CHAP. IV. THE TA3IB0 OF CIIUQUIPOQUIO. 85 



that they would not reappear if we remained continuously at 

 yet lower pressures, and I had proposed to test this by stopping 

 on the summit for some length of time. The unfortunate 

 denouement which had just occurred necessitated an entire re- 

 casting of my plans, and whilst groaning inwardly under their 

 enforced abandonment a scheme came into my head from the 

 execution of which it seemed possible to derive some consolation. 





--# 



'"'^ i ^^- ^*^^^^^^^^?'^^^'^ ' -- "'^■^^^<"-^-. '■ 





.:"'- --'■■'■ ^^m;A, 







?3«?^^^Sr 



BACK OF THE TAMBO OF CHUQUIPOQUIO. 



This idea it was discreet to keep secret until the right time 

 arrived for divulging it, and I proposed to exercise the samg 

 reticence now. 



The tambo of Ohuquipoquio is built upon the lower, eastern 

 slopes of Chimborazo, which extend almost uninterruptedly down 

 to .Kiobamba. This town is on flat ground, at the bottom of 

 a huge basin. Carihuairazo, Chimborazo and its continuations 

 bound it upon the west ; and on the south it is enclosed by a 

 transverse range (upon which the village of Kanti is situated), 

 that stretches across, and in a manner may be said to connect 

 the Range of Chimborazo with that which culminates on the 

 eastern side of the basin in the mountain Altar. The drainage of 

 this basin, which from crest to crest is about thirty miles across, 

 is collected into one stream of insignificant dimensions — the River 

 Chambo — near the Bridge of Penipe, and, after sweeping round 

 the base of Tunguragua, falls into the River Pastassa. 



