100 A VOYAGE TO IBook VIL 



nature of tlieir carg;o. I do not however pretend to 

 deny, but that it may be raixe 1 with earth, or that 

 the most superficial part of the earth does not contract 

 the like virtue, so as to produce the same effect. But 

 however it be, this is the manure used in the fields 

 sowed with maize, and with proper waterings is fomid 

 greatly to fertilize the soil, a little of it being put 

 close to every stem, and immediately watered It is 

 also of use in fields of other grain, except wheat and 

 barley, and, consequently, prodigious quantities of it 

 yearly used in agriculture. 



Besides the orchards, fields, and gardens, with 

 which this country is so delightfully variegated, there 

 are other parts where nature itself spontaneously fur- 

 nishes beautiful prospects for the inhabitants, and 

 plenty of excellent food for their cattle ; particularly 

 the hills of St. Christopher and Amancaes, whose per- 

 petual verdure diversified hi spring with elegant 

 flowers, seems to invite the neighbouring inhabitants 

 to a nearer enjoyment of the beauties it presents at a 

 distance to their view. The parts in the neighbours- 

 hood of the city to the distance of six or eight leagues, 

 offer the like entertainment ; and accordingly many 

 families resort thither for the change of air, and the 

 tranquillity of rural amusement. The hills called 

 Amancaes, already mentioned, have their name from 

 a certain flower growing on them. It is yellow, 

 and of the campanula form, with four pointed 

 leaves. Its colour is remarkably brilliant, and in that 

 wholly consists its value, beiiig totally void of fra- 

 grancy. 



Besides these delightful retreats, the city has a 

 publitk walk in the suburb of St. Lázaro, called Ala- 

 meda, consisting ofrovs of orange and lemon trees; 

 along the banks of the river is another called the 

 Acho, to which there is a daily resort of coaclies and 

 calashes. 



TilE 



