THE PAMPAS. 



183 



ostriches from the long grass. They crossed our 

 path with extended wings, making long strides, 

 and, when at a distance, had the appearance 

 of men running. Several deer also jumped 

 up, quite close to us. They were of a mo- 

 derate size, without horns, and of a dark fawn 

 colour. 



About twelve o'clock it was excessively hot ; 

 even the breeze became fiery. We arrived at a 

 post-house occupied by a detachment of cavalry, 

 which had been sent from the neighbouring 

 province of Santa Fe into the territory of 

 Buenos Ayres, in consequence of the Indians 

 having invaded this part of the country. The 

 Indians had been seen the day before, in the 

 direction in which we were going ; but I was 

 too tired and thirsty to listen to what was said ; 

 and after getting a little girl to fill me a tin mug 

 with water to drink, I accepted the offer of the 



