204 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. x. 



from their shadows being cast upon us by a nearly vertical sun. 

 They never came near when the sun was concealed, and if they 

 hovered in our neighbourhood they always kept the sun at their 

 backs. This cannot be their invariable habit in a country where 

 the sun is so often invisible, though possibly it is adopted when- 

 ever there is a chance, and the motive is obvious. The objects 

 to be attacked are dazzled by the sun^s rays, while the assailants 

 are able to examine their brilliantly-lighted, intended victims at 

 their ease, whose eyes are picked out at the earliest opportunity, 

 and are thus rendered completely defenceless. The herdsmen on 

 Antisana had lifelong familiarity with the Condor, and did not 

 stand in awe of it. They told me that the bird was particularly 

 addicted to old horse and young calf, and might, after feeding, 

 be easily caught with the lasso. Sen or Eebolledo said that it 

 would be a mercy to slaughter some of his worn-out steeds, and 

 one was killed and laid out in order that his people might 

 display their dexterity. 



We all descended to Antisanilla on the afternoon of March 

 11, and the baggage went on the next morning to Pinantura;^ 

 while I was taken to a neighbouring valley to see how wild 

 cattle were captured, and after witnessing some clever horseman- 

 ship was led a mile or two towards the south. The slaughtered 

 horse had been laid out on high ground, in a hollow surrounded 

 by little knolls ; and watchers, posted in concealment, counted 

 the company as it assembled. A scout stopped us while still a 

 mile away, saying that the feast had scarcely commenced, although 

 eighteen Condors had arrived, and he kept us lying for several 



1 The following times were occupied between the places which have been named 

 in this chapter. Quito to top of Puengasi ridge, 75 min. ; thence to the commence- 

 ment of the flat ground on the other side, 1 h. 55 min. There was a good made 

 road so far. Hacienda Colegio to Pintac, 4 hours ; Pintac to Hacienda of Pinantura, 

 2 h. 25 min, ; Pinantura to Hacienda of Antisanilla, 4h. 15 min. ; Antisanilla to 

 Hacienda of Antisana, 3 h. 5 min. (without the baggage train). Hacienda of 

 Antisana to Antisanilla, 2 h. 55 min. (with the baggage). Antisanilla to Piiiantura, 

 2 h. 30 min. (without the baggage). 



