CHII 1 



179 



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.DEL p-RADj 



vehicles, mules, &c, threading their way up and down the mountain- 

 side, laden with foreign and domestic products. This is the only road 

 of any extent for wheel-carriages in the country. It is kept in good 

 repair by convicts, who are seen working in chains. A moveable 

 prison or lock-up house, somewhat resembling the cages used in 

 caravans of wild beasts, is used for their accommodation and security 

 at night. 



The heavy merchandise is for the most part transported in ox-carts 

 of enormous dimensions. Their wheels are clumsy and without tires, 

 and the w r hole frame is made strongly with timber pinned together. 

 Their perpendicular sides and rounded tops are wattled with cane and 

 covered with bull's-hide. No iron is used in their structure ; wooden 

 pins and raw-hide lashings seem to answer the purpose better. The 

 yoke is set on the heads of the oxen, behind the horns, and fastened to 

 them. The creaking of these carts may be heard for miles, as the 

 drivers never think of greasing the axles to lessen the friction. They 

 are generally drawn by four or eight oxen. The wood-cut, at the end 

 of this chapter, from a sketch taken by Mr. Drayton, will complete the 

 description. 



Lighter articles are transported by mules, and immense numbers of 

 these animals are seen on the road at all times. 



