Quito is plentifully supplied with water from several streams, which flow from the sides of the mountains, and are conducted into the town by means of conduits. Several of these brooks unite in one spot, and form the small river Machangara, which washes the south parts of the city, and is crossed by a stone bridge.

The principal streets are all paved, and the houses are large and convenient, being mostly of one story in height, built of unburnt bricks and clay, and cemented by a sort of mortar which was made use of anciently by the Indians, and which becomes exceedingly solid. The principal square of Quito is ornamented with the cathedral, the bishop's palace, the town-hall, and the palace of the royal audience, and with a beautiful fountain in the centre. Four streets terminate at the angles of this square, which are broad, straight, and well built for about four hundred yards, when the acclivities and breaches commence; on this account, the luxury of wheel-carriages is not to be had. Besides the great square, there are two others of considerable size, and several small ones. In these are situate the churches and convents, which are generally fine buildings. The hospital is a fine structure; and there are several courts for the administration of justice, the exchequer, treasury, &c.

The population is estimated at 70,000 persons; among whom are many of high rank,

descendants of the conquerors, or persons who came in the early periods from Spain. Notwithstanding the horror of earthquakes, and the constant state of anxiety they must feel, the inhabitants are gay, lively, and much addicted to pleasure, luxury, and amusement.

The clay and hot water vomited from the volcano, diffuses much fertility in the vicinity of Quito. There, a constant succession of fruits, flowers, and leaves, appear during the whole year, and even on the same tree. Corn is reaped and sown at the same time; and such is the goodness of the pasture, that excellent mutton, beef, &c. are to be had here. Fine cheese is also made in the dairies, and so much is used, that 70 or 80,000 dollars' worth is annually consumed. Good butter is also found; and for the service of the table, whether in luxuries or necessaries, nothing appears to be wanting.

In this province, some cotton goods are manufactured. These are exported to Peru; for which gold, silver, laces, wine, brandy, oil, copper, tin, lead, and quicksilver, are returned.

The wheat of Quito is exported to Guayaquil; and the coast of Guatimala sends indigo, iron, and steel, for which some of the products of Quito are returned by way of Guayaquil. The commerce of Quito is, however, mostly internal; and this province contains no metallic

veins which are worked, though many rich ones are supposed to exist; and some mercury has been found between the villages of Cuença and Azogue.

Quito is celebrated as having been the scene of the measurement of a degree of the meridian by the French and Spanish mathematicians, in the reign of Louis XV. The plain made choice of for the mensuration of the great base, is situate 1592 feet lower than the city of Quito, and four leagues north-east of it, near the village Yuranqui, from which it has its name. It was in this desert valley, surrounded by the lofty summits of the central Andes, that these geodetic operations were carried on. In the church of the Jesuits is an alabaster slab, on which is engraven a Latin inscription, commemorating the labours of the French and Spanish mathematicians in 1736 and the following years, till 1742, and enumerating the signals, angles, and other circumstances connected with the measurement performed in those years.

SECTION XXXVIII.

SAN MIGUEL DE IBARRA.

IBARRA contains within its district eight principal villages or small towns.

In passing from Pastos through Ibarra, the traveller views with astonishment the deep valley or crevice of Chota, 4922 feet in depth, covered with luxuriant vegetation.

The temperature of the air in this district is variable, but generally warmer than at Quito.

San Miguel de Ibarra is the chief place of a district of the same name, and is situate in 0° 25′ north latitude, and 77° 40' west longitude, forty-five miles north-east of Quito. The town stands on a large plain between two rivers.

The houses are built of stone with tiled roofs, and it contains several convents, a fine church, a college, and a nunnery.

The population is 10,000.

The soil is fertile, producing the tropical fruits, cotton, maize, great quantities of sugar, wheat, and barley.

Few sheep are seen in Ibarra ; but it abounds with goats, and, near a village called Mira, with a multitude of wild asses, extremely fierce, which are hunted for their skins.

The Indians weave cotton and cloth, and work some large salt mines, which supply the northern districts.

SECTION XXXIX.

OTABALO.

OTABALO is the next jurisdiction, containing eight towns or villages.

Their lands are laid out in plantations, principally of the sugar-cane. Wheat and barley, however, sown in this district, thrive very much. A great number of small rivers fertilize the country, and it abounds with sheep, black cattle, and horses. Great quantities of butter and cheese are exported.

The native Indians are industrious; weaving quilts, cottons, bed furniture, and carpets, which, having very brilliant colours, are much valued in Quito and Peru.

This district contains two lakes. One called San Pablo, is three miles long, and a mile and a half broad, abounding with wild geese: it gives rise to the Rio Blanco. The other lake has nearly the same size, and is called Cuicocha, being situate at the foot of a mountain of that name: it produces a sort of cray-fish much esteemed at Quito, as it is the only fresh water fish that can be had there.