LEAVE MENDOZA. 



261 



As it may be of service to any traveller cross- 

 ing the Cordillera^ I have given the different 

 distances to various places^ casuchas^ &c. all 

 through the Andes^ commencing from Valparaiso 

 to Mendoza. ^ 



The courier not being despatched from the 

 post-office till late on the 2Qithy I did not leave 

 Mendoza till eight o^clock on the morning of the 

 21th. We very soon came to the Rio de Men- 

 doza, running wide and deep, a quarter of a mile 

 across. We were obliged to strip, and crossed 

 it with guides on very tall horses, that were in 

 attendance for the purpose : the luggage was put 

 on the top of their backs. I crossed over in my 

 shirt only : the courier, peon, and guides dis- 

 pensed with this incumbrance, and wished me to 

 do the same, fearing the horses might fall ; but 

 as the river was not very rapid, I knew I could 

 trust to my swimming, in the event of being put 

 to it. I am only astonished how the horses 

 kept their footing, for my saddle was under 

 water. A guide remained on each side of me to 



* For this Table see the Appenrlix. 



