126 VOYAGE TO Book III. 



During our ftay at Panama, we were very urgeilt 

 with thofe who related this ftory to procure us fome 

 of the herb, that we might make the experiment ; but 

 in this we were as unfortunate as in the article of the 

 two-headed fnake, none being to be had. I have, 

 however, fince been told, by perfons fettled in Pana- 

 ma, that it was very common ; a fufficient proof, in my 

 opinion, that the ftory has no foundation •, for, if it 

 was fo eafy to be had, and of fuch furprizing virtue, 

 what reafon could they have for refufing to convinc!e 

 us by ocular demonftration ? It may have a ftyptic 

 virtue, when none of the principal blood-vefTels are, 

 injured *, but that it can join them after being cut, 

 together with the nerves and tendons when totally 

 fevered, no perfon of any knowledge or judgment will 

 ever be brought to believe. And if its effects are fo 

 remarkably happy on poultry, it is furely natural to 

 think it ftiould have the fame on any other animal ; 

 and, confequently, on the human fpecies. If this 

 were the cafe, it would be of infinite value ; and no 

 Ibldier, efpecially, fhould be without it, as a few ounces 

 of this grand reftorativc would immediately cure the 

 moft terrible wounds. 



C H A P. V. 



Of the Tirade and Commerce of Panama. 



FROM what has been faid relating to the com- 

 merce of Porto Bello in the time of the galleons, 

 an idea may be formed of that of Panama on the fame 

 occafion ; this city being the firft where the treafure 

 from Peru is landed, and likewife the ftaple for the 

 goods brought up the river Chagre. This commerce 

 is of the greateft advantage to the inhabitants, both 

 with regard to letting their houfes, the freight of vef- 

 fels, the hire of mules and Negroes, who, forming 



themfelves 



