THE PAMPAS. 



193 



are a singular variety of nature. I have seen 

 them growing round the iron balcony of a win- 

 dow without any root, a peculiarity which en- 

 titles them to the name of air plants. Some 

 of them have a fragrant smell. 



In Paraguay there is a species of creeper 

 called Guenbe, growing from the hollow trunks 

 of decayed trees. This class is long, straight, 

 and flexible, without any knots, and when the 

 bark is peeled off the roots it can be twisted 

 into ropes and cables for ships. The fibres of 

 the aloe at Buenos Ayres have also been used 

 for making ropes. 



During one stage my horse fell, from fatigue 

 and want of wind, and would have rolled upon 

 me ; but as I lay on my back, I luckily pushed 

 him hard with my foot, which turned the ba- 

 lance, and over he went on the other side ; whilst 

 I got up quietly, unhurt, and remounted him. 

 This is the first fall I have had. Maclean got 



VOL. I. K 



