288 



PAZ AND LIEBRE HARRIS. 



August 



between two ranges of the Cordillera ; others said it was in the 

 plains ; but all appeared to think there was no doubt of the 

 existence of such a settlement. 



In Villarino's Diary of his Exploration of Anegada Bay, 

 I find that he was much assisted by horses and mules, which 

 he carried on board his vessels, and landed as often as he had 

 occasion to make a journey by land. At the river Negro I 

 heard that some of these animals became so tame, and accus- 

 tomed to landing and embarkation, that they would leap quietly 

 into or out of the boats, when required.* 



On the 19th of August, we anchored near the bar of the 

 Negro, to meet the Paz and Liebre, take our officers and men 

 on board, and pay Mr. Harris the money to which he was 

 entitled, not only by contract, but by the uniform attention, 

 activity, and thorough kindness, which he and his partner 

 had shown to their temporary companions ; by their know- 

 ledge as pilots, and by the useful information which they had 

 readily given, to the full extent of their abilities. The complete 

 success of that enterprize was greatly owing to the conduct of 

 those two worthy men. Before dark all was settled, our party 

 was safely on board ; we quitted Harris and Roberts, with 

 their useful little craft, mutually satisfied ; and made sail for 

 Blanco Bay, where there was still work to be done ; intending 

 to add to our already numerous soundings, while following the 

 seaward edges of the banks. 



On the 24th, we moored off the Wells, in Port Belgrano. 



Next day. Lieutenant Sulivan went with a party to explore 

 the furthest extreme of the inlet, while others were occupied, as 

 usual, in the various duties always necessary on board a ship, 

 in addition to those of a survey. 



Mr. Darwin was at Argentina, and hearing of our arrival, 

 rode to the Wells. He had met General Rosas on the Colo- 

 rado, who treated him very kindly ; and he was enjoying his 

 shore-roving without any annoyance, the old major being no 

 longer afraid of a ' naturalista."* 



* Viedma and other Spaniards were similarly assisted in their expe- 

 ditions. 



