LIVA. 



223 



for our trouble, except an extensive view of 

 the plains beneath; we did not see a sign 

 of silver ore, but found several spots where 

 the natives had formerly washed for gold. 

 It was not until long after sunset that we 

 regained the town, when we were glad to 

 retire to rest. 



Oct. 10th. At eight o'clock mounted horses, 

 prepared for us by the alcalde, and, accom- 

 panied by a guide, proceeded to search for 

 a reported mine of native silver. The first 

 league lay over an open, barren- looking, 

 sandy country ; we then suddenly entered 

 amongst thick brushwood, and latterly fine 

 trees; from thence Liva is supplied with 

 fuel and wood for building : we now de- 

 scended by a zigzag road into a ravine, 

 through which a mountain-torrent was most 

 romantically dashing ; the bright foam oc- 

 casionally seen sparkling through the rich 



