TRAVELS OF THE MISSIONARIES. 



415 



From the confluence of the river Moyobamba to the point by which the moun» 

 tainous territory is terminated, the Huailaga throws off four branches, which foi-m 

 as many different passes, named Estcra, Canoayaco, Chumia, and Yuracyaco. At 

 the point where it disembogues itself, it flows gently, taking a declination to the 

 north, through an immense and fertile territory, which it overflows to the extent 

 of three or four miles in breadth. Pursuing its course by the province of los May- 

 Has, in 5 degrees 4 minutes south latitude, it falls in with the Maranon*, by which, 

 divided into two branches, it is received. At the junction a gulf is formed half a 

 league in breadth, and 28 fathoms in depth. Ths d!a-?;onal line vfhich results from 

 the confluence of the two rivers, follows a space of about a league without either 

 of them having a preponderance over the other. At length the diredtion of the 

 Maranon overcomes tliat of the Huailaga. 



Father Manuel Sobreviela, with a view to explore the navigation of the latter of 

 these two rivers, sailed from the college of Ocopa on the 1st of July 1790, and, 

 proceeding by Tarma and Pasco, reached, on the 7th, the pleasant city of Leon de 

 Huanuco, distant from the above college fifty-six leagues. From Huanuco it was 

 his intention to .direft his steps to the new town of Playa-Grande, situated on the 

 b^nks of the river Patayrrohdos, where it is customary to embark in descending 

 thsife river as far as its confluence with the Monson, distant half a league. Having 

 embarked on the latter river, he was to proceed to the Huailaga, distant four 

 leagues from the above-mentioned confluence. The passage overland, however, 

 from the city of Huanuco to Playa-Grande, a distance of thirty leagues, being ren- 

 dered in a manner imprafticable by the difEculties which a rugged, mountain op- 

 posed, it became necessary to remove these obstacles before the expedition could 

 proceed. In the year 1787 the reverend father had begun to open a road which 

 might facilitate the passage by mules over this mountain. To complete tliis under- 

 taking, he sent notice to the governor of Panataguas, and to the sub-delegate of 

 the province, that, in virtue of the diredlions of the intendant of Tarma, Don Juan 

 Maria de Calves, they were to furnish, without delay, the succours and people 



* In this part, as well as nearly throughout its whole extent, tlie Huailaga was found to have a 

 breadth of 180 fathoms, and a depth of 28. It was measured with great exactitude by father Sobreviela, 

 Jlided by the lieutenant-governor of Maynas, Don Juan Salinas, a man of conspicuous talents, who was 

 very solicitous to promote, by his personal exertions, the success of the peregrinations we arc now de- 

 scribing. The breadth of this river was computed by M. Condamine at 250 toises, at the same season 

 of the year ; but as his measurement was made by the eye, tliat of father Sobreviela and Don Juan Sali- 

 nas ought certainly to be preferred. 



necessary 



