CHAPTER XIV. 



FROM PAKAMA TO BODEGAS. 



Aspinwall. — Across the Istbmus. — Tropical Vegetation.— Panama. — Upon 

 the Pacific. — Paita. — Peruvian Coast. — Ancient Sea-Beaches. — Causes 

 of Sterility and Low Temperature. — Keturn Northward. — Forest. — 

 Guayaquil. — Preparations for Climbing the Andes. — Scenery of the 

 Guayas. — First View of Chimborazo. — Niglit-Scene upon the Kiver. 



We liacl "been only nine days upon the Atlantic, when 

 we were greeted by the low hills of the Isthmus of Pana- 

 ma, skirtmg the soiithern horizon. Clouds hung around 

 the highest points, through which the sun would occasion- 

 ally break and shoot along the wooded slopes, rendering 

 more vivid the dark emerald coloring of the forest, that 

 contrasted beautifully with the white lines of surf break- 

 ing along the shore. A line of low, white buildings upon 

 a marshy coast indicated the site of Aspinwall. Drawing 

 nearer, we could discern the diminutive cabins of the ne- 

 groes, half embowered by the rank, encroaching vegetation 

 of the surrounding marsh. The luxuriant banana, whose 

 drooping leaves seemed striving to conceal the rich, yellow 

 clusters of ripening fruit, and the palm tossing out from 

 the top of its slender shaft a beautiful tuft of feathery 

 leaves, which dipped gracefully in the slight breeze, 

 stamped the tropical character of the scenery. 



Our steamer, in approaching her moorage, unfortu- 

 nately grounded, and we were obliged to pass the night 



