INDIAN KINDNESS. 



157 



drops. It is the tallest tree in the valley. The willow naturally grows 

 by the side of streams, where the roots creep out into water or swampy 

 ground. The apple produces best on higher and drier earth. Almost 

 every plant in this valley has to be raised by irrigation. 



We returned, after a harassing ride to Miraflores, " see the flowers," ' 

 where we found the old Indian's wife had provided chupe for us, and 

 lucerne for our animals. She had stirred in so much "aje" — the red 

 dwarf pepper — that we preferred her boiled corn. This seemed so 

 strange she dropped several stitches in the woollen stockings she was 

 knitting, and looked as much as to say, " Where do you come from, that 

 you don't like aje ?" When she was paid for her kindness, she laughed, 

 gave us apples, and sent her son to show the way through the peach trees 

 and strawberry patches. The attention of the Indians is much attracted 

 to hear us talking in English. They listen, look at each other, listen 

 again, and say " don't understand that" Then they close up and stand 

 in deep thought as they reflect. When they see we want anything they 

 offer assistance or kindness, which shows a frank, honest hospitality to 

 strangers. They seldom ask for anything; when they receive a gift it 

 is with a quiet modesty, which speaks their thanks more plainly than 

 words. 



On our return to Buena Vista, in town, near the alameda, we found 

 Jose with a fine young dog, which had been sent by a friend, and which 

 we named Mamore. The dogs in this country are often a miserable 

 breed of curs, Mamore appears to be a cross between a Spanish terrier 

 and the mastiff ; while very brave he is very affectionate, and being 

 young enough to be spoiled by too much company, we train him as 

 sentinel at night, and keep him very exclusive ; his services may be 

 very much needed on the journey ; his color is yellowish brown, and 

 he is of large size. The Indians are so partial to dogs that they raise 

 more than they can conveniently support. The young aborigines seem 

 to have greater fondness for animals than for each other. We have 

 seen two of them pelting one another with mud balls, while a third 

 seated on a sow, looking with delight at nine squealers helping them- 

 selves to milk. When she rose on her fore-feet, the child rolled off 

 among the pigs, laughingly grasping the first tail in his way, to the great 

 annoyance of his hungry companions. 



We have news of the mail being stopped between Sucre and Oruro 

 by a heavy fall of snow on the Andes, which was deep enough to 

 break in the roofs of houses in Oruro, while here peaches are sold in the 

 market. 



The peach tree flourishes better than the apple, but both fruit and 



