Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

1835. VILI.AGRAN ERCILLA. 435 Rosas was carrying on a war of extermination against the Pampa and Patagonian Indians, on the banks of the rivers Colorado and Negro, he had with him horses so superior, that it was said he could always ensure escape, if by chance he should be pursued : and one of them was invariably led about, saddled and bridled, near his tent. Saddling our own steeds, and quitting the thin-faced dis- penser of tough hens and sour apples, we set off at a gallop, leaving the lazy guide whom we brought from Talcahuano, to return there with the two worst animals (it was fortunate indeed we had bi'ought with us a spare one), and in two hours vye reached the foot of Villagran ; that hill so famed in Araucanian story. Being a natural barrier, it was a spot often chosen by the Araucanians, at which either to lie in ambush for the Spa- niards, or openly oppose them. In one battle, the brave Villa- gran, after whom this ridge of hills is named, and a small Spanish force, opposed a multitude of Indians who had hem- med them in on every side. The only opening by which Villa- gran could escape, was stopped up with a barrier of branches and fallen trees, behind which the Indians stood discharging arrows and slinging stones. Ercilla gives an animated descrip- tion of this scene ; but as his book is scarce, I will attempt a free translation of that passage, lame as it must necessarily be. the veteran Villagran, Heedless of any kind of death, Hazarded all upon a cast. He rode a stately powerful horse, Purest of Spanish blood Strength and activity were well combined In that courageous steed Swift and high-spirited, he yet obeyed The slightest touch of finger on the rein. The danger reached — instant as thought The warrior's spurs excite the noble brute He dashes on — and down the barrier goes. A deafening crash and dire dismay Followed, as onward tore their way Those few determined men. 2 F 2