352 



TOPOGRAPHY. 



or oppressing the subje6l. It may be true, that these points 

 are not easily reconcileable with each other ; but our intend- 

 ant, in the distribution of the new lands, was able, not only 

 to recompense the assiduous labours of the settlers, but like- 

 wise to ensure their future prosperity. That being his sole 

 objedt, to the end that he might proceed with every security, 

 he addressed himself to the viceroy, Don Teodoro de Croix, 

 accompanying his solicitations by an energetic representation 

 on the same subje6l, drawn up by the senate of the city of 

 Tarma. His application having been favourably received, 

 he augmented his efforts for the re-establishment of Vitoc, 

 supplying the necessary implements and provisions, and sur- 

 veying in person the mountains which, through time and 

 negle6l, had become impenetrable. 



The first object that engaged his attention, was the con- 

 stru6tion of an advanced fort, which, by covering the valley, 

 should secure it from the attacks of the barbarians in the vici- 

 nity. Vitoc being naturally defended by the steep hills, of a 

 considerable height, which surround it to the east, west, and 

 south, is only assailable by the deep and rugged ground that 

 fronts the north, and terminates in the river Chanchamayo, 

 distant nine leagues from the small town of Chibatizo, built 

 by the civilized Indians on the ruins of Quimiri. The forest 

 having been cleared in that part, the fort was in a little time 

 eredted on a commodious eminence, and provided with four 

 bastions. The extent, disposition, and solidity of the walls, 

 fully manifest the talent, zeal, and a6livity of Don Juan de 

 Galves, to whose praise it ought to be recorded, that the whole 

 was finished without the smallest expence to the state, not- 

 withstanding eleven thousand piastres had, independently of 



the 



