16 



THE ANDES. 



chant was for going back^ and trying the 

 Uspallata pass ; but we overruled his objections^ 

 and finally determined to proceed at all hazards. 



Soon after this rencounter we crossed a small 

 but rapid torrent^ which I believe to be the 

 Portillo ; and entered a gorge^ where we found 

 a farm-house and some trees. Here we passed 

 a couple of hours^ to take refreshment and 

 repose, during the heat of the day. The place 

 is called Chacayes^ and is dignified by men- 

 tion being made of it in the maps of the country^ 

 though it only consists of one house. After 

 resting here we again began to wind slowly up a 

 valley^ within the base of the high Cordilleras. 

 As we proceeded^ following the course of a 

 mountain stream^ we observed that nearly all 

 vegetation^ but that of grasS;, had disappeared. 

 Little now remained to be seen but the rocky 

 stream^ and the dark-brown hills. When nearly 



