REMARKS ON THE PRACTICABILITY, &C. 37 



and though in most parts of sufficient depth of water for any sized 

 vessel, the course of the river is constantly changing, where the 

 banks are low, from the great number of large trees that are con- 

 tinually falling on its banks, and shifting their position when an 

 increase of the waters takes place. From below Tocache to Sion 

 are a succession of malpasos, not less than eight, many of which, 

 from the rapid descent of the river and its numerous and sudden 

 turns, are dangerous : but it is below the Port of Valle that the 

 principal impediment is situated, at a pass called Savaliyacu. The 

 hills are here high on both sides, forming rocky precipices, and nar- 

 rowing the riyer to about fifty yards. Several yards from the east 

 bank of the river is a half-sunken large rock, against which the 

 whole force of the river is precipitated, and from which it passes in 

 an oblique direction to the opposite side. The fall is so great that 

 it is evident to the naked eye. A vessel ascending this point, in 

 the act of manoeuvering to escape the rocks on either side, would be 

 liable to be brought broadside to the stream, and consequently 

 exposed to instant destruction. From this to Lupuna and Shipaja, 

 the river is wide and of easy navigation. 



The soil on the banks of the river is fertile, and the climate 

 favourable. Uchiza, Tocache, Sion, Valle, and Lupuna are delights 

 fully situated ; but it is to be regretted that the present population 

 is much less than that given by the Rev. P. F. Manuel Sobreviela, 

 in the Mer, Per., 9th October, for the year 1791. Having been 

 now some time without the guidance or care of either mission- 

 ary or curate, the natives are in a state of disorder and idleness; 

 spending the greater part of their time in preparing masata and in 

 drunkenness. 



On landing at Shipaja I made direct for Tarapoto, by way of 

 Juan Guerra, a distance of six to eight leagues of one level plain, 

 covered with immense trees. During a stay of four weeks in Tara- 

 poto, I had an opportunity of observing most of the productions and 

 capabilities of the situation. From the P. F. Eusebio Arias* I 



• This gentleman kindly presented me with a manuscript grammar and 

 vocabulary of the language of Maynas ; and a vocabulary of the Panes or 

 Setivos, a nation or tribe of the river Neayali: these cannot fail of being both 

 interesting and useful. 



