THE PAMPAS. 



185 



and covered with long grass. As we ascended 

 each knoll, our eyes were anxiously cast all 

 round the horizon ; for we thought it more than 

 possible that the Indians might be within sight. 

 There was nothing, however, to be seen to alarm 

 us. The view was only now and then inter- 

 rupted by a solitary hut, surrounded by a high 

 prickly-pear fence, over which the Indians 

 cannot leap their horses, nor can they penetrate 

 it if the entrance is properly barricadoed. 



We met, during this ride, some covered 

 waggons, going to Buenos Ayres from Men- 

 doza. They were dragged by oxen, three or 

 four pair in each, and they moved slowly 

 along, without any grease to the axles, with 

 a creaking noise, that might be heard a mile 

 off. Men nearly naked, with long beards, 

 black hair, and complexions, bronzed with dirt 

 and sun, were sitting on the top of the 



