THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



119 



The island of Manzanilla is about one and a half 

 miles in length, and a mile in width. The channel 

 upon the east side, between the island and the main 

 land, is narrow, but of sufficient depth for navigation, 

 and is a perfectly safe harbor for shipping. The 

 main entrance to the bay, upon the west side of the 

 island, is about two and a half miles in width ; and 

 it may be entered at any time by vessels of the 

 largest class, and without even a pilot. 



The prospective town, although it is already laid 

 out, as yet has received no distinctive appellation ; 

 but, we trust, it will receive one that shall perpetuate 

 the name of some member of the Company that was 

 first in breaking ground in this great work, among 

 whom there is none more prominent than that of 

 Aspinwall. 



Navy Bay extends up about four and a half miles, 

 and affords secure anchorage in every part of it, and 

 many coves where vessels can ride in perfect safety, 

 under cover of points, protected from winds or sea. 

 A deep cove in the island, immediately on entering 

 the bay, affords abundant space for a large number 

 of the largest class vessels, with sufficient depth of 

 water behind and alongside the pier. Upon the 

 other side of this harbor, the railroad track is laid 

 on piles driven along the water's edge, by the side 

 of which piers are extended for the discharge and 

 shipment of cargoes. 



The island was originally entirely a coral forma- 

 tion, but the soil which has been superadded by the 

 process of vegetation and decay, is now of sufficient 



