Tombstone epitaph., 1897-10-31


 September g, I997.) EuIToR TRosPEc; OR:
 Since last writing you, have been travelling about considerably in .hi, department, one If the richest in thi. rep lblic, and as the incidents Of travel in 10 -sign lands are generally amusing to most people, will give few oI them here for our many readers and some Of my associates of by-eone days whom I have not forgotten in my tedi. ous and interesting journeys by land and sea.
 Well, not to dwell on perliminaries l left Medellin on the 29th of Angus, for Rc Negro, five and one hall leagues, ever an immense mountain range, threading nay way through forests, over beautiful mountain lrooks and fields of corn and coffee. Travel is quite tedious ss we'll as ex- pensiye here, so to economize costs l left my trunks in Meddellin, directing my local agent to forward my port mantean containing my samples, clothing for the journey and other necessary articles, altogether about 30 pounds, to be forwarded to me by first opportunity by native carrier. Both men and women here of the Indian races are common carriers, and their endurarca as such is phenomenal. My baggage came at half past two P. m. by an Indian girl of eighteen, agile and well built, accompsniei by her little brother ofte years old, and ss was obliged to be in La Ceji next morning to meet one of my south bound agents, and having no other carrier at hand, the Indian woman profirred her servi:es for two dollars Colombisn currency(eigh.y cents gold) to take my bundle on to the last named town four leagues and ste kept up with me although I kept my animal at trot part of the distance. The rough condition of the eastern fpur of the Andes will not admit Of conveyance ctherwIse than by pack oxe, and mules, and the rougher parts by I1d an carriers. Tke whole country bereabouts is covered with rich pasturage which is perennial, tim Der plentiful, and the whole coun- try is of a yellouish clay formation with vegetable cap soil from one to three feet thick. The climate is ex- cellent ard the people robust and healthy. At La Ceis procure an in- telligsnt peon at 40 cents gold per day, and ratiohs to zee me through to Sonsop. The rainy season is upon us, and the recent ipcessant rains make the road rather tedious. We wend our way over mountain after mountain, through beautiful little wales through which clear mountain streams ripple along, and nov again comes rushing some swift mountain terrent from tie steep wooded sides of the mountsins, while on all siies the entire distance i: is perpetual verdure of forest, rolling grassy h.ll-, fern covered brakes and vine-clsd krolls We cross many suspension bridges roofet with tile, under which rush mad mountain streams. We pass many little miserable villages and note gre at poverty, owing to thei. own indolence, as nature has givt n them abundsLtly of every necessary ele- ment which labor ard perseverance would turn to gold. Old women and balf-naked girls si. alongside the road, or rather mountain trai.., and beg or sell fruits and sweetmeats, or undis- titled beverages which are quite re- freshing to the weary traveller.
 At six o'clock we came to besuti- ful mountain inn, .OO0 feet above the sea Here we met rather intelligent man of ii e features and a nice :ook- ing young wife, both bsreico ed, but the place had a neat aspect, while the meals and chocolate were splendId, and the good soft beds and clean linen were really to be admired. "Senor allow me to congratulate you on your well-kept tavern" "Gracios, senor i; we have . great deal of travel by the rich mise owners and othe. respect able people, and Ne like to please th.m, as they pay us we'll. Be seated in this rocking char for a minute while I prepare you . nice cup Of chocolate before dinner, ss it is qui:e refreshing"
 Just before reaching Sonsor, which