A DIFFICULT LABOUIt. 161 



viceroy to analyze some mineral waters of the 

 neighbourhood ; afterwards he settled for a time 

 in the mountainous province of Tar ma, beyond the 

 Cordilleras, and in May 1780 visited Huanuco, 

 the extremity of the Spanish settlements in that 

 direction. In the vast and almost impervious 

 forests beyond, he ascertained the fact which 

 had been reported of the Cinchona, or Peruvian 

 bark, being abundant there, though previously sup- 

 posed to grow at Loxa only. He determined also 

 that there were several species of this valuable 

 drug, all more or less useful in medicine. 



To investigate the botanical riches of these 

 forests, swarming with insects, and filled with 

 stagnant pestiferous vapours, proved a labour of 

 no less danger than difficulty. There was besides 

 another and a still more formidable obstacle than 

 the natural obstructions presented by these wild 

 regions. During one of his botanical expeditions his 

 little company was attacked by a party of maroon 

 negroes, against whom they defended themselves 

 with so much courage that they succeeded in 

 making their escape, and even took three prisoners. 

 These savages determined to take their revenge, 

 and having assembled to the number of two hun- 

 dred, were advancing, under cover of the night, 

 with the intention of plundering their camp, but 

 happily, being made acquainted with their danger, 



