HALL’S EXCURSIONS, 333 
the number of those of native growth; about the elevation 
of Quito, we find none wild but the Capuli, a species of 
Blackberry, and, on sandy soils, the Tuna; Currants, Goose- 
berries and Raspberries seem adapted to the climate, but 
have not yet been introduced. Strawberries are abundant; 
but they are probably natives of Chili. Pears and Apples 
are plentiful, but small and ill-flavoured. The celebrated 
Peaches of Ambato remind the European traveller, less of 
the likeness than of the difference. Pine Apples, Cherimoyas, 
Oranges, Limes, Aguacatis (Laurus Persea), Granadilla 
(Passiflora—?) and other tropical fruits, are brought from - 
the adjacent valleys or Calientes ; but it may be supposed 
little improved by the journey. The idea of perpetual Spring 
is pleasing to the imagination: but the reality is purchased 
in the Andes by the want of those glowing forms and colours, 
Which nature sheds over tropical climates, while the mono- 
tony of earth and sky, scarcely observable by the traveller, 
would be gladly exchanged, by the less fortunate resident, for 
the varied interest of European seasons. 
Excursion to the Summit of Pichincha. 
On the 16th of July, M. Boussingault, accompanied by 
Professor Jameson and myself, set out to visit the volcano 
of Pichincha. The city of Quito is placed immediately on 
the roots of the mountain, a circumstance to which it proba- 
bly owes the security it has hitherto enjoyed from earth- 
quakes, This advantage is indeed generally attributed to a 
miraculous image of the Virgin which is displayed -on all 
occasions of danger, or rather when the danger is over; but 
the solidity of a rocky basis, compared with the sandy soils 
of Tacunga, Ambato and Riobamba, may be supposed con- 
siderably to assist the miracle. The deep ravines, which 
furrow the flanks of the mountain, called by the Indians 
Guaicus, extend into the town; and several edifices, one of 
which is the cathedral, are built on arches thrown over them. 
The road to Pichincha crosses one of these ravines, close to 
the convent of the Recoletos of La Merced, which communi- 
