108 



BUENOS AYRES. 



offer made to me by the doctor, of the one he 

 had lent me to ride, — as if he was anxious to 

 prove to me that Spanish professions were 

 sometimes sincere. After some importunity I 

 at last consented, and on returning to Buenos 

 Ayres, I rode this animal, and another which I 

 bought of a gaucho for four pounds, nearly the 

 whole distance ; thus avoiding the jolting of 

 the galera, the delays occasioned by the 

 swampy road, as well as the misery of an 

 ill-packed carriage, full of loose gun-cases, 

 a very fat purser, and a large Newfoundland 

 dog. # 



Dec. 11. — In a few days we embark again 



* My friend Neptune has now returned safely to 

 England, after two years absence on foreign service in 

 H. M. S. North Star ; during which period he conducted 

 himself on all occasions in a way to become a general 

 favourite. " Every dog has his day," and Neptune had 

 several which deserve to be recorded. 



