There are many very beautiful flowers; and, as in most other dry climates, the plants and shrubs possess strong and peculiar odours--even one's clothes by brushing through them became scented.

I did not cease from wonder at finding each succeeding day as fine as the foregoing.

What a difference does climate make in the enjoyment of life! How opposite are the sensations when viewing black mountains half-enveloped in clouds, and seeing another range through the light blue haze of a fine day! The one for a time may be very sublime; the other is all gaiety and happy life.
AUGUST 14, 1834.
I set out on a riding excursion, for the purpose of geologising the basal parts of the Andes, which alone at this time of the year are not shut up by the winter snow.

Our first day's ride was northward along the sea-coast.

After dark we reached the Hacienda of Quintero, the estate which formerly belonged to Lord Cochrane.