172 



DRAGOON OFFICER, 



horizon of this calm sea-like view, this 

 " Nil nisi pontus et aer," would gradually 

 increase in size, and as a ship seen at a great 

 distance in the ocean becomes at last an object 

 to arrest the eye, would open upon the view 

 as it was approached, and we could soon dis- 

 cern, one, two, or three low ranchos, a few 

 solitary peach-trees, and the high enclosure for 

 collecting the horses, called the coral. The 

 sameness of this scenery will sufficiently account 

 for the little there is for the pen to dilate upon. 

 The Sahara is an endless sandy plain, and the 

 Pampas is a great interminable field of grass. 



At noon we reached a post, which, from its 

 outhouses, whitewashed walls, and glass win- 

 dows, evidently belonged to a richer and better 

 sort of farmer. A dragoon officer in uniform, 

 with a servant in the same dress, were mount- 

 ing their horses at the door; also another 



