RIO NEGRO. 



97 



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, the party 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 out- 



GOVERNOR S ESTANCIA. 



houses 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 satisfactorily an- 

 swered ; they were then allowed again to proceed. 



The next person whom they encountered was an American, Dr. 

 Ducatel, who was especially despatched by the governor; he an- 

 nounced 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 

 afterwards understood that the doctor, having picked up a smattering 

 of physic, and wishing to acquire a fortune, had gone to Buenos Ayres 

 to seek one. There he accidentally heard of the want of Rio Negro in 

 that respect; he embarked for that place with an ample store of drugs, 

 and established himself as apothecary, surgeon, and physician. He is 

 reported as having done well for some time, notwithstanding the 

 healthiness of the climate and place, until the troubles at Buenos Ayres 

 with the French, when the communication with the city being cut off, 

 had prevented him from obtaining his usual supplies, and the troops 

 from receiving their pay. With the former he had lost the means of 



VOL. I. i 13 



