70 



BUENOS AYRES. 



one a more unfavourable opinion of it, than 

 of its less pretending and more prosperous 

 neighbour. 



The river is always changing its aspect, with 

 the direction and force of the wind. There is 

 no regular tide, but the frequent gales of 

 wind force the water up, in muddy waves, 

 close to the low cliff on which the Quinta is 

 built ; and, within a few hours afterwards, I 

 have been astonished to observe the river 

 flowing tranquilly, at least half a mile off, in 

 consequence of a cessation of the wind having 

 suffered it to retire within its natural channel. 

 The intermediate space lately occupied by the 

 roaring waters is now found to consist of green 

 lumps of marshy earth, overgrown with rank 

 grass, and intersected by stagnant pools.- At 

 these pools washerwomen of all hues are.* to 

 be seen, beating the linen with thick sticks, 



