370 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xix. 



toe of one step almost touched the heel of the next one." Our rate 

 on this day was deplorable, partly owing to exceptional softness of 

 the snow [p. 71]. 



Circumstances then compelled me to leave Chimborazo [pp. 

 78-80] and to descend to lower levels. Between Jan. 12 and 

 Feb. 17, the highest pressure observed was 22*156, at Ambato, 

 and the lowest was 16*348 inches, on Illiniza [p. 133]. Upon 

 February 18-19, we stayed at or close to the summit of Cotopaxi 

 (19,500 to 19,613 feet) for twenty -six consecutive hours, with 

 the barometer standing at 14 "750 inches, without any serious 

 inconvenience . [p. 150]. This was the greatest length of time we 

 remained continuously at so low pressure. 



As we were not ''incapacitated^ upon Cotopaxi, it was not 

 likely that we should be very acutely affected upon Antisana or 

 Cayambe. Headache did not occur at all, while ascending these 

 considerable mountains ; and nothing was noted that could be 

 attributed to ^ rarefaction of the air ' except the feeling of lassitude 

 and want of bodily strength, which always manifested itself at the 

 lower and lowest pressures [pp. 61, 70, 150, 235]. The spirit 

 indeed was willing but the flesh was weak. Upon Cayambe there 

 was convincing evidence that my two assistants were less vigorous 

 than usual [p. 235]. 



After quitting Cayambe, the barometer was not again seen 

 standing below 16 inches until the second ascent of Chimborazo; 

 and upon this occasion our experiences did not differ from those 

 last mentioned. No one had headache ; but, while in movement, 

 all found it was necessary to breathe through the mouth as well 

 as through the nostrils. When at rest, sufficient air could be 

 obtained through the nostrils alone ; and on the summit I was 

 able to keep my mouth shut for ten minutes while observing my 

 temperature. 



Excluding the time passed on the flat coast land, we were 212 

 days in Ecuador, and the nights were passed at the pressures and 

 elevations mentioned upon the next page. 



