34 Bogota'. 



there were four agents of police in Bogotd, 

 to keep the streets clean ; the Gallinazos*, 

 the rain, the asses, and the pigs. In many 

 of the streets the grass has grown so plen- 

 tifully, from the thinness of population, 

 that it affords grazing ground to the stray 

 cattle. There is not a common sewer in the 

 whole city ; but for the sake of health and 

 cleanliness, I trust this will come under the 

 consideration of the government, and no 

 longer be suffered to offend the senses. The 

 manners and customs of the people will, no 

 doubt, become polished in proportion to the 

 increase of knowledge and of the blessings 

 of liberty. 



* Gallinazos are birds of the vulture species, and a most 

 aible and useful auxiliary in preserving the cleanliness of 

 the streets, as they carry off all the carrion, which would 

 else be left to putrify and rot where it is thrown by the 

 careless servants, whose habits of life are disgusting, filthy, 

 and highly revolting to European feelings. 



