114 



DEPARTURE FOR THE CERRO. 



between Tarma and Chanchamayo ;) whereas, by the route through 

 Huanuco there are at least two, and these very broken, elevated, and 

 rugged. I think that the Ucayali affords the best means of communi- 

 cation with the interior of Peru, and my impression is that it is best 

 approached by the way of Chanchamayo. 1 hinted this, but my friend 

 hooted at the idea; and I find the same jealousy in him that I found in 

 the Tarma people. Both here and there they say it will be a great day 

 for them when the Americans get near them with a steamer. 



July 13. — I had unfortunately selected a feast-day, and one, too, on 

 which there was a regular bull fight, (the first that had been seen in the 

 Cerro,) for my departure, and found great difficulty in getting off. The 

 muleteers I had engaged were drunk at an early hour, and not making 

 their appearance, I had to send .the police after them. It is really 

 curious to observe how entirely. indifferent to the fulfilment of a promise 

 these people are, and how very general the vice is. These muleteers 

 had given me the strongest assurances that they would be at my door 

 by daylight, and yet when they made the promise they had not the 

 slightest idea of keeping it. The habit seems to be acquiesced in and 

 borne with patience by even the true and promise-keeping English. 

 My friend, Mr. Jump, did not sympathize in the least with my fretful- 

 ness, and seemed surprised that I expected to get off. 



I desire to express my thanks to him, and the amiable members of 

 his family, Mr. and Mrs. Biggs, for those kind attentions that cheer the 

 heart and renew the energies of the worn wayfarer. 



