Gh. IV. SOUTH AMERICA. 93 



their declivity), and, without any decreafe of height, 

 .extends to the oppofite point, one is particularly re- 

 markable by its Ibperior loftinefs, as if defigned to be 

 the barometer of the country, by foretelling every 

 change of weather. This mountain, diftinguilhed by 

 the name of Capiro, flands at the utmofc extremity of 

 the harbour, in the road to Panama. Its top is always 

 covered with clouds of a denfity and darknefs feidom 

 feen in thofe of this atmofphere ; and from thefe, 

 which are called the capillo or cap, has poffibly been 

 corruptly formed the name of Monte Capiro. When 

 thefe clouds thicken, increafe their blackncfs, and fmk 

 below their ufual (lation, it is a fure fign of a tempefi. 

 While, on the other hand, their clearnefs and afcent 

 as certainly indicate the approach of fair weather. It 

 rnufl however be remembered, that thefe changes are 

 very frequent and very fudden. It is alio ieldom 

 that the fummit is ever obferved clear from clouds, 

 and when thi? does happen, it is only, as it were, for 

 an inftant. 



The jurifdiftion of the governor of Porto Bello is 

 limited to the town and the forts the neighbouring 

 country, over which it might be extended, being full 

 pf mountains covered with impenetrable forefts, ex- 

 cept a few vallies, in, which are thinly fcattered fome 

 farms or Aaciendas the nature of the country not 

 admitting of farther improvements. 



CHAP. IV. 



Of the Climate o/* Porto Bello, and the Dijlempers 

 which prove fo fatal to the Crews of the Galleons, 



H E inclemency of the climate of Porto Bello, is 

 JL, fufliciently known all over Europe. Not only 

 ftrangers who come thither are affected by it, but even 

 the natives themfelves fuffer in various manners. It 



deitroys 



