CAllTHAGENA. 



473 



send a considerable distance for a needful 

 supply. Every house has a tank for the water, 

 which is filled by the falling of the rain ; and 

 consequently, in a time of drought, when the 

 periodical rains are later than usual, the inha- 

 bitants are greatly distressed. Wells have been 

 sunk in places — but the water is brackish, and 

 only used when necessity compels. 



The house in which the Inquisition carried 

 on their pious duties and humane functions, 

 has been bought upon speculation, and let off 

 for government offices. The instruments by 

 which the worthy members of this Holy In- 

 quisition enforced their mild doctrines are 

 hidden, and now rarely exposed to sight. 



Leprosy formerly prevailed here to a great 

 extent, but has disappeared greatly of late 

 years. During a close and long siege of Car- 

 thagena by the Spaniards, the city was reduc- 

 ed to great distress : — horses, mules, and dogs 

 were eaten ; multitudes died, and amongst 

 the first the lepers expired, — and their num= 

 ber now in the hospital is thirty-two only. 



The main trade has been carried on at Santa 

 Martha, on account of the facilities afforded to 

 the contraband traffic ; but since the Colom- 



