Ch. IIL south AMERICA. 9^ 



their declivity), and, without any decreafe of height, 

 extends to the oppoiitc point, one is particularly re- 

 markable by its luperior loflinefs, as if deiigned to be 

 the barometer of the country, by foretelling every 

 change of weather. This mountain, diftinguiihed by 

 the name of Capiro, ftands at the utmoit extremity of 

 the harbour, in the road to Panama. Its top is always 

 covered with clouds of a denñty and darkncfs feldom 

 feen in' thofe of this atmofphere ; and from thefe, 

 which are called the capillo or cap, has poffibly been 

 corruptly formed the name of Monte Capiro. When 

 thefe clouds thicken, increafe their blacknefs, and 

 link below their ufual nation, it isa fure fign of atem- 

 peil ; while, on the other hand, their clearnefs and 

 afcent as certainly indicate the approach of fair weather. 

 Itmuft however be remembered, that thefe changes 

 are very frequent and very fudden. It is alfo feldom 

 that the fummit is ever obferved clear from clouds ; 

 and when this does happen, it is only, as it were, for 

 an inilant. 



The jurifdi6\ion of the governor of Porto Bello is 

 limited to the town and tlie forts; the neighbouring 

 country, over which it might be extended, being full 

 of mountains covered with impenetrable forells, ex- 

 cept a few values, in which are thinly Icattercd fome 

 farms or \^aciendas ; the nature of the country not 

 admitting of farther improvements. 



CHAP. IV. 



Of the CI ¡male of Porto Bello, and the Diflempcrs 

 which prove fo fatal to the Crews of the Galleons, 



THE inclemency ef the climate of Porto Bello is 

 fuffieiently known all over Europe. Not only 

 flrangers who come thither are aífe¿led by it, but even 

 the natives themfelves fufier in various manners. It 



deilroys 



