clears the country of all carcasses or offensive matter, and the guacamayo or macaw, with its beautiful plumage and disagreeable voice, are the most singular. Bats are so numerous in the city that they cover the streets in an evening in clouds; and there is not a house in which these nocturnal birds are not found. Of these, the most formidable is the vampyre, which, according to the authority of Ulloa and other travellers, will suck the blood of a sleeping person, at the same time fanning its victim with its broad wings.

The insects and reptiles peculiar to the climate are as numerous as the birds and beasts. Of the former, the centipede, the scorpion, the spider, and amongst the serpents, the rattlesnake, the dart, and the dreadful corales, or coral snakes, are the most venomous; the bite of the latter being rarely cured. Whilst the feet of the pedestrian are insecure from the attacks of these creatures, his face is exposed to the venom of the musquitoes, which attain a great size, and are exceedingly troublesome.

The beds of the inhabitants of Carthagena are surrounded with gauze curtains, to protect the sleeper from these insects; but this is unavailing; for another and almost imperceptible enemy creeps in through the threads, and annoys any part of the body which may be exposed. These are called manta blancas, or white cloaks, (by their forming in the air a

cloud of that colour: they cause no other pain than an intolerable itching. The pique is also another disagreeable insect of this country, which penetrates the skin of the feet or hands, and causes intolerable pain. This animal is well known in the West Indies, under the name of jigger or chigoe.

Goods which belong to the merchants of Carthagena are frequently destroyed in a short time by a sort of moth, which perforates, in a single night, through and through the finest bales of cloth, linen, silks, or laces. The only way they have of preventing this is to place them on benches away from the walls, and to smear the feet or supports with naphtha.

SECTION XXII.

THE CITY OF CARTHAGENA, &c.

THE capital of the province is Carthagena, situate on a small peninsula, or sandy island, joined to some others and the continent by two artificial necks of land, the broadest of which is about seventy yards wide. This city stands in north latitude 10° 26′ 35′′, and in west longitude 75° 26' 45".

The suburb, which is almost as large as the city itself, is placed on an island near the town,

and has communication with it by means of a bridge. This suburb is called Xexemani, and is surrounded, as well as the city, with strong fortifications of freestone, built in the modern

manner.

At a small distance from the town, on the main land, on a hill which commands both the fortifications, is a strong fort called St Lazaro. This hill is nearly 150 feet in height, and communicates with several others towards the east, which are still more elevated. They terminate in a mountain 552 feet above the sea, on the summit of which is the convent of the Augustines, called Nuestra Senora de la Popa. From this place there is a most delightful prospect over an immense tract of country.

The Bay of Carthagena is one of the largest, as well as one of the best on the whole coast. It extends two leagues and a half from north to south, has capital anchorage, and being completely land-locked, is so smooth, that vessels ride as if they were on a river. The only fault of this bay, but which constitutes its chief defence, are numerous shoals near its entrance: these render it necessary to secure a good pilot in coming in. The entrance to it was formerly at a considerable distance to the south of the city, through the Strait of Boca Chica; but since the attempt of Admiral Vernon on this port, the pass has been filled up, and a more commodious one, which formerly existed, has

again been opened close to the place, and strongly fortified. Carthagena bay abounds with fish and excellent turtles; and sharks are so numerous as to render bathing highly dangerous.

The climate of the city and its environs is exceedingly hot during the whole year. The season called winter lasts from May to November, during which time there is a continued succession of storms, thunder, lightning, and rain, which falls in such torrents that the streets look like rivers. There is, however, an advantage attending this dreadful season, for as there is no good fresh water in the vicinity, the cisterns and tanks are then filled for the supply of the remaining months. From December to April, the weather is fine, and there are no rains; the heat is also somewhat abated by the north-east winds, which blow during those months.

The city and suburbs are well laid out, the streets being straight, broad, and well paved. The houses are chiefly of stone, and of one storey above the ground floor, with balconies in front. Instead of windows, they have lattices, after the Spanish fashion. There is a handsome cathedral, and several churches, convents, and monasteries.

The population is estimated at 25,000. Of these, the descendants from the Indian tribes, who occupy the suburbs, form by far the greater portion. The rest are Chapetones, or

Europeans, who seldom remain here, if they acquire a fortune sufficient to enable them to return to Spain: they are the most opulent persons in the city.

The heat is so great during the rains, that the people have a livid wan complexion, and appear sluggish and worn-out on the least exertion. This is, however, only in appearance; for they enjoy in general good health, and live to an advanced age, when not cut off by the disorders incident to the climate, some of which generally attack the Europeans on their first landing, and others are peculiar to the natives. The vomito prieto, or black vomit, is sometimes as fatal in its progress as it is at Vera Cruz, carrying off whole families. The inhabitants of Carthagena are also very subject to the leprosy; to prevent the spreading of which, they have an hospital, in which persons suffering under that disorder are confined for life, with every accommodation that can be afforded them.

The city enjoys a great trade with the interior, and, by means of its port, with Spain, and other parts of the world. There are various public offices for the receipt of customs,

&c.

The exports of this city, including that of the neighbouring ports of Santa Marta, Rio Hacha, and Porto Bello, which have all the most intimate connexion with each other, with