At a distance of twenty-two miles, including the windings of the river, the plains commence.

Having pitched the tent at this spot we set out to visit the principal springs and had walked about three miles when the mosquitoes compelled us to give up our project.

We did not see the termination of the plains toward the east, but on the north and west they are bounded by an even ridge about six or seven hundred feet in height.

Several salt springs issue from the foot of this ridge and spread their waters over the plain which consists of tenacious clay.

During the summer much evaporation takes place and large heaps of salt are left behind crystallised in the form of cubes.