1 



BUENOS AYRES. 469 



the salt lakes of Porongos. The rivers which rise in the northwest parts, generally run to the 

 north and northeast, and form the prodigious streams of the i?eni and Jiladeira, tributaries of 

 the JVIaranon. 



5. Lakes. There are many lakes in this country, formed by the expansion of the rivers, in 

 consequence of the extreme flatness of the country. Of this description is the celebrated lake 

 of Xarages, which is nothing else than the superfluous waters of the Paraguay, when swelled by 

 the tropical rains, and spread over an extensive flat. During the inundation, it is crossed in 

 canoes and small boats ; and when the inundation has ceased, the whole plain is completely dry 

 and covered with weeds. The lake of Ibei'i is 46 miles in breadth, and is solely nourislied by 

 the filtration of the waters of the Parana. In the southern parts are extensive salt lakes, from 

 which vast quantities of sJt can be obtained. 



6. Climate. The climate is various, but generally healthy. The atmosphere is very hu- 

 mid ; and during summer rains are frequent, and are commonly accompanied by the most 

 dreadful thunder and lightning. Fogs, snow, and hail are seldom experienced, except on the 

 summits of the mountains. In Cayo, on the frontiers of Chili, the winters are excessively 

 cold ; while in summer the heats are intense. At Buenos Ayres, and on the coast, the winds 

 are extremely violent, and frequently raise clouds of dust which obscure the sun, and which 

 penetrate into the houses and apartments of the inhabitants. 



7. Soil and JSTatural Productions. The soil, like the climate, varies in this extensive coun- 

 try ; but a great part of it is fertile. The forests abound with straight and lofty cedars, which 

 are excellently adapted for ship-building. The algorob, or carob-tree, is of great utility, and 

 is found in abundance. There are numerous and beautiful species of palm. Among the native 

 fruits is the tatay, which resembles the mulberry, but is yellow. The molli yields a copious 

 and fragrant gum. The zevil yields a bark used in tanning. The urucuy shrub affords a strong 

 scarlet dye. The mani grows under ground ; the fruit resembles the almond in taste and form, 

 and produces oil superior to that of the olive. Other fruits, as the manioc, the maguey, baco 

 ba, banana, and ananas, or pine apples, are found in profusion. 



8. Minerals. The upper part of this country contains innumerable mines of gold and silver. 

 These mines are all in the hands of private individuals, who, on discovering a mine, receive a 

 grant from government, and are only held to pay a duty on the minerals extracted. Considera 

 ble quantities of gold, in dust and in grains, are found in the sands of some of the rivers. A 

 gold mine is now wrought in the vicinity of Monte Video. In the mountains of Pacajes, are 

 mountains which supply a stone called v/hite jasper, which is beautifully transparent, and is 

 used for windows. There are several mines which yield gems, particularly one of emeralds, 

 much prized for their quality. 



9. Animals. The zoology of this country is much the same as that of Chili and Peru. The 



jaguars are numerous, and com- 

 mit great havoc among the oxen 

 and sheep. Elks and deer are abun- 

 dant. The zorrino is commou on 

 the plains. There are eight spe- 

 cies of armadillos peculiar to this 

 country. The ant-eater, the ta 

 pir, the puma, the guanaco, the 

 paco, the vicuna, the lama, and 

 the chilihuique (see description un- 

 der head of Jlnimals of South 

 America) abound here. A great 

 many tigers, as well as wild horses 

 and ostriches, are caught with the 

 lasso by the Indian and Creole in- 

 habitants. An immense variety 

 of birds inhabit this country. There 

 are about 20 difierent species of 



serpent, 1 ot which is ot prodigious size. Jlattlesnakes are common. Locujts form an an- 

 nual pestilence. Domesticated animals of European importation have increased prodigiously ; 

 and form one of the chief sources of the wealth of the country. 



10. Face of the Country. This .country resembles an extensive amphitheatre, bounded 



