156 



MEET OUR PEONS FROM CHILI. 



not have let go on the steepest part for all the 

 gold and silver in the mines of Peru. 



Descending at this rapid rate^ it may be ima- 

 gined^ caused a great change of temperature; 

 for, as we advanced, we found the snow getting 

 softer, consequently our labour greater, sinking 

 in some places far above the knees. At length 

 we met our peons from Chili, who had horses 

 and mules for us at the foot of the snow, which 

 they informed us, extended within a league of 

 La Guardia. Still pushing forward, we arrived 

 at the horses, and cleared the snow about four 

 P.M. very much fatigued. 



The sensation of relief to the eyes, and tread- 

 ing on terra firma, can scarcely be described ; 

 and the sight of the horses, being the only 

 living creatures we had seen for five days, can 

 only be imagined by those who have felt it. 

 As there were not mules sufficient to carry us 

 and our luggage, my companion and I mounted 

 the horses, leaving every thing behind but our 

 wet beds, under the care of two of the peons ; 



