THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 43 



of other rivers are found on the Isthmus, debauching 

 at short intervals into the Atlantic or Pacific oceans ; 

 but little, however, is known of them, unless we ac- 

 cept the imperfect details of contraband traders, who 

 liave been upon the coast, or the statements of the 

 natives. It is abundantly proven, however, that 

 during the rainy season any amount of water-power 

 may be obtained in almost every part of the country, 

 for the purposes of manufactures. 



The principal towns on the Isthmus, of any 

 interest, are Panama, Porto Bello, and Chagres, 

 Gatun, Gorgona, Cruces on the Chagres river, 

 and Chorrera in the valley of the Caimito. The 

 present city of Panama contains about ten thou- 

 sand inhabitants, and is by far the most impor- 

 tant place in the province. It is an ancient walled 

 town, and bears many prominent marks of its former 

 elegance, and even grandeur, but is now in a great 

 measure in a state ol dilapidation and decay. It is 

 situated on an irregular point of land extending into 

 the bay, the waters of which wash it on three sides. 

 It was once a place of great importance and wealth, 

 but had for many years been going to ruin, until 

 within a short time a new spirit of enterprise has 

 been imparted to its inhabitants, and it is now fast 

 re-populating and re-building. Since the tide of 

 emigration has set towards California, this has been 

 made the most important place on the route, and 

 now — its lines of steamships, and a large number of 

 sailing craft, constantly arriving and departing from 

 its harbor, and its streets swarming with busy travel- 



