40 



medial chain of the Andes. In order to form 

 an accurate idea of these hydrographical rela- 

 tions it must be recollected, that a division into 

 three chains takes place in the colossal groupe 

 or knot of the mountains of Pasco and Huanuco. 

 The western chain, which is the loftiest, and 

 takes the name of the Cordillera real de Nieve, 

 directs it's course (between Huary and Caxa- 

 tambo, Guamachuco and Luema, Micuipamba 

 and Guangamarca*) by the Nevados of Viuda, 

 Pelagatos, Moyopata, and Huaylillas, and by the 

 Paramos of Guamani and Guaringa, toward the 

 town of Loxa. The intermedial chain separates 

 the waters of the Upper-Maragnon from those 

 of the Guallaga, and during a long time reaches 

 but the small elevation of a thousand toises ; it 

 enters the region of perpetual snows only to the 

 south of Huanuco in the Cordillera of Sasa- 

 guanca. It stretches at first toward the north, 

 by Huacrachuco, Chachapoyas, Moyobamba, 

 and the Paramo of Piscoguannuna ; and then 

 progressively lowers toward Peca, Copallin, and 

 the Mission of San Yago, at the eastern extre- 

 mity of the province of Jaen de Bracamoros, 

 The third, or easternmost chain, skirts the right 

 bank of the Rio Guallaga, and loses itself in the 



* In the Partidos or provinces of Conchucos., Guamachuco, 

 and Caxamarca, belonging to the intendancias of Tarma and 

 Truxillo. 



