Ch, III SOUTH AMERICA. 33 



Its length is 1920 tcises, or exactly two-thirds of a 

 league. Its greatest breadth from N. to S. that is, 

 from the bridge to the angle opposite to the base^ is 

 1080 toises, or two-fifths of a league. It is sur- 

 rounded with a briik wall^ which answers its original 

 intention, but is without any manner of regularity. 

 This work was begun and finished by the duke de la 

 Plata in the year 1685. It is flanked with Si bas- 

 tions, but without platforms or embrasures ; the in- 

 tention of it being merely to inclose the city, and 

 reader it capable of sustaining any sudden attack of 

 the Indians. It has, in its whole circumference, seven 

 gates and three posterns. 



On the side of the river opposite to the city is a 

 suburb, called St. Lázaro, which has, within these 

 few years, greatly increased. All the streets of this 

 suburb, like those of the city, are broad, parallel, 

 or at right angles, some running from N. to S. and 

 others from E. to W. forming squares of houses, each 

 150 yards in front, the usual dimensions of all these 

 quadras or squares in this country, whereas those of 

 Quito are only 100. The streets are paved, and along 

 them run streams of water, conducted from the river 

 a little above the city ; and being arched over contri- 

 bute to its cieaiiliness, without the least inconveniency. 



The houses, though for the most part low, are 

 commodious, and make a good appearance. They 

 are all of baxareque and quincha. They appear 

 indeed to be composed of more solid materials, both 

 with regard to the thickness of the principal walls, 

 and the imitation of cornices on them ; and that 

 they may tlie better support themselves under the 

 shocks of earihquakes, of which this city has had 

 so many dreadful instances, the principal parts are 

 of wood, mortised into the rafters of the roof, and 

 those which serve for walls are lined both within and 

 without with wild canes, and chaglias or osiers ; so 

 that the timber-work is totally inclosed. These osiers 



VOL. II, o fire 



