Ch. I. SOUTH AMERICA, 311 



The inhabitants, according to an accurate calcula- 

 tion, amount to between sixteen and twenty thousand 

 souls. The manners and customs here are nearly the 

 same with those at Quito ; the greatest part of the 

 families of distinction in that city owing their origin 

 to this place. For at the beginning ofthe conquests, 

 many ofthe eminent families which came from Spain 

 settled here at the conclusion ofthe war, and have 

 been yery careful not to diminish either the lustre of 

 their families, or their wealth, by promiscuous alli- 

 ances, marrying only into one another. 



The magistracy consists of regidores, who are al- 

 ways persons ofthe first distinction, and from among 

 those are annually chosen the ordinary alcaldes; with 

 this singularity, that the validity ofthe election de- 

 pends on its being unanimous, a single vote rendering 

 it void. Besides, the person thus elected is either con- 

 firmed or rejected by the townsmen j a privilege 

 known in no other part ofthe whole province. 



The air is colder here than at Quito, owing in a 

 great measure to the neighbourhood ofthe mountain 

 of Chimborazo ; and, when the wind blows from that 

 quarter, the weather is so sharp, that the rich families 

 leave the town, and retire to their estates, situated in 

 a warmer air, though at no great distance. This un- 

 comfortable season generally lasts from December to 

 June, the north and north-west winds then princi- 

 pally prevailing. It is, however, in a great measure, 

 free from those violent showers and tempests so com- 

 mon at Quito, that sometimes for many days suc- 

 cessively it enjoys serene and delightful weather j 

 and the same may be said of the greatest part of its 

 jurisdiction. 



Here are many plantations, or farms, and most of 

 them considerable; and for the number and largeness 

 of its manufactories, it surpasses every other part of 

 this province; though the Indians seem born with an 

 inclination for weaving, particularly those of the vil- 



X 4 iage 



