A fence of thistle-stalks round the hovel was nearly broken down, and my informer, putting his head out to see what was the matter, received a severe cut, and now wore a bandage.

The storm was said to have been of limited extent: we certainly saw from our last night's bivouac a dense cloud and lightning in this direction.

It is marvellous how such strong animals as deer could thus have been killed; but I have no doubt, from the evidence I have given, that the story is not in the least exaggerated.

I am glad, however, to have its credibility supported by the Jesuit Dobrizhoffen, who, speaking of a country much to the northward, says, hail fell of an enormous size and killed vast numbers of cattle (6/4.

"History of the Abipones" volume 2 page 6.): the Indians hence called the place Lalegraicavalca, meaning "the little white things." Dr.Malcolmson, also, informs me that he witnessed in 1831 in India a hail-storm, which killed numbers of large birds and much injured the cattle.