I 
HDROGRAPHIC REPORTS. 
which is not subject to an annual overflow. If, however, the 
limits of sea navigation be extended to the Eancho de Mariscal 
and the Estero Monzapa, there will be found at each of these 
places a height of bank sufficient to insure against overflow dur- 
ing the rainy season. The first, which is on the left bank of the 
Brazo Apotzongo, about three-quarters of a mile above the junc- 
tion, and therefore on the Island of Tacamichapa, is an isolated 
table-land of moderate extent, and surrounded by lagoons and 
low land, over which it would be exceedingly difficult and ex- 
pensive to bring a railroad. The second, which is at, and above 
the mouth of the Estero Monzapa, and on the left or western 
bank of the Brazo Mistan, about three miles above the junc- 
tion, is a bluff bank seventeen feet above the lowest level of the 
river, and about five above the highest traces of overflow. It 
was impossible, with our means, to penetrate the jungle, with 
which this last is covered, and ascertain its extent back from 
the river ; but its fall is very small, and the whole appears to 
be nothing more than a little hillock. If this be so, it is liable 
to the same objection with the first ; but even if it be the abut- 
ment of a high ridge of land upon the river, it is still objec- 
tionable as the terminus for sea navigation, inasmuch as the 
Brazo Mistan does not average more than 250 feet in width, 
and is very crooked and full of snags. Its narrowness alone 
would render it wholly impracticable for shipping, and still 
more for sea-steamers, which could neither turn round nor back 
down past the sharp bends. * * * 
In view of all these considerations, I do not hesitate to dis- 
courage all thought of improving this part of the river for sea- 
steamers, nor to name Mina-titian as the proper head of ship 
navigation ; for although there may be seasons of the year when 
sea-steamers would find a sufficient depth of water as far up, 
perhaps, as the mouth of the Jaltepec (provided their great 
length would admit of passing the sharp elbows in the 
river), yet the proper limit should be fixed at a point which 
could be reached, and at the same time be free from overflow, 
at all seasons of the year ; and Mina-titlan is the highest point 
on either bank of the river that combines all the requisite ad- 
vantages. 
