177 



between 10|° and 11^° 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 Companj', 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 whei'ever a covering of soil had accumulated 

 on the rock, and in many places we saw large patches of the 

 bright golden Atnancae, {Narcissus Ama?icaes, 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. II. N 



