MAGNIFICENT GRAZING LAND 
four kilometres, rising to 1,400 feet, on which elevation 
was thick motto, or stunted, much entangled forest. 
Then we emerged again into glorious open country, 
marching over a stratum eight feet thick of whitish tufa 
and ashes, this stratum lying immediately above one of red 
volcanic earth. The strata were easily measurable where 
rivulets had cut deep grooves in the softer super¬ 
ficial strata and had reached the foundation layer of 
lava. 
The campos seemed to grow more and more beautiful 
as we went west. What magnificent grazing land! One 
could imagine on it millions and millions of happy, fat 
cattle; but no, not one was to be seen anywhere. What 
a pity to see such wonderful country go to waste! There 
was everything there, barring, perhaps, easy transport, to 
make the happiness and fortune of thousands upon thou¬ 
sands of farmers — excellent grazing, fertile soil, good 
healthy climate, and delicious and plentiful water — but 
the country was absolutely deserted. 
For miles the beautiful prairies extended, especially to 
the southwest, where in the distant background loomed a 
high, flat-topped tableland, interrupted by two deep 
cuts in its extensive, monotonous sky-line. Those cuts 
were near its southern end. To the south stood a long 
range of wooded hills, also with an absolutely flat sky¬ 
line. We ourselves were not higher than 1,400 feet above 
the sea level. My animals stumbled along over a region 
of much-broken-up debris; then again travelling was 
easier, although heavy, over tufa, sand, and ashes. On 
descending to a stream, 1,200 feet above sea level, we 
slipped terribly on the steep argillaceous slope, and the 
animals had great difficulty in climbing up on the opposite 
side, where we made our camp. 
The streamlet flowed east into a larger stream, which 
we also crossed, and which flowed southwest. 
It seemed to be getting colder at night as we went 
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