NEW-GRANADA. 
The studies for these illustrations have been compiled in New-Granada, between the 4th and 12th degree 
of northern latitude, principally on the river Magdalena, in the eastern Cordillera between Ocaha and Santa 
Fe de Bogota, and in the Cordillera de Quindiu, on the mountain pass between Ibague and Cartage. These 
two great mountain-chains issue from the knot of the Paramo de Guanacos, where there is likewise the source 
of the Magdalena river, along the banks of which, diverging but slightly, they then run at some distance from 
each other in a northern direction* Spurs of both chains project on various spots dose to the river, which, at 
Honda, they finally contract. Here the great valley widens. The Cordilleras stretch a considerable distance 
along the river, as far as almost the eighth degree of latitude, where the Cordillera de Quindiu loses itself in 
the plain. The river then bends to the north-west, joins the Cauca, and flows into the vast plain, which is 
bounded in the north by the Caribbean sea. 
Nearly all the climates of the globe are to be met with here in a small space. Thus, while on the coast 
and on the banks of the Magdalena a middle temperature of 28° (C) prevails, the summits of the Cordilleras 
rise to the heights of everlasting snow. 
Here the landscape elements are found in a rare abundance : the mighty river, the primeval forest of the 
plain and of the mountains in the greatest variety, and the picturesque dwellings of the natives, raised amidst 
Bananas and Sugar-cane, and overshaded by Coco-palms and powerful Ceybas. The eye of the traveller now 
roves from the declivities of the mountains over the vast wooded plain of the Magdalena river, or glides over 
an ocean of clouds to the summits of the mountain-chain opposite, rising from it like islands ; now he beholds 
himself confined amidst deeply furrowed Alp-vales, here wildly cleft, there clothed with a lovely vegetation 
and refreshed by rapid torrents. From the wonderful magnificence of blossom of the Paramo-shrubs, , the 
traveller, having quitted the extreme Oak-forest, ascends the naked rock, where an icy wind lashes ragged 
clouds through the rarified air. Here, save where bare cliffs or majestic summits, capped with snow, stare 
heavenward, he beholds, as far as the eye can reach, nothing but thick, uninterrupted forest, which everywhere 
covers the land. This forest assumes the most different aspects, according as the local conditions vary, and, 
by its endless variety, strikes the traveller with ever renewed astonishment and admiration. 
The Quindiu Mountains. 
A toilsome mountain-path leads from Ibague, across the Cordillera de Quindiu to Cartago. It is but 
a short time, since this Andes-pass has become fit for crossing with the mule, though still with much trouble 
and not without danger. Many native travellers prefer even now being borne across by Cargueros or Cargadores, 
whose step they deem safer and more convenient than that of the beasts of burden. These Cargueros are 
mostly Indians of an incredible strength and perseverance. For a small sum these poor fellows carry the 
traveller on a light Bamboo-chair, which is fastened to their backs in the manner of a basket, up the steep, 
slippery paths across the impassable mountains.’ The mules, it is true, often choose the very brink of the 
path, running along precipices, and one is often- compelled, in travelling over long tracts of the dense forest, 
to stoop low over the neck of the animal, for fear of being dragged down by overhanging branches and creeping 
plants. The magnificence of nature, however, is an ample compensation for all the hardships one has to 
undergo. The aspect of the landscape is absolutely grand. The mighty sides of the valley are clothed to 
their summits with dense primeval woods, and the brilliant snow-capped cone of Tolima rises giant-like into 
the clouds. Now, one rides along a steep declivity, covered but slightly with vegetation, through which 
foaming torrents are rushing ; now one finds oneself amidst the profound darkness of the primeval forest, or in a 
narrow defile, arched over by graceful Palmettoes. 
^ Baron A. Humboldt. Vues des Cordilleres. 
B 
