Chapter XVIII: Colonia 215

An historical town--Rarity of mines in the River Plate
countries--Specimens at Colonia--Situation of the town--
Past antagonism between the capitals of Argentina and
Uruguay--Present aspect of Colonia compared with the
former--A sleepy hollow--Periodical awakenings of the
place--Impressions of the old town--Its colouring and
compactness--Fortifications of the city of discord--A
warlike history--Nations that have warred together at
the spot--The reddest corner in a bloodstained land--
Surroundings of the town--Crumbling masonry--A medley of
old and new--A Colonia street--Old-times scenes of peace
and war--Some pictures of the past--Cannon as road
posts--The Plaza--An episode in the wars with Portugal--
The eternity of romance--Real de San Carlo--A modern
watering-place--Its buildings--The bullring--A gigantic
pelota court--Popularity of the spot--A miniature
tramway--Attractions of Real de San Carlo--Vegetation
on the sands--A curious colour scheme--Pleasant
lanes--Buenos Aires as a supplier of tourists.