ElVEES OF NICAEAGUA. 



275 



winds. The consequence is tliat this region is destitute of springs or streams, 

 all the rain water disappearing in the porous masses of scoriae and ashes. 



Rivers and Lakes. 



Although the Nicaraguan backbone is developed east of the lacustrine depres- 

 sion, the narrow strip of land limiting Lake Nicaragua on the west side is the 

 true waterparting of the whole region. The streams descending from the western 



Fig. 119. — Isthmus of Eivas. 

 Scale 1 : 1,200,000. 



86"40' 



V/est oF Greenwich 



65°40 



5 Fathoms 

 and upwards. 



18 Miles. 



slopes of the Chontal Mountains do not flow to the Pacific, but after a winding 

 course find their way to the Caribbean Sea. The pretended law that makes 

 watersheds coincide with mountain ranges is nowhere more clearly contradicted. 



The parting-line, however, which is formed by the isthmus sends down 

 nothing but rivulets on its west slope. The only Nicaraguan rivers that reach the 

 Pacific have their sources on the opposite flank of the Marrabios hills, and flow to 

 the Gulf of Ponseca. Such are the Estero Real, rising in the neighbourhood of 



