52 



AMAZONIA AND LA PLATA. 



Numerous artesian wells, sunk at distances of 300 or 400 yards, yield a supply 

 of water slightly charged with minerals. Till recently the suburb of Hopetoicn 

 was altnost exclusively inhabited by Chinese, and a large agricultural population 

 is also distributed over the rich and carefully cultivated plantations which extend 

 for great distances round about the capital, both on the seaboard and along the 

 river banks. The railway running eastwards to Mahaica, on the river of like 

 name, has developed a large local traffic in goods and passengers. This line, 23 

 miles long, dates from the year 1850, being the first opened in South America ; 

 it is to be continued towards Berbice, but is meantime the only railway in British 



Fig. 15. — Geoegetown. 

 Scale 1 : 87,000. 



Banks exposed 

 at low \A ater. 



Depths. 



to 16 

 Feet. 



16 Feet 

 and upwards. 



Guiana. At Mahaica has been founded a lazaretto, with accommodation for about 

 200 victims of leprosy drawn from every part of the colony. 



Neio A)ii>itrrda)ii, called also Berbice, from the river on the right bank of which 

 it stands, occupies in the eastern district a position analogous to that of George- 

 town farther west. As indicated bv its name, this place is also of Dutch origin, 

 as might almost be inferred from the numerous canals flowing between its 

 different quarters. Although the first buildings date from the year 179(5, sub- 

 sequent changes have failed to efface the primitive aspect of the town, with its 

 silent canals, its shady squares, and quaint houses embowered in verdure. 



