This is generally the case in the country, and all the houses have, in consequence, an uncomfortable aspect.

At night we stopped at a pulperia, or drinking-shop.

During the evening a great number of Gauchos came in to drink spirits and smoke cigars: their appearance is very striking; they are generally tall and handsome, but with a proud and dissolute expression of countenance.

They frequently wear their moustaches, and long black hair curling down their backs.

With their brightly coloured garments, great spurs clanking about their heels, and knives stuck as daggers (and often so used) at their waists, they look a very different race of men from what might be expected from their name of Gauchos, or simple countrymen.