In time the
country became more settled, and there are stations now sixty or
seventy miles beyond us."
The next week was spent in riding over the estate, which consisted
of four square leagues--that is to say, was six miles each way--and
in examining the arrangements of the enclosures for the cattle. At
the end of that time Mr. Hardy started on a tour of inspection
through the provinces most likely to suit, provided with numerous
letters of introduction from his host. While he was away the boys
were to assist upon the estate, and to accustom themselves to the
work and duties of the life they were to lead. Into this they
entered with the greatest zest, and were in the saddle from morning
till night, getting more and more sunburnt from constant exposure,
until, as Mr. Thompson told them, they looked like two young
gauchos. The gauchos are the natives of the country. They are
fine-looking men, with Spanish faces. Their dress is very
picturesque. They wear loose calzoncillas or drawers, worked and
fringed round the bottom. Above this is a sort of shawl, so
arranged that it has the effect of very loose trousers. These
shawls are generally of bright colors, woven in stripes, and
sometimes of black cloth edged with scarlet. The white calzoncillas
show below this garment, and above a colored flannel shirt is worn.
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