64 TiMEHRl. 



in 1896, that the Territory ot the Republic includes the 

 left bank of the Essequibo ? Again: the reasons given 

 by Inciarte for "dislodging" the Dutch from the 

 Moruca and for ere6ling a Spanish fort there, form an 

 important admission as to the sphere of influence exer- 

 cised by the Dutch, from the fortified post and trading- 

 station of the West India Company, at the Moruca, in 

 territory which was " an unknown country'^ to the 

 Spaniards. INCIARTE bears testimony to the trading 

 operations of which Moruca was the Centre, and which 

 extended to the Orinoco itself, with the concurrence of 

 the Indian Allies of the Hollanders. He says :— 



" It would be conve nient in my opinion to found a 

 " town close to this bay or port, as besides the advan- 

 " tages offered by the produce of the land, the communi- 

 " cation which the Dutch have with the Orinoco by 

 "means of the inside branches could be prevented; 

 " there being no other pass, they would be compelled to 

 " enter through the North of the Guaina into the sea; 

 *• and although it would be easy for them to go to the 

 " Orinoco through the Guaina, as they would sail before 

 " the wind, the return to Essequibo in barges and 

 " pirogues (which are generally used for unlawful trade 

 " with the Orinoco) would be very difficult and almost 

 " impossible when there is any breeze, especially from 

 *' the North-east, as, on account of the shallowness on 

 " that coast, a very choppy surf rises, which besides pre- 

 " venting them from advancing by means of oars, would 

 " expose them (these vessels not being covered) to lose 

 " their cargo, if this consist of tobacco, on account of 

 " the water which necessarily and continually enters the 

 " vessel, and if the cargo consists of mules or cattle, on 



