xii 



CONTENTS. 



Page 



CHAPTER VI. 



Lose all sight of the Track — Inca's Bridge choked 

 up with Snow — One of our Peons found nearly 

 dead in the Snow — Severity of the cold — Interest- 

 ing Extracts of the Sufferings of the French 

 Army in Russia — Advice to Travellers — Snow- 

 storm comes on — Peons lose their Courage — De- 

 sert our Luggage, and make a precipitate Re- 

 treat to the Casucha — Blocked up till the next 

 day — Description of a Snow-storm — Excessive 

 cold. Thermometer fifteen degrees below freezing 

 point . . . . .116 



CHAPTER VI. continued. 



Storm abates — Proceed — Find our Luggage buried 

 in Snow — Cross over natural Bridges of Snow — 

 Arrive at the Foot of the Cumbre — Magnificent 

 Appearance — Description of the Ascent — Arrive 

 at the Summit — Puna, or Difficulty of Breathing 

 — Descend immediately — Deserted Goods laying 

 in the Cordillera — Terrific Descent of the Cuesta 

 de Concual — Method of Descending — Meet our 

 Peons from Chili — Clear the Snow — Feelings at 

 the Time — Arrive at a deserted Guard-house — 

 Alto del Soldado, or Soldier's Leap — Arrive at 

 the Valley of Aconcagua — Chilian Ladies — Val- 



