286 



A VOYAGE TO 



are so small^ as to admit little more than the big toe 

 of the rider, who makes a very grotesque figure with 

 his long flowing poncho. This is a kind of striped 

 cotton, or woolen rug, of the manufacture of the coun- 

 try, fine or coarse, according to the purse of the wear- 

 er, with nothing but a slit in the middle, through 

 which the head is thrust, it hangs down perfectly loose, 

 resembling somewhat, a wagoner's frock. In rain, it 

 answers the purposes of a big-coat, and in hot wea- 

 ther, is placed on the saddle. It is also used for 

 sleeping on, as the Indians do their blanket. It is 

 possible after all, that this singularity of dress, may 

 not make any great difference in the man. There is 

 nothing remarkable in the complexion or features, ex- 

 cepting where there happens to be a little dash of the 

 Indian, There is more of indolence, and vacancy^ (if 

 I may use the word,) in the expression in their coun- 

 tenances, and an uncouth wildness of their appear- 

 ance; but it must be remembered, that we also of the 

 north, are reproached by Europeans for our careless- 

 ness of time, and our lazy habits. These gauchos, I 

 generally observed clustered about the pulperias, or 

 grog shops; of which there are great numbers in the 

 city and suburbs; these people frequently drink and 

 carouse on horseback, while the horses of those that 

 are dismounted, contiuue to stand still without being 

 fastened, as they are all taught to do, and champing 

 the bit. These carousing groups would afford ex- 

 cellent subjects for Flemish painters. The horses,! 

 though not of a large size, are all finely formed; I do| 

 not recollect a single instance in which I did not re-| 

 mark good limbs, and head, and neck. The gauchos 

 are often bare footed and bare legged; or, instead of 



