258 PER U. 



after which they entered into a wild and romantic pass, between steep 

 acclivities and precipices of immense height. 



At ten o'clock they reached Culnai, a distance of five leagues ; it 

 contains about thirty cottages ; its height is believed to be ten thousand 

 feet above the sea, and here cultivation ceases, ending with the potato, 

 Tropa3olum, Oxalis, and Basella. The second region of plants also 

 terminates here, and now ensued the " Paramera," or pasture region 

 of the Andes, avoided by the inhabitants of the lower districts on 

 account of the cold. This third region gives growth to a set of plants 

 which make a gradual transition from those of the second region to 

 low alpine scraggy bushes, none of which exceed two feet, in height. 

 The Paramera is remarkable for a dense sward of coarse grass, and 

 low herbaceous plants, principally of the order Composite. The 

 flowers of the latter, it was remarked, were particularly large in pro- 

 portion to the plant. These form a rich pasturage for the flocks and 

 herds, which are seen feeding in the valleys and along the sides of the 

 hills. 



No cultivation is attempted beyond Culnai, and but two species of 

 Cacti were met with above this point. 



They had hitherto for the most part followed a northerly direction, 

 but now they diverged more to the northeast. The temperature was 

 falling as they ascended, the air was clear and bracing, and the 

 scenery as they advanced become more interesting, and even sublime. 

 To its wild and precipitous features was now added the high snowy 

 peak of La Vinda in the distance, and some few spots of snow were 

 occasionally seen in places sheltered from the sun's rays. The mule- 

 paths had become narrow, and when they met with mules, which was 

 often the case, it became necessary to turn under the rocks, until the 

 path was clear. On one occasion, one of the party allowed his mule 

 to take the outside ; the consequence was that a muleteer shoved mule 

 and rider several feet over the bank. No injury was received, and the 

 dilemma passed off with a good laugh at the fright. 



The sagacity of the mules on these occasions is remarkable. They 

 endeavour always to cling to the wall side, and will succeed in doing 

 it, if not prevented by the rider. Their caution is great when they 

 apprehend danger in passing over steep places ; the instant danger was 

 anticipated, the nose and fore feet were used to ascertain its extent, 

 which done, the animals cautiously proceeded, and reached the bottom 

 with great care and ease both to the rider and themselves. 



About three o'clock they had gained the fourth or alpine region, 

 where they were met with sharp and cutting winds, accompanied with 



