merce are indigo and cochineal; the produce of the latter in 1825 was valued at 400,000 piastres. "The cultivation of indigo," Humboldt says, "which is very general in Guatemala and Carraccas, is neglected in Mexico; and indigo is annually imported from Guatemala, where the total produce of the plantations amounts to the value of 12,000,000 of livres. Raynal is wrong when he maintains that the Europeans introduced the cultivation of this valuable plant into America. Several species of indigofera are peculiar to the New Continent. Ferdinand Columbus, in the life of his father, mentions indigo among the productions of Hayti. Hernandez describes the process by which the natives separated the fecula from the juice of the plant; a process different from that now employed. The small cakes of indigo dried by the fire, were called mohuilli or tleuohuilli : the plant was designated by the name riuhquilipitzahuac." In Guatemala, the plant is called giquilite, and the indigo prepared from it, anil; the former is the native name, the latter has passed into the Spanish language from the Arabic word niz or nil. Hernandez calls the Mexican indigo, aniz.

Animals.] The country is not less rich in animal than in vegetable productions. Besides all the animals common to the American continent, is the zorillo, and quetzal; the one a small species of fox, the other a large bird of a beautiful green plumage; it appears to possess at least two animals peculiar to itself. The tail feathers of the quetzal, which are very long, are favourite ornaments with the natives. The raxon is a very beautiful party-coloured bird. The rivers and lakes swarm with fish, and the coasts afford a variety of objects of pursuit to the fishermen. Green turtle abounds along the Mosquito shore; and manatees are very plentiful. This singular creature may be considered the connecting link between quadrupeds and fishes; it retains the fore-feet, or rather, hands of the former, with the tail of the latter, spreading out in a horizontal direction like a large fan. Beneath the skin-which is uncommonly hard and thick -there is a deep layer of very sweet fat. The meat, in its thickest parts, has the singular property of being streaked throughout with alternate layers of fat and lean, being most excellent food. The manatee is extremely acute in its sense of hearing, and immerges itself in the water on the slightest noise; it feeds on long shoots of tender grass growing on the banks of the rivers, and will rise nearly two-thirds of its length out of the water to reach its food; it is found only in the most solitary and leastfrequented creeks and rivers; the male and female are generally together; their common length is from 8 to 12 feet, and they weigh from 500 to 800 pounds; some of them are however much larger, weighing from 12 even to 15 cwt. The Indians generally steal upon them early in the morning when they are feeding, and kill them with a harpoon; but if the least noise is made in approaching, they immediately sink, and escape. Among the noxious animals and reptiles, not the least formidable are the warrior ants (hormigas guerreras), who are double the size of the common ant and always move in regular array, like an army. "Wherever they enter a house, they spread all over it, and clear it so effectually as not to leave a single worm, reptile, or vermin of any sort behind them when they depart. To the larger creatures, such as snakes, scorp toads, rats, &c. they are formidable from their numbers: in attacking adhere so closely to their bodies that they soon kill. them to the bones. When they have cleans proceed to another." Juarros adds to this

perty to these beneficent marauders. "If any injury be done to them when in the house, they revenge it by biting or stinging the assailant, and immediately retreat, leaving the vermin untouched!"

Population.] According to Baron Humboldt, the population of Guatemala, in 1822 did not exceed 1,600,000 souls, viz.: 280,000 Whites, 880,000 Indians, 420,000 of a mixed race of Blacks, Whites, and Indians, and 20,000 Blacks. Their calculations, however, by the acknowledgment of Humboldt himself, in a letter to Bolivar, are only vague conjectures, which require to be rectified by accurate statistical data. Senor del Valle was of opinion that the population of Guatemala could not be less, in 1824, than 2,000,000. He remarks that no pestilential diseases have occurred in that country for many years-that it has not been exposed to devastating war, like Buenos Ayres, Chili, Peru, Colombia, New Spainthat articles of provision are to be met with here at lower prices than in Mexico and that marriages are more prolific. In the opinion, therefore, of Senor del Valle, which appears by no means ill-founded, the population of Guatemala may be estimated to exceed that of Venezuela, Peru, Chili, and perhaps of Buenos Ayres.

Government.] Guatemala had scarcely raised the standard of independence when measures were taken to nominate a constituent assembly, by which the basis of a constitution, fit for a federal republic might be arranged, and through the medium of which it might be presented for approval to the five states composing the nation. After some months the labours of the assembly were completed. The model which served to guide the legislators of Guatemala, was the republican form of the United States of America, together with that of Colombia. All the nascent republics of America felt the necessity of constituting the New World on one and the same principle. The congress is elected by the people, and is half-renewed every year. Each state sends a representative for every 15,000 inhabitants. The senate is composed of members popularly elected, in the ratio of two for each state. That body has the right of sanctioning all the resolutions made in congress; and a third part is renewed annually, the individuals going out being eligible to be re-elected. The executive power is exercised by a president, nominated by the inhabitants of the different states of the federation. The offices of president and vice-president, both nominated in the same way, last for four years; and the individuals who fill them may, without any interval, be once re-elected. The constitution abolishes slavery, establishes individual liberty, and guarantees the freedom of the press. The republic is at present divided into five states; each of these states is free and independent as to its provincial government, and internal administration. On the 20th of February, 1825, the constituent assembly was dissolved, and the federal congress succeeded it, which swore to maintain the constitution. The regular troops of the republic amount to 1500 men; the militia are stated at 80,000.

1st. The State of Guatemala.] This is the largest state of the Guatemalan confederacy. It occupies the N.W. part of the republic, and is bounded on the N.W. and N. by Mexico; on the E. by the gulf of Honduras, the state of Honduras, and that of San Salvador; and on the S. and W. by the Pacific ocean. Its length from N.W. to S.E. is about 390 miles, and its average breadth 170 miles. It is divided into 7 partidos or departments, and 108 parishes, and sends 36 members to congress. Its population in 1825 was 512,120 souls.-Guatemala-la- Vieja, or Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, is situated in the department of Sacatepec,

about 20 miles to the N. of Guatemala-la-Nueva. The first town of this name, the residence of the ancient Rachiqueles, or kings, has entirely disappeared; the present town was founded by the Spaniards in 1524. Within 20 years, however, of its foundation, it was entirely destroyed by the eruptions of two volcanoes in the neighbourhood; and, although rebuilt afterwards, a violent earthquake, which took place in 1775, induced the greater part of the inhabitants to remove to Guatemala-la-Nueva. In its most flourishing state it contained 38 churches, and 34,000 inhabitants. Of the former, only the cathedral, a fine building 300 feet in length, now exists, and the latter are reduced to about 8,000 souls, chiefly converted Indians.-Guatemala-la-Nueva, the capital of the republic, is situated in 14° 40′ N. lat. on the banks of the Rio de las Vacas, in a very large and fertile valley; but as its supposed elevation is about 5,000 feet above the level of the Pacific, it enjoys a temperate and delightful climate. The streets are straight and well-paved; and the houses, although necessarily built low from the dread of earthquakes, are handsome, and furnished with beautiful gardens. The cathedral is a fine specimen of modern Italian architecture; there are about 40 other religious edifices, and a university which was founded in 1676. The population in 1825 amounted to 30,775 souls. Guatemala is 210 miles distant from Isabal on the gulf of Dolce, and 150 miles from Isabal à Omoa, the principal sea-port of the republic. The intermediate country betwixt both these places consists of naked mountains and fertile valleys. The distance from the city of Mexico is about 680 miles.-Jalapa had a population, in 1825, of 3,512 souls; Santa Cruz, 2,227; Ostuncalco, 4,454; San Cristoval Totonicapan, 4,864 ; San Juan Zacatepequez, 8,589; Patsum, 7,888; Patzicia, 6,258; and Chichicastenango, 4,564.

The Volcan de Agua.] Among the natural curiosities of the valley of Guatemala, is the gigantic Volcan de Agua. "This mountain," says Juarros, "is of a conical figure; its base extends over nearly all the western part of the valley of Guatemala. On the side towards the city, the ascent by the road from the base to the summit, is 3 leagues; and from the side towards Alotenango, it is more than 4 leagues. The circumference at the bottom is 18 leagues. Cultivation is confined to the lower parts of the mountain; the middle region is covered with thick forests; and during great part of the summer, the city is supplied with snow from the upper region. On its skirts are numerous mineral and medicinal springs, and many Indian villages, besides a great number of detached houses and farms. On the summit is a concave space, resembling a crater, measuring about 140 yards by 120. From the edge of this crater, a most beautiful prospect presents itself in every direction,-Old Guatemala with its fertile fields and numerous farms, the village and lake of Amatitan, with all the surrounding country, can be distinctly seen. Looking westward, the provinces of Suchiltepec and Soconusco, and even the plains of Chiapa, may be discovered; to the eastward, the provinces of Zonzonate, Santana Grande, and San Salvador, with the lake of Gilopango, may be distinguished; on the north and south, the view is bounded by the two oceans.'

2d. State of Honduras.] This state is bounded on the E. by a right line drawn from the summit of the great central chain, in 13° 15′ N. lat. to Cape Camaron, which separates it from the Mosquito territory; on the S.E. by the state of Nicaragua; on the S. by the gulf of Fonseca; on the S.W. by the course of the great central chain which di

iving towa’us te

O'VILA I” mt two grea" physica divisions —the one

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pay of Lonauras, the other towards the Fazine elima as well. most, and unhealthy, especia" along the eastern shore. The surface of the country & unuciate.i anu diversined presenting beauti 15. pains, swelling the and valevs coveret witi umbrageous forests. The sui tertia, a tu state the riches n mines o gol and silver m the whole comederation. Ï' is divided into 12 departments, and sends 1 members to congress. Its principa port of the northern coast are: (mora Caralir. S... Trium, a Cruz, am. 7razil.

islam o hoa.al Lighter: earues N.L. o Por: Truxil the 14jamo iloatar es of the coast. extending from: 45 to 5 mites ir ienrth, by Iron tu it II breadth. The approach ter is dangerous oWig De the reets and Tucks by What it is surrounded · but the pricina harbour aforus good anchorage, thougt: rather over to SW. winds. In the yea” Jo42, this isiant was taker by the Engist. but was abandonec eight years Biler. From: tua: une to 1742. r. remained unnamed the English: then agan. occupied, and fortinet 1. but were dislodged abon: 1750. They resumec possession ci il n. 1796, but in the following year the Spaniards

ouce more recovereu li.

Sa. Sian of Nicaragua

This state is situated in the S.L. quarter of the republic. It is divided on the N.W. from Honduras by the centra. chair of Guatemala, and from the Mosquito territory by the Lie de Nueva Segovia; or the L. it as washed by the Caribbear sex; or the S. by the state of Costa Rica, from which it is divided by the Colorade of the I... and the Forto-niebra of the W. and of the SW. and W. by the Parinc. It is about 430 mies from W.N.W. to E.S.E., and 245 in greates” breadth from N.E. to S.W. Nearly one-tenti of its surtace is occupied by the jakes Nicaragus and Leon. The climate is very unhealthy a hea...je and along the San Juan river; but Nueva-Segovia. Matara na, and Masava, enjoy a must fine: temperature of account of ther elevation. This state is divided into è departments, and sends 18 members te congress. Its population in 1824 was 174,400 souis- Its principa ports of the Pacific are: healer, Desolaad. §. Juar de. Sur, and bruu. The only port on the Caribbear ses is & Juan de Nicaragua.

Ail. State of Custa-Fica. This is the most eastern and, at the same time, the most southern portion of the republic. It is bounded on the NW. and N. by the province and take of Nicaragua: on: the L. by the Caribbean, ses and republic of Colombu, from which it is part separated by the Chiriqu river and of the S. and SW. by the Facine. Its length from E. 10 W. is about 190 miles, and its meal breadth from N. to S. 95 miles. The volcanic range, which traverses this country, determines its two genera incimations-the one being to the N.L.. the other to the S.W. This is the least commercial and the poorest state of the conte deracy. Its population amounts to about 60.000 souls, ant. It sends 4 members to congress. Its chiet town is Canage, situated on the river of that name, and distant about 65 miles from the Pacing, and 95 from the Caribbear sea.

5th. Siate of San Saivation. shores of the Facint; its breadth

This state extends 160 miles along the about 100. The indians of this ter

ritory are the most civilized, and all speak Spanish. The city of San Salvador, which gives its name to the state, stands in a delightful valley, surrounded by mountains covered with wood, which terminate towards the N.E. in a volcanic summit, that has caused at different periods great devastation by its eruptions: it is in 13° 36′ N. lat., 89° 46′ W. long. The town was founded in 1528, with the view to keep the province of Cuscatlan, ‘land of riches,' as it was then called, in subjection. It was created a city by Charles V. in 1545. The streets are laid out in right lines, the houses are commodious, and the markets are well supplied. The inhabitants, in 1778, were nearly 12,000, of whom 600 were Spaniards. The population has doubtless considerably increased since that time. The distance from Guatemala is 60 leagues E.S.E. The whole of this fine country invites the especial attention of the geologist and naturalist.

THE MOSQUITO TERRITORY.] That portion of Guatemala, commonly called the Mosquito territory, or Mosquito shore, and sometimes Moscos, is situated between the 11th and 16th northern parallels, and may be regarded as forming the eastern part of the states of Honduras and Nicaragua. In magnitude, this country exceeds Portugal. It is well watered, and fertile; but the coasts are marshy and unhealthy, as the fate of the Poyais settlers testified. The Mosquito Indians are divided into various tribes, of which the chief are the Mosquitos Proper, the Poyaise, the Taoukas, and the Sambos. Situated between morasses and inaccessible mountains, and a coast full of rocks and shoals, no attempts against them by the Spaniards, whom they mortally hate, could ever succeed. When the duke of Albemarle was governor of Jamaica, they spontaneously put themselves under the protection of the crown of Great Britain; and the king of the Mosquitos received a commission from his grace, under the seal of that island; after which transaction they continued steady in their alliance with the English, and very useful to them on many occasions. But the connexion between the English and Mosquitos no longer subsists. By a convention with Spain, in July, 1786, the English, in consideration of certain cessions on the coast of Jucatan, agreed to evacuate this country. Although governed by their own caciques, they must virtually be considered as subjects of the Guatemalan republic.—The town and territory of Poyais, where, a few years ago, some adventurers from this country attempted to establish an independent colony, are situated on the Tinto or Black river, which discharges itself into the Atlantic near Cape Camaron. This district, though nominally a part of Guatemala, has never actually been appropriated. The town or log-village of Poyais is situated on the W. side of the river, about 60 miles inland.

END OF VOLUME FIFTH.

GLASGOW:

RUTCHISON AND BROOKMAN, PRINTERS, VILLAFIELD