244 



MENDOZA. 



under the dark mountains which form the base 

 of the great range of the Andes, we perceived 

 before us the spires, and domes, and poplar 

 groves of Mendoza. We hailed the sight with 

 unfeigned joy, regarding it, after so rough a 

 journey, as a land of promise, overflowing 

 with milk and honey. Kind fate had steered 

 us clear of all disasters on the plain of the 

 Pampas, and no sailors ever entered port 

 more merrily than we urged our lame cattle 

 into Mendoza. 



There was no room at the inn to which we 

 had been directed; so we stood under the 

 burning sun in the middle of the street, con- 

 sidering what was best to be done. Presently 

 a goodnatured dame stepped forth from an 

 opposite patio, and requested us to put up at 

 her house. I felt, at the time, as if in one 

 minute more I should take fire ; so to save a 



