177 
between 105? and 113? of south latitude, occupies the centre 
of the Cordilleras of the Andes, whose more elevated peaks 
form a vast amphitheatre around it. There are several 
roads.to this plain up the different vallies that run eastward 
from the coast, but the nearest, and that most frequented in 
going to Pasco, is by the first valley north of Lima, through 
which the river of Chillon runs: it is usually called the 
Canta road, from a town of that name in the upper part of - 
the valley. 
Having determined to accompany my friend Mr. M——, 
an English merchant of Lima, who had been appointed Di- 
rector of a Company for draining the mines, we left the 
capital at noon on the 21st of June. Our party consisted of 
six individuals, and we had with us three English workmen 
belonging to the Company, a servant, and three muleteers: 
eight laden mules completed the cavalcade. 
On leaving Lima, the road proceeds for about a league 
towards the coast, to a place called Arnipuquio, and then, 
rounding the hills that separate the two vallies, enters that of 
Chillon and turns inland. The Scotch-misty weather, the 
winter of the coast, had lately set in, and the hills were be- 
ginning to show the effects of the moisture, being'thinly clad 
with verdure wherever a covering of soil had accumulated 
on the rock, and in many places we saw large patches of the 
bright golden Amancae, (Narcissus Amancaes, Ruiz and Pav. | 
Pancratium Amancaes, Ker,) which is, I believe, peculiar to 
this neighbourhood. About half a league out of Lima in 
this direction, there is a little valley bounded by very high 
hills, called Los Amancaes, from the vast number of these 
flowers that appear there at the beginning of winter. ; The 
great height of the hills encourages a plentiful deposition of 
Moisture, which produces a more abundant vegetation than 
is usually seen on the coast. After the rains have ceased in 
the interior, the Indians who rear cattle there are accustomed 
to drive them down to different parts of the hills and 
Vallies in the low country, till they reach the coast; and at 
this season, a considerable number of small flocks and herds 
are brought to feed at Los Amancaes. During their stay, 
VOL. H. N 
