gy 
during the greater part of the year. It is only for a short 
time in winter that an evahescent vegetation of annual and 
bulbous plants of considerable beauty appears where- 
ever there is soil for them to root in. This, however, 
vanishes, as if by magic, in a very few days after the mist is 
dissipated, and the sun regains its power. Uem 
* But though the aspect of the surrounding country is so 
cheerless and forbidding, it is impossible to imagine a more - 
agreeable climate than that of tlie vallies of Peru. In sum- 
mer, the thermometer stands at 74? or 76°, very seldom 
rising to 80°; and in winter it is not often down to 60°. 
The cool south breeze, though it blows less strongly than in . 
Chili, becoming mixed with a warmer and more humid 
atmosphere, slightly diminishes its transparency, without 
producing any perceptible haze; the effect is only visible in 
the greyish tint of the still unclóuded sky, but it is sufficient 
to moderate the power of the sun's rays. ‘Those who have 
been in the East and West Indies, where the meridian heat 
is intolerable, are surprised at the’ comparative coolness 
of the coast of Peru; arising from this cause. Althoug? 
Lima is only 12° from tlie Line, I felt no inconvenience 
from the heat at noon, when' the sun was vertical.* = 
From the perpetual spring that reigns in these vallies " 
vegetation is exceedingly luxuriant; almost every cultivates 
plant, from barley to rice and sugar-cane; comes to peter 
tion; there' is no ráin nor violent wind to interrupt thé 
labours of the field, and so favourable is the climate at all 
seasons, that the cane may be planted and cut every diy 
the year. On arriving at one of these vallies, the traveller 1 
astonas E 
* It must, however, be acknowledged, that this delightful climate is K 
healthy, especially to foreigners, than many others that are less in 
though free from yellow-fever, cholera, and other fatal diseases common - 
Tropical climates, few people reside long on the coast of Peru vilis ie 
attacked by intermittent fever; and having once suffered from it, they 0° ' ay 
-to a continual recurrence of the complaint, which gradually undermine. 
spall ais voyage to Chili, and a short residence there, is w 
specific for the cure of this if mischief b 
Soa Cia A ls disease, ' resorted to before any organic | 
