JOUtlNEY. 



363 



been engaged five hours in ascending the 

 mountain, and one in quitting the city. It 

 seemed quite on the base of the mountain, 

 and the white houses, with their red-tiled roofs, 

 had a very picturesque appearance. 



We all took chocolate together, and made 

 ourselves perfectly happy : v^e retired to rest, 

 however, at an early hour, intending to start 

 betimes in the morning. 



Dec. 31st. Rose at daylight, having slept 

 well and perfectly dry, although much rain had 

 fallen during the night. My servant prepared 

 breakfast, whilst the peo7is rolled up the beau^ 

 leaves to serve for the rest of the journey. 

 At six, A. M., the thermometer 60°, with con- 

 siderable mist. At half-past seven mount- 

 ed my mule, leaving the frame of my tent 

 standing. I enquired the reason there were 

 none other but our own, as so many other 

 passengers besides ourselves must pass that 

 way. I was informed that they are destroyed 

 by the muleteers for firing, when passing 

 with their cargos, they being too lazy to cut 

 firewood ; thus obliging each traveller to lose 

 at least two hours in erecting his rancha. 



Malariho mounted his chair, when we tookj 



