SEASONS FOR CROSSING THE CORDILLERA. 277 



visions and charcoal during these monthsj, in the 

 event of such a casualty = 



Winter, These are the dreary months when it 

 is totally closed^ and impassable to every thing 

 save man alone. I have already said sufficient 

 of a winter in the Andes^, to induce the traveller 

 to take every precaution in having his wants 

 supplied before he enters them. One thing I 

 would recommend to be carried with him — (he 

 may probably recollect the description of my de- 

 scent down the Cuesta de Concual ; if not^ let him 

 turn to page 1 53^)^ — that is^ a few fathoms of good 

 line ; for it would be found very useful in many 

 cases. The arrieros generally carry with them an 

 iron crow-bar; now, in going down so steep a 

 descent as the above, this bar may be thrust deep 

 and firmly into the snow, and, by attaching the 

 line to it, the descent might be performed with- 

 out much danger ; it would also be of great ser- 

 vice in ascending steep and slippery places, a 

 peon being sent up first to fix it, and make fast 

 the line. Having this stand-by, would inspire 



