APPENDIX. 263 



is situated the city of Truxillo, and at the northern extreme, the 

 village and road of Huanchaco. This is a bad place for shipping, 

 and seems to have been badly chosen : the north side of the hill of 

 Carretas is a much better place for landing and embarking goods ; and 

 might be farther improved by sinking some small craft laden with 

 stones, plenty of which the hill would afford. 



The road of Huanchaco is on the north side of a few rocks that 

 run out from a cliffy projection ; sheltering the land in a slight de- 

 gree, but affording no protection to shipping. The village is under 

 the cliff, and not distinguishable till to the northward of the point ; 

 but the church, which is on the rising ground, shows very distinctly, 

 and is a good guide when near the coast. 



The usual anchorage is with the church and a tree that stands 

 in the village in one, bearing about east, a mile and a quarter from 

 the shore, in seven fathoms dark sand and mud. Vessels often have 

 to weigh or slip and stand off, owing to the heavy swell that sets 

 in : it is also customary to sight your anchor once in the twenty- 

 four hours, to prevent its being imbedded so firmly as to require 

 much time to weigh it when required. 



Landing cannot be effected in ship's boats ; there are launches con- 

 structed for the purpose, manned by Indians of the village, who are 

 skilful in the management of them : they come off on your arrival, 

 and will land you safely, for which they charge six dollars, equal to 

 one pound four shillings sterling : it is to be remembered that no 

 more is charged for a cargo of goods ; their having to risk the surf 

 being that for which you pay. 



Fresh provisions may be had from Truxillo, but watering is out of 

 the question. The city is said to contain 4,000 inhabitants. Rice is 

 the principal production of the valley ; for that article and specie 

 it is that vessels call here. 



If bound for this road, you should stand in on a parallel of 8°, 

 (which is a mile to windward), and you will see Mount Campana, a 

 bell-shaped mount, standing alone, about two leagues to the north- 

 ward : and Huanchaco Peak, which is very sharp, and the first hill 

 in the range on the north side of the valley. Shortly after the 

 church will come in sight, and the shipping in the road. 



The coast is cliffy for a few miles to the northward of Huanchaco ; 

 the low sandy soil with bushes on it then commences, with regular 

 soundings off it, and continues as far as Malabrigo Road. This bay 



