ar way. The _mate_, a gourd stained
black, holding three or four ounces of water, is nearly filled with the
coarsely-powdered yerba. The bombilla, a silver tube with a bulbous end
pierced full of fine holes, is then inserted. The gourd is filled with
boiling water, and the infusion is immediately sucked through the tube,
scalding hot.

The bombilla is for the purpose of straining the infusion--which is of a
greenish-brown--as the powder would otherwise get into the mouth. Like
tea, it is slightly stimulating and astringent.

The natives spin the indigenous cotton of the country, and weave it in a
curious way, producing the most intricate lace and needlework. The
thread they manufacture is remarkably fine and strong. Weavers travel
about the country carrying their simple looms on their shoulders, and
may be seen under an orange-tree by the roadside, the warp-roller
suspended from a bough and balanced beneath by stones, the workman
seated on a horse's skull, and producing a fabric as beautiful as it is
durable.

They also manufacture woollen ponchos and saddle-cloths, in patterns of
black and white, or of a fine blue obtained from the native indigo.
They manufacture cigars; and cultivate the sugar-cane in a rude manner,
producing from its root a vile beverage called _cana_, most injurious to
the health.

MOUNTAIN SCENERY.

In the Cordillera, where Masterman describes the scenery as most
beautiful, the cacti grow, bristling with spines, and loaded with
delicate white flowers; as also the wild pineapple, which covers the
ground,--its serrated leaves, of a bright scarlet in the centre, and
barred, all straggling from the root. Its fibre is used by the natives
for making fishing-nets and lines, and a coarse strong cloth. Paper
also has been manufactured from it; and as it can be produced in great
quantities, it may become of much commercial importance.

Game abounds throughout the territory. Herds of deer roam in the open
glades; droves of pigs are found in the forest somewhat similar to those
of England; and a bird, the ynambu guazu, as large as a pheasant; while
quails are seen in flocks in the esteros,--with snipe, wild pigeons, and
other birds.

High up the River Parana is found the magnificent waterfall, El Salto de
Guira, rivalling in splendour Niagara itself. Other fine waterfalls are
found on different rivers.

Here, too, the ant-eater reaches an enormous size. The capybara is also
found. It is