MODE OF TRAVELLING. 



49 



with the danger which positively exists in passing 

 through uninhabited regions, which are so often 

 invaded by the merciless Indians. 



In riding across the Pampas, it is generally the 

 custom to take an attendant, and people often wait 

 to accompany some carriage ; or else, if they are in 

 condition, ride with the courier, who gets to Men- 

 doza in twelve or thirteen days. In case travellers 

 wish to carry a bed and two small portmanteaus, 

 they are placed upon one horse, which is either 

 driven on before, or, by a halter, tied to the posti- 

 lion's saddle. 



The most independent way of travelling is with- 

 out baggage, and without an attendant. In this 

 case, the traveller starts from Buenos Aires or Men- 

 doza with a postilion, who is changed at every post. 

 He has to saddle his own horses, and to sleep at 

 night upon the ground on his saddle ; and as he is 

 unable to carry any provisions, he must throw him- 

 self completely on the feeble resources of the coun- 

 try, and live on little else than beef and water. 



It is of course a hard life ; but it is so delight- 

 fully independent, and if one is in good riding con- 



E 



