CHILIAN FAKMER. 



147 



Our host was a native Chilian, but of Spanish 

 descent. He was a considerable landed proprie- 

 tor, who passed the greater part of his time on 

 his estate, and who, from his knowledge of farm- 

 ing, cattle-breeding, and the cultivation of the 

 vine, had been enabled not only to turn his pro- 

 perty to good account, but to obtain great influ- 

 ence in the country. By kindness and hospitali- 

 ty he drew people to his house, while his talents 

 and information rendered him an invaluable neigh- 

 bour. His wife was absent in the city for her con- 

 finement, but her father and two sisters were of 

 our party. 



Between four and five o'clock, the siesta being 

 over, our friends rubbing their eyes gradually 

 made their appearance ; and by half past five, we 

 were all assembled. The careta, which is mere- 

 ly a covered cart, well supplied with mats and 

 straw in place of springs, was ordered for the la- 

 dies, who set out to pay what they were pleased 

 to call " Unas visitas campestres in plain Eng- 

 lish, gossiping country visits. 



The gentlemen rode in another direction to 

 see the cattle selected for next day's Matanza or 



