GUATAVITA. 197 



the rise of which, as we stopped to rest our 

 horses, we had a fine view of the plain 

 below, and numerous ridges of the Andes 

 bordering the whole scene. As we wound 

 up the mountain, occasionally following a 

 gently rising road on the brow, at other 

 times clambering up its steep ascent, ren- 

 dered difficult by the wet state of the road, 

 we constantly changed our view, and the 

 eye was pleased by the richness of the 

 verdure, the brilliance and luxuriance of 



a little on one side, the jerk pulls the entangled feet late- 

 rally, so as to throw him on his side without endangering 

 his knees or his face- Before the horse can recover the 

 shock, the rider dismounts, and snatching his poncho, or 

 cloak, from his shoulders, wraps it round the prostrate 

 animal's head ; he then forces into his mouth one of the 

 powerful bits of the country, straps a saddle on his back, 

 and bestriding him, removes the poncho ; upon which the 

 astonished horse springs on his legs, and endeavours by a 

 thousand vain efforts to disencumber himself of his new 

 master, who sits quite composedly on his back ; and by a 

 discipline which never fails, reduces the horse to such com- 

 plete obedience, that he is soon trained to lend his speed 

 and strength in the capture of his wild companions." 



