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CANELOS TO BANGS 145
Pastasa, which is at no great distance. We were
gradually approaching the Pastasa, and we slept at
of its waters
night on a plain where the rushing
was distinctly audible.
June 23. About 10 A.M. we reached Allpa-yacu,
a stream of clear cool water about the size of the
Pindo. This also was low and we got across it
without accident. There were steep cliffs of gravel
on the east bank just above the ford. Our way to-day
was almost entirely across a plain, bounded on the
left by a very steep alluvial cliff (which gives the
name of Barrancas to the site), at whose foot ran
the Pastasa. There is a great contrast between
the aspect of this river here leaping and foaming
over 'rocks with a din which throughout the rest
of our journey we heard more or less distinctlyand
in the lower part of its course, where it spreads
out into a broad placid river. The track in places
ran along the very edge of the cliff, and the pro-
jecting bushes menaced thrusting us over. At
about 2 P.M., on the top of a low hill, we came to a
rancho, but as our Indians were still disposed to
proceed we determined to sleep at a more advanced
post. From this place we descended into a deep
ravine, and crossed a narrow clear stream with
some peril, as the ford was over slippery stones on
a steep declivity. To our right the water came
down from a lofty
hill in a cascade. To climb out
of the ravine we had to use hands as well as feet,
but a winding path might be easily made, for the
soft sandstone admits of being cut by a spade.
We slept about half-way down the descent of the
other side of the mountain, but were wetted by a
shower ere we could get our nmchos put up.
VOL. II L