276 SEASONS FOR CROSSING THE CORDILLERA. 



taking too wide a range) are at times attended 

 with some difficulty and risk^ according as they 

 are forward or backward, I have divided them 

 into four, which may be depended upon with 

 greater safety, and are as follows. 



Summer — January, February, March, April. 

 Autumn — May, June. 



Winter — July, August, September, October. 

 Spring — November, December. 



During the summer months, (as above,) the 

 Cordillera may be passed with ease and safety, 

 the passes of the mountains being entirely clear 

 of snow ; the rivers low, and easy of passage, 

 and no fear of snow storms. 



Autumn. Generally speaking, it may be 

 passed easily ; but instances occur of unsettled 

 weather in May, and the snow setting in early in 

 June ; in which case, storms may be appre- 

 hended ; therefore it would be advisable for the 

 traveller to provide himself with a supply of pro- 



