120 THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



depth to sustain the heaviest growth of forest trees, 

 which were thickly scattered over it, but have been 

 cleared away for some distance back, the largest of 

 which is the Manzanilla tree, from which the island 

 received its name. 



The coast of the main land opposite the island, in 

 every direction, is generally high and abrupt, yet 

 clothed with the most luxuriant vegetation to the 

 water's edge, and every where the cocoanut palm 

 is seen conspicuous, which supplies an abundance 

 of that delicious fruit. 



In the selection of Navy Bay as the northern ter- 

 minus of the railroad, there can no longer be any 

 doubt but that the best point is obtained. The har- 

 bor has less objections than almost any other ; it is 

 at all times accessible, without sand-bar or other ob- 

 struction. The tide rises and falls, usually, about 24 

 inches, and the convenience to the travelling public 

 of being able to land directly from a vessel upon a 

 pier, will be appreciated by those who have hereto- 

 fore crossed the Isthmus, and been obliged to pay 

 two dollars each, for being carried to and from a 

 vessel at Chagres. 



Considering the natural advantages of this point, 

 and the large amount of business that must necessa- 

 rily be transacted here, the conclusion is unavoidable, 

 that it must rapidly become an important commer- 

 cial town, where enterprise will as surely be rewarded, 

 as any event under human control can be predicted 

 and made certain. 



Such have been the changes effected in this place, 



