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154 from the sort of encouragement given to her by her medical attendants, there was but little chance of her recovery. Who those attendants were I cannot guess, but I fear the practice of medicine and surgery is at a very low ebb, no less in the capital than in every other part of the country. Having taken our lunch, (a very good one by the bye,) in the viranda, in front of the house, it was necessary to lie down and take our siestas. Doña Vicente and Don Jose preferred their hammocks, which were slung in the viranda, and, as there were two beds in the further room, they were occupied by the young lady and myself.

As we approached the village of Amatitañ, the country became more and more interesting. From the summit of a lofty eminence, which our animals had gained with laborious exertion, the prospects which opened before us were enchanting and terrific, like the charms of some beautiful female maniac. On our right, were the