138 



PAYTAo 



many disadvantages, its reputation, as a place 

 of commerce, is considerable. Vessels put in 

 here for provisions every day, and particularly 

 North American whalers, with which it is now 

 crowded. The latitude is 5^ 6' 0" south of 

 the line, and therefore extremely hot. The 

 Andes are out of sight of the coast, and 

 cannot afford to Payta the shade of clouds, like 

 the canopy which overspreads Lima. It has .not 

 rained here for two years, and there is no stream, 

 or spring of fresh water, within six leagues of the 

 place. Neither leaf nor blade of any sort grows 

 near Payta. 'The provision and water used in 

 the town are brought from the interior. Mules 

 laden with water-barrels, vegetables, and meat, 

 come in regularly, every morning, in sufficient 

 abundance, and the price of the two latter is 

 moderate. The animals are seldom allowed to 

 taste water until they return to the river, which 



