204 



SOUTH COAST OF PERU. 



racterizes the whole population of the South Ame- 

 rican coast. Having spread mats on the grass for 

 us, she sent her sons to collect guavas, and brought 

 out a little bottle of aguardiente, that we might 

 refresh ourselves after our walk ; and all with such 

 simple earnestness of good will, that we knew not 

 how to express our obligations, or to offer any 

 adequate return. 



On our way back, the Alcalde told us the cause 

 of the present deserted state of the town, and de- 

 scribed the miseries of the war in language which 

 showed him worthy of a higher office. We in- 

 vited him to go on board the Conway, but could 

 not prevail upon him to accompany us. 



In the evening we got under weigh, and, in the 

 course of the night, stole gently along shore by 

 means of the land-wind, which was just sufficient 

 to fill the sails, dripping wet with the heavy dew. 

 In the morning of the 1 3th of June we anchored 

 in the open roads of MoUendo, for there are no 

 harbours on this coast ; a circumstance nearly im- 

 material, since the wind is always so gentle, that 

 ships anchor and lie exposed in perfect security. 

 The water being deep, vessels are obliged to ap- 



