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out at three or four different times, and, when the washing was com- 

 pleted, was dried over a fire and weighed : it amounted to nearly 

 twenty ounces Troy. This is esteemed a very rich place, and such 

 circumstances are of rare occurrence. The whole neighbourhood is 

 sterile, presenting the same characteristics as those before described. 

 By proper cultivation it might be rendered very productive ; but, as 

 the troops of negroes and their officers are continually changing, no 

 regular establishments are formed. 



This place probably derived its name from a most disagreeable 

 insect, which infests the low brushwood in the neighbourhood. It is 

 like a sheep-tick ; and, on getting access to any part of the body, it 

 fastens imperceptibly, buries its head under the skin, and draws 

 blood until its body is swelled to the size of a bean. If forcibly re- 

 moved, it leaves a very deep disagreeable hole, which is frequently 

 difficult to heal. The best mode of getting rid of the animal is to 

 kill it with either laudanum or oil, and suffer it to remain until it 

 dies, when it will drop off. 



In the afternoon we returned to Tejuco by another route more 

 mountainous than that by which we had come. Crossing a deep 

 ravine, formerly very rich in diamonds, we rode up a mountain full 

 a mile on the ascent, and passed several rivulets, which I was in- 

 formed had produced many fine stones. These, and in fact all the 

 best situations in the district, had been in the possession of the 

 smugglers, and were explored by those enterprising men. In the 

 course of our journey, I observed that whenever a traveller or a 

 negro was seen by any of our party at a distance from the road, a 

 soldier was instantly dispatched to bring him to the officers, before 

 whom he underwent an examination. 



In the evening we arrived at Tejuco, where I was desirous of re- 

 maining a week to recruit my strength. Mr. De Caraara ordered my 

 baggage to his house, whither I removed in comphance with his 

 pressing invitation : he was kind enough to give me his library as 

 my private room ; it was extensive and very select, consisting chiefly 



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