ncipal events which had occurred since my
father settled there, up to the present time.

In the western half of New Granada are three ranges of lofty mountains,
into which the main branch of the Andes is divided, extending from Quito
northwards to the Caribbean Sea; a fourth branch, running close to the
shores of the Pacific, extends towards the Isthmus of Panama. These
four ranges form three valleys, elevated, however, a considerable
distance above the sea. Throughout that to the east runs the
magnificent river Magdalena; the next is watered by the Cauca, of equal
length; and the third valley by the Atrato, of less extent, which runs
into the Gulf of Darien. At the head of the centre valley--that of the
Cauca--is situated Popayan, the capital of the province of the same
name, in the midst of a beautiful plain, almost surrounded by two
streams, which finish their course about a league below it, when they
fall into the fine river Cauca. This river then runs to the northward
through the rich and charming valley of the Cauca. Nothing can be more
delicious than the climate of this region, the inhabitants being never
oppressed by excessive heat, or annoyed by extreme cold. Rain, however,
falls during the last three months of the year, and also in April and
May; but even at that period the mornings are fine, as the showers
seldom come on until two or three o'clock in the afternoon, and continue
during the night. The plain, or I may call it the wide valley of
Popayan, lies between two ranges of lofty mountains. On one side are
the Cordilleras, with Purace, eternally covered with snow, rising above
them; and on the west side is another range, which separates the valley
from the province of Buenaventura. In the midst, surrounded by trees,
appears Popayan, with its numerous churches and large convents,
distinguished at a considerable distance by their whiteness. It is one
of the most ancient towns in that part of the continent. Its founders,
companions of Sebastian Belalcazar, made it the capital of the province,
establishing a bishopric, a college, and numerous religious
institutions. Although its buildings might not be greatly admired in
Europe, the inhabitants are proud of them; and justly so, when the
difficulties under which they were erected are remembered. Every
article used in their construction had to be brought either on the backs
of men or mules; and there were few native craftsmen capable of
performing th