282 



RIO VINAGRE. 



Hamlet «f 

 Purace. 



Valley of 

 Patia. 



CHAP.Xxm bounded by two ravines, on the brink of which is placed 

 a village of the same name. The gardens, which ara 

 enclosed with hedges of euphorbium, are watered by the 

 springs that issue abundantly from the porphyritic rock ; 

 and nothing can be more agreeable than the contrast 

 betAveen the beautiful verdure of this plain and the chain 

 of dark mountains surrounding the volcano. The ham- 

 let of Purace, which the travellers visited in November 

 1801, is celebrated for the fine cataracts of the Rio Vin- 

 agre, the waters of which are acid. This little river is 

 warm towards its source, and after forming three falls, 

 one of which is 894: feet in height and is exceedingly 

 picturesque, joins the Rio Cauca, which for fourteen 

 miles below the junction is destitute of fish. The crater 

 of the volcano is filled with boiling water, which, amid 

 frightful noises, emits vapours of sulphuretted hydrogen. 



The travellers then crossed the precipitous Cordilleras 

 of Almaquer to Pasto, avoiding the infected and conta- 

 gious atmosphere of the valley of Patia. From the 

 latter town, which is situated at the foot of a burning 

 volcano, they traversed the elevated platform of the 

 province of Los Pastos, celebrated for its great fertility ; 

 and after a journey of four months, performed on mules, 

 arrived at Quito on the 6th January 1802. 



The climate of this pi-ovince is remarkably agreeable, 

 and almost invariable. During the months of December, 

 January, February, and Marcli, it generally rains every 

 afternoon from half-past one to five ; but even at this 

 season the evenings and mornings are most beautiful. 

 The temperature is so mild that vegetation never ceases. 

 " From the terrace of the government palace there is 

 one of the most enchanting prospects that human eye 

 ever witnessed, or nature ever exhibited. Looking to 

 the south, and glancing along towards the north, eleven 

 mountains covered witli perpetual snow present them- 

 selves, their bases apparently resting on the verdant 

 Iiills that surround tlie city, and their heads piercing the 

 blue arch of heaven, while the clouds hover midway 

 down tlieni, or seem to crouch at their feet. Among 



Climate. 



