TO RIO SAN PEDRO. 
359 
This saves much time in packing, and avoids confu- 
sion. The aparejo or pack-saddle, is a heavy, clumsy 
affair, stuffed with hay so as to form a large pad on 
each side of the animal, to protect him from his heavy 
burden, and weighing from thirty to forty pounds. 
When all is ready, a blinder is slipped over the eyes 
of the mule, which renders him perfectly docile. The 
cumbrous saddle is then thrown over his back, and 
bound with lashings so firmly, that the body of the 
beast is brought into the shape of an hour-glass ; after 
which the load is laid on and secured by a mysterious 
combination of cords, which none but an arriero can 
comprehend. These are tightened by the united 
efforts of two men, who, with one foot against the sad- 
dle, pull away with their utmost strength. The groans 
and grunts of the animals as the cords tighten upon 
them, the jokes and shouts of the arrieros, and occa- 
sionally the antics of a beast that for a moment has 
regained its liberty, form a scene which is ever novel 
•and amusing. Now and then, after every thing has 
been arranged, and a mule has been suffered to walk 
ofi* with his load, he will lie down and roll, displacing 
his pack, and putting every thing in disorder. All 
has then to be taken off, and the process repeated de 
novo. The arrieros, who are all Mexicans, form a 
peculiar class, who differ as much from their country- 
men, as sailors with us do from landsmen. 
Soon after 12 o’clock I left the Copper Mines, in 
advance with my immediate party, intending to stop 
at some convenient watering place for the rest. We 
were all mounted, including the captive girl, who was 
placed on a very gentle mule. All the baggage, camp 
