453 



da and the Sierra Parime, the rocks which 

 skirt the western bank belong to this very 

 Sierra. Near the confluence of the Rio Apure, 

 the Oroonoko changes a second time, and almost 

 suddenly, it's direction from south to north to a 

 direction from west to east, as we have seen the 

 confluence of the Guaviare mark the point, 

 where the course toward the west is converted 

 abruptly into a direction toward the north. In 

 these two inflexions, it is not the impulsion of 

 the waters of the tributary stream only, that 

 determines the direction of the principal reci- 

 pient, but also a peculiar disposition of the 

 slopes and counter-slopes, which has an influ- 

 ence on the direction of the confluents, or 

 secondary rivers, and at the same time on that 

 of the Oroonoko. We should seek in vain on 

 these points of count erflexure, so important to 

 geography, any mountains or hills, that prevent 

 the great river from continuing it's original 

 course. None exist at the mouth of the Gua- 

 viare ; and the little hill of Cabruta, near the 

 confluence of the Apure, has certainly had no 

 influence on the direction of the Oroonoko. 

 These variations of direction are the effect of 

 more general causes ; they result from the dis- 



chain of Parime, which extends from east to west, like the 

 chains of the coast of Caraccas, and of Mato-Grosso, or Chi- 

 quitos, would be immediately connected with the Andes of 

 New Grenada. 



