300 CRUISE OF THE BARRERA 



our descent into the forested valley between, we 

 were obliged to pass through a clearing, in the 

 center of which stood a rude shack. From this 

 emerged two men who signalled us somewhat 

 brusquely to stop and then positively forbade us 

 to proceed. No amount of explanation of our 

 innocent intentions could prevail upon these 

 obstinate men, nor would they offer any reason 

 for their interference. Probably they suspected 

 in us prospectors for mineral. There being no 

 other route to the mountains save by an arduous 

 detour of many miles, we were obliged to content 

 ourselves with this fairly near view of the range. 

 It is quite certain, however, that there is no rock 

 exposure besides one small outcropping visible 

 near the highest point of elevation. This is likely 

 a bit of limestone-capping, although the Cerberus 

 of the mountains assured us it was a friable sand- 

 stone. Enough was seen, however, to convince us 

 that these hills had no connection geologically 

 with the Jurassic series of the western province. 

 No sign of any land-shells could be found along the 

 lower hills and we started homeward sadly dis- 

 appointed. In a bank of reddish clay, a mile or 

 so from the town, we discovered a few crumbling 



