LAS JUNTAS. 



411 



mountain being nearly perpendicular, and the 

 trees growing thickly on them, up to the very 

 edge of our path on either side. Occasion- 

 ally, where the trees allowed, we had a pic- 

 turesque and commanding view of the deep 

 vales beneath, and the towering mountains that 

 surrounded them, whilst a boisterous and foam- 

 ing torrent dashed below, on both sides of the 

 mountains we traversed, hurrying on the same 

 course as ourselves to the termination of the 

 ridge, at Las Juntas ; and adding by its silvery 

 appearance and sparkling foam, to the magni- 

 ficence of the striking scenery. 



Saw several ranas de veneno in the damp 

 places in the wood. About three o'clock we 

 arrived at the passage of the river, directly 

 opposite to which is the small village of Las 

 Juntas. We hailed the passage-canoe, which 

 crossed, and conveyed us over at two or three 

 trips. I went immediately to the Alcalde, 

 a mulatto, who received me very civilly, 

 and took charge of my baggage. I then ar- 

 ranged with him for canoes for the following 

 morning, and, after procuring a tolerable sup- 

 per, retired to rest; but what with a tremen- 

 dous thunder-storm, torrents of rain, an In- 



