A Mining Journey Across the Great Andes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ... the name huanaco. In the Indian languages, Quichua and Aymara, it appears to mean a wild animal, or an animal that runs fast. In Quichua the verb to run being hauvrachani. Having arrived at the house we proceeded to skin and cut up our game, selecting the most delicate morsels to be taken with us on the march. In these regions of South America the climate is so dry that no fear need be entertained of the flesh or skins becoming putrefied; all that is required to preserve either is to extend it on the ground, or upon stakes, and allow the sun to have full play on it for several hours; it is then perfectly cured, and only by being wetted or damped will it show signs of decay. Towards evening I had the satisfaction of seeing my mule brought back by one of my men. He found her comfortably located amongst a number of others on an estate close to the town of San Juan, and after considerable difficulty succeeded in securing and carrying her off. CHAPTER XII. Partridge-Shooting--South American Partridges--A drowsy reveille--An early Start--Sunrise over the Andes--Habitable Caves in Boulders of Stone--Dangers of the Tontal Range--Furious Wind--Signs of Mutiny--We return and seek Shelter and Fire--Unwholesomeness of Huanaco Meat--Winds on the Andes--View from the Tontal. It being too late to start on that evening, I determined to remain till the following morning, and by an extra early march be enabled to cross the inhospitable-looking range of snow-capped hills which stood between us and the valley of Barrial, the nearest inhabited and cultivated district to the silver mines of " Tontal." About an hour before dark I sauntered forth with my Enfield, charged with small shot, to seek some winged game, and not fifty yards from the rancho sprung a brace of...