105 



known by the name of the Cuchilla* de Guana- 

 guana. We found this passage difficult, because 

 at that time we had not climbed the Cordille- 

 ras ; but it is by no means so dangerous as they 

 love to represent it at Cumana. The path is 

 indeed in several parts only fourteen or fifteen 

 inches broad ; and the ridge of the mountain, 

 along which the road runs, is covered with a 

 short turf extremely slippery ; the slopes on 

 each side are steep, and the traveller, if he 

 should stumble, might slide down on the grass 

 to the depth of seven or eight hundred feet. 

 Nevertheless, the flanks of the mountain offer 

 rather steep declivities than real precipices ; 

 and the mules of this country are so sure foot- 

 ed, that they inspire the greatest confidence. 

 Their habits are the same as those of the beasts 

 of burden in Switzerland and the Pyrenees. In 

 proportion as a country is more savage, the in- 

 stinct of domestic animals improves in address 

 and sagacity. When the mules feel themselves 

 in danger, they stop, turning their heads to the 

 right and to the left ; the motion of their ears 

 seems to indicate, that they reflect on the deci- 

 sion they ought to take. Their resolution is 

 slow, but always just, if it be free; that is to 



* Ridge like " the blade of a knife." Throughout all 

 Spanish America they give the name of cuchilla to the ridge 

 of a mountain terminated on each side by very steep decli- 

 vities. 



