138 



PASSAGE ACROSS 



for a short distance, and then rapidly descends 

 towards the valley of Uspallata, which is about 

 thirty miles off. 



This valley is the upper base of the great range 

 of the Cordilleras ; and it is, at first, surprising to 

 see that the hills of the Paramillo, which had 

 appeared so lofty, are very humble features com- 

 pared with the stupendous barrier which, in spite 

 of its distance, appears to be on the point of 

 obstructing the passage. 



This enormous mass of stone, for it appears to 

 be perfectly barren, is so wild and rude in its 

 features and construction, that no one would judge 

 that any animal could force its way across the sum- 

 mit, which, covered with snow, in some places 

 eternal, seems to be a region between the heavens 

 and the practicable habitation of man ; and indeed 

 to attempt to pass it, except by following up in a 

 ravine the course of a torrent, would be altogether 

 impossible. 



From the Paramillo, the view on the east, or 

 contrary direction, is also very interesting. It is 

 pleasing to look down on the dijfficulties which 

 have been surmounted even to gain this point ; and 



