118 
BAHIA BLANCA TO BUENOS AYRES 
CHAP. 
neither kept out the wind nor rain ; indeed in the latter case the 
only effect the roof had, was to condense it into larger drops. 
They had nothing to eat excepting what they could catch, such 
as ostriches, deer, armadilloes, etc., and their only fuel was the 
dry stalks of a small plant, somewhat resembling an aloe. 
The sole luxury which these men enjoyed was smoking the 
little paper cigars, and sucking mate. I used to think that the 
MATE POTS AND BAMBILLIO. 
carrion vultures, man’s constant attendants on these dreary 
plains, while seated on the little neighbouring cliffs, seemed by 
their very patience to say, “ Ah ! when the Indians come we 
shall have a feast.” 
In the morning we all sallied forth to hunt, and although 
we had not much success, there were some animated chases. 
Soon after starting the party separated, and so arranged their 
plans, that at a certain time of the day (in guessing which they 
show much skill) they should all meet from different points of 
the compass on a plain piece of ground, and thus drive together 
the wild animals. One day I went out hunting at Bahia Blanca, 
but the men there merely rode in a crescent, each being about 
