PERU. 261 



The morning proved so boisterous, with frequent hail-showers, that 

 iiey determined to remain the day, to rest their mules and recruit them- 

 selves. Their breakfast was more acceptable than the last night's 

 supper ; it consisted of olla-podrida and milk. 



As the weather allowed them to botanize, they set out in two parties, 

 but had not been occupied over two hours, before they were overtaken 

 by a severe snow-storm, which entirely covered up all small plants, and 

 made it difficult for them to scale the rocks. 



On the 21st, they had determined to proceed to Banos, which, from 

 the description of their guides, who were ignorant, however, of the 

 route beyond Casa Cancha, they had been led to believe was on the 

 eastern slope of the mountain. 



They started at an early hour, with the wild geese flying and feeding 

 around them, determining to visit Alpamarca, which is distant from 

 Casa Cancha about two leagues ; but owing to their guides being unac- 

 quainted with the paths, they were led about among the mountains, and 

 over extensive plains, covered with coarse herbage. A variety of 

 beautiful flowers were found, and many domesticated llamas were seen 

 feeding. At eleven o'clock they stumbled, as if by accident, on the 

 place, consisting of a number of huts ; one of these showed the welcome 

 sign of bread for sale, viz., a basket stuck upon a long pole ; and they 

 were fortunate in procuring some small rolls. 



Alpamarca proved to be in the vicinity of a silver mine, and here 

 they found a goodly company of Peruvian gentlemen, collected from 

 various quarters, and among them the general to whom they had 

 brought letters to Obrajillo. They were received with great kindness 

 and attention ; the company insisted upon their dismounting, and gave 

 them the cheer they had prepared for themselves, which was readily 

 partaken of. It was served in a large gourd-shell, and consisted of a 

 Spanish hotch-potch, or olla, with carrots, pot-garlic, pepper, and small 

 bits of mutton. It was observed, as the eatables were disappearing, 

 that the Spanish Dons now and then would partake of the tidbits by 

 reaching over the^r shoulders from behind. This repast was well 

 timed, for our party had been fasting sufficiently long to enable them to 

 do ample justice to it. 



On further examination, the hut proved to be provided with some few 

 of the necessaries of life, although the supply was not large. 



The Peruvians sent for the superintendent of the mine, and in the 

 mean time showed the process of extracting the silver, which was as 

 follows : the ore is broken up until it resembles earth ; it is then thrown 

 into a large round vat and mixed with mercury and water ; six or 

 eight mules are then turned in and driven round and. round, until the 



