CARj\CCAS. 17 



casionai flaws in the walls. These are 

 chiefly built of sun-dried clay, or mud 

 beaten down between wooden frames. The 

 roofs are of tile, and the walls white- 

 washed. The city is well situated, and airy. 

 The average height of the thermometer is 

 72^ with a good breeze. 



*'Caraccas*, the metropolis of the pro- 

 vince of Venezuela, while under the Spanish 

 yoke, founded in 1566 by Diego de Losada, 

 is situated in the delicious valley of Arra- 

 gon. Although it is in 10° 30' of latitude, 

 and 67° of West longitude, this elevation, 

 added to some other local causes, suffices 

 to give it during winter the temperature of 

 our spring, and in that season the heat is 

 very seldom so great as in our summers. 

 It is the residence of the Captain General ; 

 of the Intendant ; of the Audiencia, or su- 



* From the French of M. Lavaysse. 

 VOL. 1. C 



