lOO 



A VOYAGE TO 



Book VII. 



nature of their cargo. I do not however pretend to 

 deny, but that it may be mixed with earth, or that 

 the molt fuperficial part of the earth does not contrad 

 the like virtue, fo as to produce the fame efFed. But 

 however it be, this is the manure ufed in the fields 

 fowed with maize, and with proper waterings is found 

 greatly to fertilize the foil, a little of it being put 

 clofe to every flem, and immediately watered. It is 

 alfo of ufe in fields of other grain, except wheat and 

 barley, and, confequently, prodigious quantities of it 

 yearly ufed in agriculture. 



Besides the orchards, fields, and gardens, with 

 which this country is fo delightfully variegated, 

 there are other parts where nature itfelf fpontane- 

 oufly furnifhes beautiful profpe6ls for the inhabi- 

 tants, and plenty of excellent food for their cattle ; 

 particularly the hills of St. Chriftopher and Aman- 

 caes, whofe perpetual verdure diverfified in fpring 

 with elegant flowers, feems to invite the neighbouring 

 inhabitants to a nearer enjoyment of the beauties it 

 prefents at a diftance to their view. The parts in 

 the neighbourhood of the city to the diftance of fix 

 or eight leagues, off^er the like entertainment-, and 

 accordingly many families refort thither for the 

 change of air, and the tranquility of rural amufe- 

 ments. The hills called Amancaes, already men- 

 tioned, have their name from a certain flower grow- 

 ing on them. It is yellow, and of the campanula 

 form, with four pointed leaves. Its colour is re- 

 markably brilliant, and in that wholly confifts its 

 value, being totally void of fragrancy. 



Besides thefe delightful retreats, the city has a 

 public walk in the fuburb of St. Lazaro, called Ala- 

 meda, corififting of rows of orange and lemon trees ^ 

 along the banks of the river is another called the 

 Acho, to which there is a daily refort of coaches and 

 calalhes. ' 



The 



