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Their riding boots or leggings are made of the hide from the leg of 
a horse. This is stripped off and put on the leg while yet green, 
where it is suffered to dry, and remain until worn out. They fit 
very closely to the foot like a stocking. The two largest toes of each 
foot were uncovered, for the convenience of putting them into the 
stirrup, which is only large enough to admit them. A long knife in 
the girdle completes the dress. 
During the time of our stay, the naturalists ranged the country in 
the vicinity, and the officers were engaged in making a survey of the 
roadstead and bar. 
The road to El Carmen is on the north bank of the river, over a 
range of downs, the south side being low. The river continues, 
about one-third of a mile wide, flowing in a broad, still current. 
There are no trees to be seen in the landscape. 
On their way they stopped at several estancias. These are 
houses built of adobes or unburnt brick, divided into two or three 
apartments, without floor, ceiling, or furniture, and with a few 
GOVERNOR S ESTANCIA. 
outhouses for the horses and slaves, and a coural for the cattle, formed 
of high poles, placed so near as to prevent the cattle from breaking 
through ; the poles are from four to six inches in diameter, and from 
twenty to thirty feet high. They were met on the way by the 
minister of finance or collector, whose interrogations were satisfac- 
torily answered, when they were allowed again to proceed. 
The next person whom they encountered was an American, Dr. 
Ducatel, who was especially despatched by the governor; he 
announced himself as a physician and a citizen of the United States. 
His appearance was unlike both. He was dressed in the chilipa and 
calzoncillas, in the full costume, and had the appearance, of the 
Guachos. His skill was much vaunted by his attendants. We 
