244 
VIEW FROM THE TPRIMIQHIBI. 
and which is considered to be higher than the mountain of 
the Brigantine, so well known by the sailors who frequent 
the coasts of Cumana. We measured, by angles of elevation, 
and a basis, rather short, traced on the round summit, the 
peak of Cucurucho, which was about 350 toises higher than 
our station, so that its absolute height exceeded 1050 toises. 
The view we enjoyed on the Turimiquiri is ot vast extent, 
and highly picturesque. From the summit to the ocean we 
perceived chains of mountains extended in parallel lines from 
east to west, and bounding longitudinal valleys. These val- 
leys are intersected at right angles by an infinite number ot 
small ravines, scooped out by the torrents : the consequence 
is, that the lateral ranges are transformed into so many rows 
of paps, some round and others pyramidal. The ground m 
general is a gentle slope as far as the Imposible; iartker on 
the precipices become bold, and continue so to the shore ot 
the gulf of Cariaco. The form of this mass of mountains 
reminded us of the chain of the Jura; and the only plain 
that presents itself is the valley of Cumanacoa. We seemed 
to look down into the bottom of a funnel, in which we could 
distinguish, amidst tufts of scattered trees, the Indian vil- 
lage of Aricagua. Towards the north, a narrow slip of land, 
the peninsula of Araya, formed a dark stripe on the sea, 
which, being illumined by the rays of the sun, reflected 
a strong light. Beyond the peninsula the horizon was 
bounded by Cape Macanao, the black rocks of which rise 
amid the waters like an immense bastion. , _ , 
The farm of the Cocollar, situated at the foot of the 
Turimiquiri, is in latitude 19° 9' 32". I found the dip of 
the needle 42-1°. The needle oscillates 229 times m ten 
minutes. Possibly masses of brown iron-ore, included in 
the calcareous rock, caused a slight augmentation in the 
intensity of the magnetic forces. 
On the 14th of September we descended the Cocoliar, 
toward the Mission of San Antonio. After crossing several 
savannahs strewed with large blocks of calcareous stone, we 
entered a thick torest. Having passed two ridges of extremely 
steep mountains,* we discovered a fine valley five or six 
* Thase riilges, which are rather difficult to climb towards the end ol 
the rainy season, are distinguished by the namas of Los Yepes and Fail- 
ta»ma. 
