IBAGUE. 345 



On the 27th I started for the mine with 

 one peon, to excavate, furnished with the 

 necessary implements; two to load leathern 

 bags containing about sixty pounds weight 

 each, and carry them to a neighbouring 

 stream to be washed by two others with 

 their bateas. We soon arrived at the spot 

 and commenced operations ; but not one 

 grain of gold could we procure from the 

 load, which accounted for the refusal of my 

 friend, the guide, to accompany us. 



Dec. 28th. Sunday. Finding, on enquiry, 

 that 1 was not likely to meet with more 

 success in my researches for mines in this 

 part of the country, or at best, only getting 

 vague and indefinite information on this 

 subject, I resolved on undertaking the ar- 

 duous journey from Ibague to Cartago, 

 across the first grand chain of the Cor- 

 dilleras of the Andes, in order to visit the 

 valley of the Cauca, so justly celebrated 



