200 LAKE OF GUATAVITA. 



magnificent and extraordinary view. Pic- 

 ture to yourself a lovely autumnal day on 

 the lakes of Westmoreland, — such had we ; 

 not a breath of wind disturbed the glassy 

 surface of the lake, which reflected back 

 the thick woods that studded its shores, 

 rising in tiers on tiers to the height of one 

 hundred and seventy feet; and above all 

 was seen a calm reflected sky ; nought 

 living moved, save a few water-fowl, that 

 gently glided away from us, as wondering 

 what creatures dared molest their solitary 

 reign.''' It really appeared an enchanted 

 spot. Our friend P^pe, who had often ru- 

 minated here, broke in on our silent re- 

 flections, giving us the history of the Lagoon 

 as follows : 



" Previously to the conquest of the country 

 by the Spaniards, a large district, containing 

 about a million of inhabitants, was subject 

 to the Cacique of Guatavita; who there had a 



