DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIVES OF THE PAMPAS. 73 



Having now crossed the vast and dreary 

 Pampas, I can only say, that after travelling- 

 through such a country as the Banda Oriental, 

 it approaches almost to civilization ; in fact, I 

 found as much or more than could be ex- 

 pected in such a desert country. Indolence and 

 gambling appear to be their existing propen- 

 sities : the former I am not astonished at, on ac- 

 count of their very few wants ; as long as they 

 have beef, water, and a cigar, all are supplied. 

 The natives of the Pampas are a remarkably 

 fine, handsome race of men, with expressive, 

 intelligent countenances. From necessity, being 

 driven entirely to their own resources for a live- 

 lihood, they have acquired a very independent 

 air ; and from living almost on horseback, it ap- 

 proaches even to nobleness. Their good quali- 

 ties are very conspicuous : treat them civilly, 

 they will always return it in kind far beyond 

 what may be expected. A cigar presented in 

 due season, and with a proper degree of polite- 

 ness, will effect more than all the harsh words 



