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Show ] 38 PERSONAL ADVENTURES observed several raw hides stretched upon the ground, shaded by a screen of bamboo-cane and leaves; on these the natives indulge in their siesta. I also noticed a number of long switches, similarly protected, on which were suspended as many strips of beef as they could hold. When this beef is thoroughly salted and dried, it will keep for a very considerable time, and is admirably adapted for the long journeys which the traveller is frequently obliged to take between one ?~anche and another, when to procure fresh meat is impossible. I must confess, our party cut a very singular figure as it set out, after resting at this Rpot. We had all sorts of costumes ; some military, some Californian ; some wearing a hybrid be· tween the two ; others habited after a fashion more decidedly brigandish than anything else; but the majDrity of us appearing much the worse for our rough journey through the thorns, whilst many were literally in rags; some had thrust the lower portion of their trowsers into their boots, affecting a dashing style as they rode off upon their steeds-sorry |