CARACCAS. 19 



beautiful streams that traverse it contribute 

 to its coolness and cleanliness, and give it 

 an air of animation which is not found in 

 cities deprived of running v^ater. As in 

 some towns of the Alps and Pyrenees, each 

 householder in Caraccas has the invaluable 

 advantage of having in his house a pipe of 

 running and limpid water; which does not 

 prevent all the squares and almost all the 

 streets from having public fountains. In 

 general there is much luxury and gilding 

 in the decorations of the houses of wealthy 

 persons, and among all more cleanliness and 

 comfort than in Spain. This town does not 

 possess any public edifice remarkable for its 

 beauty and size, with the exception of the 

 church of Alta Gracia, built at the expense 

 of the people of colour in Caraccas and its 

 vicinity. 



The city is divided into five parishes : 

 that of the Cathedral, Alta Gracia, Saint 



c 2 ' 



