APPENDIX. 267 



From Lobos Island Point the coast is cliffy, about 120 feet high, 

 and continues so as far as Payta Point, which is three leagues distant ; 

 between these two, a mile and a half from the coast, is a cluster of 

 hills called the saddle of Payta ; accurately described by Captain 

 Basil Hall. The Silla or Saddle of Payta is sufficiently remark- 

 able, it is high and peaked, forming three clusters of peaks joined 

 together at the base, the middle being the highest ; the two northern 

 ones are of a dark brown colour ; the southern is the lowest, and of a 

 lighter browTi. These peaks rise out of a level plain, and are an 

 excellent guide to vessels boimd for the Port of Payta from the south- 

 ward. 



A few leagues to the northward, as already mentioned, is Payta 

 Point, round which is the port of that name. This is without excep- 

 tion the best harbour on the coast, and considerable trade is carried 

 on. Vessels of all nations touch here for cargoes, principally cotton, 

 bark, hides, and drugs, in return for which they bring the manu- 

 factures of their several countries. In the year 1835 upwards of 

 forty thousand tons of shipping anchored in this port. Communi- 

 cation with Europe (via Panama) is more expeditious than at any of 

 the other ports. 



The town is built on the slope and at the foot of the hill, on the 

 south-east side of the bay ; at a distance it is scarcely visible, the 

 houses being of the same colour with the surrounding cliff. It is 

 said to contain 5,000 inhabitants, and is the sea port of the province 

 of Piura, the population of which is estimated at 75,000 souls. 



The City of San Miguel de Piura is situated on the banks of 

 the River Piura, in an easterly direction from Payta, between nuie 

 and ten leagues distant. Fresh provisions may be had at Payta on 

 reasonable terms, but neither wood nor water, except at a high 

 price, the latter being brought from Colan (a distance of four miles) 

 for the inhabitants of the place. When we were there hopes were 

 entertained of a supply of water from the west side of the bay ; an 

 American having commenced boring with an apparatus proper for the 

 purpose. 



There is no danger in entering this excellent harbour : after 

 rounding the point which has a signal station on it, you will open 

 False Bay : this must be passed, as the true bay is romid Inner 

 Point. That point ought not to be hugged closely, for there are some 

 rocks to the distance of a cable's length, and the wind baffles off it. 



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