters, entrusted to Vogelborg, by 

 his own confidential servant, and forthwith despatched him 

 upon one of his own horses, desiring Vogelborg to take jiosses- 

 tion of an excellent bed ; where he remained two days under 

 the kind care of Don Juan de Dios and his wife, who till that 

 time, had never seen him. 



Abreast of Negra Beach is an anchorage, sheltered from the 

 north and north-west winds by Point Coronel, but exposed to 

 the southerly and west winds. Here, as well as in coves further 

 south, much smuggling was carried on in the time of the 

 Spaniards. 



Leaving the sea-shore, and some slippery rocky places over 



* Country-house upon the owner's estate. 

 VOL. II. 2 F 



