THE ARRIVAL AT POSADAS. 
7 
shores of Paraguay. In the docks were the 
river steamers, that run from Buenos Aires to 
Posadas, and the smaller boats that ply between 
the latter town and Puerto Mendez. Barges 
and lighters were crowded in the harbour, being 
loaded with oranges, from carts heaped with 
golden fruit, standing axle-deep in the water. 
Across the brimming river, which is about 
two miles wide at this point, lay the little Para¬ 
guayan town of Encarnacion: a tiny ferry 
steamer plied backwards and forwards, and 
brought the Paraguayan women to market in 
the early mornings. The market was held on a 
small hill above the river, under the shade of 
some trees, where a breath of fresh air came 
from the water. Each booth was sheltered with 
a rough thatched cover or a piece of matting. 
Oranges were sold, mandioca, eggs, Indian corn, 
fried cakes and vegetables. The women were 
not uncomely. The poorer classes in Posadas 
wear a loose garment, like a bedgown, coloured 
or white; and a handkerchief bound tightly 
round the head. Their feet are bare, and they 
carry themselves well, with heavy baskets 
balanced on their heads. They are chiefly a 
mixed race, partly Indian, and partly of the 
province of Misiones, and talk a mongrel 
Guarani. 
The Paraguayans are a very marked type. 
They are olive-skinned, and have small fine 
features as a rule, set in a face curiously wide 
