EXCURSION TO MONTSERRAT. 271 



variety ; sounds from the distant bells of 

 the churches and monasteries occasionally 

 reached our ears, and added a pleasing 

 interest to the scene. 



The rear of the city rests on the rise of 

 the mountain, which at the base is, in many 

 parts, covered with luxuriant vegetation, 

 comprising a great quantity of small spread- 

 ing wood, which, added to the bold shape of 

 the mountains, forms a fine back-ground ; 

 whilst in front, the plain of Bogota, gently 

 sloping away, seems gradually lost in a fine 

 still lake, beautifully reflecting the rays of 

 the sun ; and through this mass of water is 

 seen the main road to Honda, (like a thread 

 in the midst,) elevated by artificial means 

 to the height of fourteen or sixteen feet 

 from the level of the river. In the centre 

 is an arch about sixty feet span, sufficient 

 to carry off the usual water, and prevent 

 the overflow of the road, which but rarely 



