i 
a 
4 
Colombia between the Years 1820 and 1830. 13 
towards the interior in proportion to local obstacles, i. e. to the 
greater or less facility of communication. It is this circumstance 
which marks the difference betwixt Venezuela and the south and 
the centre of Colombia, indicating a distinct and more rapid ca- 
reer of civilization and prosperity. The branch of the Andes 
which traverses Venezuela is much inferior in elevation to the 
ridges of Quito and New Grenada.. The whole of the inhabited 
part of it belongs to the hot country or temperate mountain zone. 
The following are the heights of the principal towns through its 
whole extent: 
Caraccas , : . 2903 ft. Mean temp. 71° 
Valencia . ; ‘ 1495 78 
Barquisimeto ‘ . ASE £—— 78 
Tocuyo . ; ; 2058 —— 75 
Truxillo - 2684 ———_——_ 75 
Merida. , 5280 —_——— _ 66 
Cucuta F ‘ shai 400 ———_ 83 
The differences of climate and productions betwixt the differ- 
ent parts of the country are consequently trifling, and form no bar 
to general communication betwixt the coast and interior. There 
is therefore an amalgamation of ideas, an homogeneity, if we may 
use the term, in the mass of feelings and opinions on political 
subjects. The population is not only more enlightened, but, 
what is of more importance, more equally so. A different state of 
things presents itself, when we examine the centre and south. 
The main ridge of the Andes ascends rapidly from the frontier of 
Venezuela, and, by its direction from north to south, places the 
population at a continually increasing distance from the sea-ports 
of the Atlantic ; while its superior elevation producing a different 
climate and temperature, gives birth to new habits and a distinct 
nationality. To descend to the coast from these altitudes, is a 
matter both of risk and difficulty. The line betwixt the Liane- 
ros and Serranos is strongly drawn, and a separation of character 
evident. The country from Cucuta to Bogota through Pamplona 
and Tunja has a mean elevation of from 8,000 to 10,000 feet, and 
a temperature of about 59° Fahr. It is tru@ that Bogota com- 
municates with Europe by the valley of the Magdalena; but the 
length and inconvenience of this channel of intercourse render it 
accessible but to few. Hence the struggle of opinions in New 
Grenada, where the civilization of the superior class is out of pro- 
portion to that of the bulk of the people. 
