n very
considerably in this otherwise very narrow neck (12 miles), the space
that intervenes between the lake and the ocean.

The American coast of the Pacific is, in fact, bordered with an
alluvial plain, varying in breadth, which tends still more to lessen
the breadth of the high lands in every quarter. Between the bottom of
the Gulf of Papagayo to Lake Nicaragua, the distance, the alluvial
strip included, is, (see Journal R. G. S. vol. vi.), only 29,880
English yards, nearly 15 geographical miles. The highest point of land
that intervenes, is only 133-1/2 Spanish feet (the Spanish foot is
0.9267 English) above the level of the sea, and only 19 feet above (p. 098)
the level of the lake. The lake is very deep, and at this point is
said to be 15 fathoms. The surface of the lake is thus 133-1/2 Spanish
feet above the level of both oceans. The tide in the Pacific in the
Gulf of Papagayo rises about 11 feet, decreasing in its rise towards
the north, and increasing its rise towards the south. When Mr. Canning
proclaimed that he had "_called a new world into existence_," he
ought, as he then might, to have kept these places, the key to both
worlds, in his power, and in the power of his country.

Some Spanish authorities state, that Lake Nicaragua has a
communication with the Pacific, but at what point does not appear, nor
is it probable. Others state that it has a tide in it like the ocean;
and if so, this certainly indicates a communication with it by some
low and level channel, where the tide from the sea drives back the
flow of waters from the lake. To ascertain these points are objects of
great importance, and well worthy the attention of the civilized
world; and the wonder is, that it has not before this time been
attempted. All the old and best Spanish writers, who wrote either from
access to the best materials, or from practical information regarding
the Spanish territories in South America, but more especially Estalla
and Alcedo, mention, in the most pointed manner, that, by the places
which have just been considered, the nearest and the safest channel
would be found, nay actually existed, whereby a communication could be
opened up between the Atlantic and the Pacific; and farther, that the
possession and the command of Fort St. Juan and the river St. Juan on
the one hand, and of the port of Rialejo on the other, gave the holder
and possessor of them the key to and the command of both oceans. Like
the Gulf of Darie