VI 
SIERRA VENT AN A 
1 15 
that the jagged and battered forms of the hard quartz yet show 
the effects of the waves of an open ocean. 
I was, on the whole, disappointed with this ascent. Even 
the view was insignificant ;—a plain like the sea, but without 
its beautiful colour and defined outline. The scene, however, 
was novel, and a little danger, like salt to meat, gave it a relish. 
That the danger was very little was certain, for my two 
companions made a good fire—a thing which is never done 
when it is suspected that Indians are near. I reached the 
place of our bivouac by sunset, and drinking much mate, and 
smoking several cigaritos, soon made up my bed for the night. 
The wind was very strong and cold, but I never slept more 
comfortably. 
September 10 th .—In the morning, having fairly scudded 
before the gale, we arrived by the middle of the day at the 
Sauce posta. On the road we saw great numbers of deer, and 
near the mountain a guanaco. The plain, which abuts against 
the Sierra, is traversed by some curious gulleys, of which one 
was about twenty feet wide, and at least thirty deep ; we were 
obliged in consequence to make a considerable circuit before we 
could find a pass. We stayed the night at the posta, the con¬ 
versation, as was generally the case, being about the Indians. 
The Sierra Ventana was formerly a great place of resort ; and 
three or four years ago there was much fighting there. My 
guide had been present when many Indians were killed : 
the women escaped to the top of the ridge, and fought 
most desperately with great stones ; many thus saving 
themselves. 
September 11 th .—Proceeded to the third posta in company 
with the lieutenant who commanded it. The distance is called 
fifteen leagues ; but it is only guess-work, and is generally 
overstated. The road was uninteresting, over a dry grassy 
plain ; and on our left hand at a greater or less distance there 
were some low hills ; a continuation of which we crossed close 
to the posta. Before our arrival we met a large herd of cattle 
and horses, guarded by fifteen soldiers ; but we were told many 
had been lost. It is very difficult to drive animals across the 
plains ; for if in the night a puma, or even a fox, approaches. 
