r. These
poles were nothing else than the long flower-stalks of the _maguey_ or
American aloe (_Agave Americana_), as no other wood of sufficient length
grew in the vicinity. These poles served for rafters, and across them
laths had been laid, and made fast. Over all this was placed a thatch
of the long coarse Puna grass, which was tied in its place by grass
ropes that were stretched from side to side over the top. This was the
hut of Guapo's friend, and similar to all others that may be encountered
in the wild region of the Puna. A door was left in the side, not over
two feet high, so that it was necessary to crawl upon the hands and
knees before any one could reach the interior.

As our travellers approached, they saw that the entrance was closed by
an ox-hide which covered the whole of the opening.

Whether the shepherd was at home, was the next question; but as they got
near to the house, Guapo suggested that Don Pablo should dismount and
let Leon get upon horseback. This suggestion was made on account of the
Puna dogs--of which creatures Guapo had a previous knowledge. These
dogs, known by the name of Inca dogs (_Canis Ingae_), are, perhaps, the
fiercest animals of their species. They are small, with pointed
muzzles, tails curling upward, and long shaggy hair. They are
half-wild, snappish, and surly, as it is possible for dogs to be. They
attack strangers with fury, and it is as much as their masters can do to
rescue even a friend from their attack. Even when wounded, and unable
any longer to keep their feet, they will crawl along the ground and bite
the legs of those who have wounded them. They are even more hostile to
white people than to Indians, and it is sometimes dangerous to approach
an Indian hut where three or four of these fierce creatures are kept, as
they will jump up against the side of a horse, and bite the legs of the
rider. Their masters often use the stick before they can get obedience
from them. In every Indian hut several of these animals may be found,
as they are extremely useful to the shepherds in guarding their flocks
and for hunting. They are much employed throughout the Puna to hunt the
"yutu," a species of partridge which inhabits the rushy grass. This
bird is traced by the dogs, seized before it can take to flight, and
killed by a single bite of its fierce pursuer. Considering the savage
nature of the Inca dogs, Guapo showed great caution in approaching the
hut of his fr