[70] Although from June to December it is either wholly or partially covered with snow, I have seen it in the month of May wholly bare, when only a few days before there had been heavy falls of snow on the Cumbre, or central ridge, &c. I mention these facts to show that Tupungato cannot attain a higher level than that assigned to the limit of perpetual congelation, which in this latitude to about 15,000 feet, though, from the known height of the Cumbre, and its supposed elevation above the central ridge, I am disposed to conclude that its actual elevation cannot be far short of 16,000 feet (Miers). [71] Dr. Gillies says where the Diamante joins it, it is called the Salado. [72] In the more southern parts of the province, in the direction of the Diamante, corn may be grown without the labour and expense of artificial irrigation, the rains which fall there being sufficient to render it unnecessary. [73] The dried fruits of figs, peaches, apples, nuts, olives, &c. Between 300 and 400 mules were sold for Chile in the same year. The load or carga is equal to about 200 lbs. [74] The mark is eight Spanish ounces, or seven ounces, three pennyweights, fourteen grains, troy, English. The caxon is fifty quintals, or 5000 lbs. of ore. [75] According to Myen, a recent traveller, this part of the Cordillera is not so elevated as more to the south:--he says it is passable at several points of the province of Copiapo. [76] These heights are given on the authority of Dr. Gillies. [77] Zamudio, an officer in the service of Buenos Ayres, who examined it the year before M. de Souillac, is said to have actually passed it with a two-wheel cart. Dr. Gillies does not give so favourable an account of its present state. PART III. TRADE AND PUBLIC DEBT. CHAPTER XV. TRADE. Advantages of the situation of Buenos Ayres in a commercial point of view. Amount of _Imports_ into Buenos Ayres in peaceable times. From what Countries. Great proportion of the whole British Manufactures. Articles introduced from other parts of the World. The Trade checked by the Brazilian War, and subsequent Civil Disturbances. Recovering since 1831. Proportion of it taken off by Monte Video since its independence. Comparative view of _Exports_. Scarcity of Returns. Capabilities of the Country. Advantage of encouraging Foreigners. The Wool Trade becoming of importance owing to their exertions. Other useful productions which may be cultivated in the interior. Account of the origin and increase of the Horses and Cattle in the Pampas.