222 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xii. 



from the trees at the rate of four a penny ; and on the 28th 

 left for Guachak;, passing at mid-day the village of Cousobamba 

 (about the same elevation as Quito), where there was cMclia, 

 but no water. The track wound through a large diversity of 

 scenery, sometimes amongst woods, or dipping into quebradas, 

 and this must be one of the grandest rides in the universe when 

 the surrounding mountain panorama is visible. We arrived at 

 Guachala/ however, without having had 9, single glimpse of 

 Cayambe ; and, finding that the tenant was absent, rode over 

 the next morning to Cayambe village, in quest of information. 



I brought a letter of introduction to the Jefo-politico, and 

 learnt that he was on the plaza, engaged in an affair of import- 

 ance. He was surrounded by a large part of the male population, 

 crowding together, jostling and pushing each other to get a 

 good view of the business which was being transacted. It was 

 the concluding round of a cock-fight for the championship of 

 Cayambe, and when it was over the Jefo-politico had leisure 

 to attend to me. He promised that a guide should be provided ; 

 but, say what I would, the conversation invariably bore round 



1 In the garden at the back of this establishment, before breakfast on the 

 29th, I collected fourteen species of bugs and beetles, eleven of which prove to 

 be new to science. The bushes were loaded with the AsUjlus described by Mr. 

 Gorham (Supp. App., pp. 52-3). Whilst engaged in this occupation, the sun 

 came out (at 8 a.m.) brightly, and drove me into the house. This was the only 

 occasion upon the whole journey that I felt the rays of the sun were dangerous. 

 The people in general at Cayambe and Guachala seemed to me to have even 

 lighter complexions than those at Quito, which implies that they do not feel the 

 sun very often. 



Between Guallabamba and Guachala I dismounted twice to secure fine beetles 

 which were literally crossing our path, belonging to the Dynastidce. One of these 

 is a known species {Heterogomphus Bourcierl, Guerin) ; for the reception of the 

 other, Mr. Bates has instituted the genus Praogolofa {Supp. App., p. 34). 



The following times were occupied in going from the capital to Guachala. 

 Quito to the top of the Quebrada of Guallabamba, 4 hours 50 min. ; descent to 

 the bottom of the ravine (cutting the zigzags) 1 h. 35 min., those following 

 the path took 2 hs. 30 min, ; bridge to the village of Guallabamba, 70 minutes. 

 Guallabamba to Cousobamba, 3 hs. 20 min. ; thence to Guachala, 5 hours. 



