CHAPTER I. 
Advantages of an Oceanic Communication, through the American 
Isthmus; and Preference which ought to he given to the Territory 
of Tehuantepec over those of Panama and Nicaragua . 
The project of a communication between the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans, has been the object of scientific investigation 
ever since the discovery of America, and had always attracted 
the attention of the Spanish Government during the pe¬ 
riod that a great portion of that country formed an integral 
part of the monarchy. 
Christopher Columbus was the first to estimate the great 
importance to the whole world of a maritime communication, 
across the American Isthmus. The advantages that would 
result from it are indeed so evident, and the lucid observations 
of Humboldt, are so well known and appreciated, that it ap¬ 
pears to be needless to repeat them in this place; we will there¬ 
fore only add a few other remarks which will give them a 
more extensive application. 
It is generally acknowledged that if the communication be 
once effected, all the vessels which from their ultimate desti¬ 
nation are now compelled to double Cape Horn, would, 
of course, pursue their route through the Isthmus. It is also 
admitted, that in consequence of the favourable winds and 
currents, this voyage would be preferred to that round the Cape 
of Good Hope, even for vessels proceeding from Europe to 
China and Japan ; but it is believed that it would be by no 
means equally convenient for their return from China to Eu¬ 
rope, still less for the voyages to and from the East Indies. 
