PINON. 307 



which is rapid and deep. On reaching the 

 opposite bank they are assembled, and each 

 person collects his own mules. During this, 

 the muleteers were engaged some in play- 

 ing with flat stones, a game similar to our 

 quoits ; others, having formed temporary 

 ranchas beneath the trees, were making fires 

 for cooking their food ; some were wrest- 

 ling, jumping, or running ; others lay list- 

 lessly in the shade until their turn for cross- 

 ing tlie river should arrive : all this rendered 

 the ford a scene of much interest and life, 

 forming a strong contrast to the many soli- 

 tary resting-places in which I had stopped 

 whilst on my journey. 



We proceeded to Pinon, a hacienda be- 

 longing to Augustin Toledo, where we pass- 

 ed the night, being very hospitably received 

 by the major-domo, in the absence of his 

 master. He was a native of Neyva, and did 

 not appear at all to like this part of the 



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