The  monotony  •  of  the  west  plain  is  unbroken  but  by  a  solitary
mountain,  rising  directly  from  the  bank  of  the  river,  as  if  detached
by  a  convulsion  of  nature  from  its  opposite  neighbor."

November  21s£,  5  o'clock  A.M.  Accompanied  by  Lieutenant
Powell,  Dr.  Carter,  and  the  pilot  Bernardino,  I  started  for  the  as-
cent of  Pan  de  Azucar.  After  wading  for  about  a  mile  and  a  half
through  a  sea  of  grass,  we  reached  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  and
commenced  the  ascent.  Making  our  way  over  volcanic  rocks  pro-
truding beyond  a  shrubby  growth,  and  at  times  through  closely
matted  and  almost  impenetrable  masses  of  vegetation,  we  had  ad-
vanced about  two  thirds  of  the  distance,  when  the  doctor  and  pilot
gave  out,  and  decided  to  remain  and  keep  each  other  company.
Spoiled  in  a  cruise  of  several  months,  where  we  had  only  to  "  dip
alongside"  for  the  luxury  of  fresh  water,  not  one  of  us  had  thought
of  bringing  a  single  bottle  of  the  essential  element.  Thirst  was
excessive;  but  we  continued  the  ascent,  and  by  8  o'clock  A.M.  Mr.
Powell  and  myself  were  standing  upon  the  rounded  summit,  where


VIEW  FROM  THE  MOUNTAIN.
a  stunted  and  scattering  growth  offered  no  obstacle  to  a  clear  and
uninterrupted  view  of  the  country  in  every  direction.
The  day,  fortunately  for  us,  was  not  intensely  hot.  At  8  A.M.
