ROADS. 



45 



points by the lofty ranges of the Andes, 

 and their numerous ramifications, almost 

 all its roads are through mountains, which 

 oppose very great difficulties either to the 

 opening or the repairing them. From hence 

 it proceeds, that throughout the vast terri- 

 tory of the republic there is not a single 

 carriage road ; — all are bridle roads, and 

 very bad, particularly in the rainy sea- 

 son. The country will admit of new roads, 

 safe and practicable, being formed for a 

 considerable distance, but at present there 

 is no passing in any vehicle more than a 

 mile or two out of Bogotd. The Viceroy 

 formerly had a carriage ; but there is none 

 now in the country, and only two gigs in the 

 capital. There are in the plains a few clum- 

 sily contrived cars, with solid wheels, for 

 carrying timber, but these can only be used 

 from Facatativa to Bogota, and even then 

 frequently stick fast in the mire. They are 

 constructed on the same model as those in 



