MENDOZA. 



243 



house, at which we were very much gratified 

 by the amiable politeness of the mistress, and 

 a pretty daughter. They showed us into a 

 large garden, abounding with figs, plums, 

 peaches, and nectarines, insisting upon our 

 eating as much as we desired, and giving us 

 afterwards a good dinner indoors ; peremp- 

 torily refusing any remuneration for this cour- 

 teous display of hospitality. 



From this post to Mendoza was only ten 

 miles. The road lay over the dry bed of a tor- 

 rent. Heaps of small sharp stones cut and lamed 

 our horses* feet, which were as usual unshod ; 

 our attempts, therefore, to quicken their pace 

 for the purpose of keeping time with our im- 

 patience, were quite abortive. We were riding 

 now between mud walls, enclosing meadow 

 lands. Farm-houses met our view as we ad- 

 vanced, some of them whitewashed. Soon, 

 m 2 



