384 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



{Edwardsia Chilensis), together with the Oereus previously 

 mentioned, and various aromatic Zahiatce, and commanded 

 a magnificent view of the Andes, which were very clearly 

 displayed on this warm, bright day. On reaching our des- 

 tination we put up our horses at the post-house, and then 

 set out on a walk of about a couple of miles to see a water- 

 fall in a very remarkable deep narrow gorge. On the way 

 we saw several specimens of Sturnella militaris, and some 

 small finches, one of which, the Zonotrichia matutina, is as 

 common about Valparaiso as the house-sparrow is in England, 

 and bears a considerable resemblance to it ; and I also noticed 

 a variety of plants, among which a purple-flowered Labiate, 

 with an odour of thyme, the Gardoquia Gilliesii was the most 

 prevalent. We found the waterfall very small, owing to the 

 absence of rain for some time past, and after contemplating 

 it, returned to the post-house, and had a substantial luncheon, 

 of which the national *' casuela," an excellent soup formed of 

 fowls, eggs, and vegetables, boiled together, formed the princi- 

 pal part. We then remounted, and rode back to Valparaiso, 

 following a different and very striking road which wound 

 along the sides of the hiUs. On the way we observed nume- 

 rous specimens of a low palm* of ungraceful appearance 

 (owing to the bulging of its stem in the middle), which yields 

 a sweet sap used as sugar ; and we met numerous specimens 

 of the characteristic Chilian waggons, covered with dome- 

 shaped roofs of ox-hide, and drawn by teams of oxen. The 

 team generally consists of from eight to twelve animals yoked 

 together in pairs, the yoke being formed of a tliick, stout, 

 heavy wooden beam, one extremity of which is secured 

 immediately behind the horns of the animal, and each yoke 



* Formerly regarded as Juhcea spedabilis, but now, I believe, recognised as 

 a distinct genus under the name of Micrococos Chilensis. 



