y into the country, and
approach closely to the branches of the Caymito, a considerable
stream, which flows through a country, in its lower course,
comparatively level; while between its upper course and the Trinidad
the distance is covered with savannahs and small conical hills, and in
some places marshy plains--a complete proof of the level nature of the
country. The streams which rise to the westward of the line alluded
to, namely, in the hills stretching to the province of Veragua, mostly
flow into the Chagre, another proof of the direction in which the
mountains in this quarter lay; and that there is no continued chain,
as has been stated, extending in the centre of the Isthmus throughout,
and joining together the Andes of North and South America. From the
junction of the Trinidad with the Chagre to Panama is only 26-1/2
miles, and to the mouth of the Chorera 23 miles!

Short, however, as the distances just mentioned are, they are
considerably reduced, when the navigation of the Trinidad on the one
side, and of the Caymito on the other, are taken into account. These
reduce the greater distance at least one-half; and in it, as well as
the lesser distance, the nature of the country, for a considerable (p. 095)
portion of the distance, if not throughout the whole distance,
overcomes almost every obstacle, or rather renders every obstacle that
may offer, possible to be overcome. From that portion of the River
Chagre, which is level with high-water mark at Panama, south-westward
to that city, the country is interspersed with savannahs, and
consequently level. Indeed, for "a few miles" inwards from Panama, the
_plains_ are below the level of the sea, thus rendering the formation
of a canal easy; while, on the north side of the most elevated spot,
the numerous streams which spring and flow to the Chagre would afford
an abundant supply of water for any canal that may be constructed,
however large that may be. The distance, therefore, where any serious
difficulty could occur, must be reduced to a mile or two; and in that
distance, should any of those conical mountains, from 300 to 500 feet
high, or insulated ridges of inconsiderable height, which Mr. Lloyd
tells us are here and there to be found in these places--should any
such intervene, they may be cut through without any great difficulty.
The excess in the rise of the tide in the Pacific, nearly 21 feet
above its rise in the Atlantic, would tend greatly to accelerate the