OF THE PAMPAS. 



11 



had been destroyed in the war, and all that was 

 known of it was, that it was for purposes which 

 were not apphcable to the great poHtical system 

 which should now be adopted. 



It was soon perceived that the Provinces of the 

 Rio de la Plata were without a harbour ; that the 

 town of Buenos Aires was badly situated ; and as 

 the narrow policy of Spain had forbidden the plant- 

 ing of the olive and the grape, the spots which 

 were best adapted to the natural produce of the 

 country had been neglected : while for mining, and 

 other purposes connected with the Spanish system, 

 towns had been built in the most remote and im- 

 practicable situations ; and men found themselves 

 living together in groups they knew not why, 

 under circumstances which threw a damp over ex- 

 ertion, and under difficulties which it appeared 

 hopeless to encounter. 



Their situation was, and still is, very lamentable. 

 The climate easily affords them the few necessaries 

 of life. Away from all practicable communication 

 with the civilized world, they are unable to partake 

 of the improvements of the age, or to shake off 

 the errors and the disadvantages of a bad political 



