CHAPTER VII.
Physico-Geographical Features—Deficiency of Information—Barometer—Colonel Williamson—Lieutenants Gibbon, Herndon and Maury—Señor Moro—Popagayos—Influence of the Andes—Climate—Rainy Season—Colonel Hughes —Statistics—Population—Indians—Vegetation—Building Materials—Woods—Geology.
The present chapter includes certain physico-geographical features subsidiary to the duties of the engineer and explorer. The object of this paper excludes all matter, not possessing practical value for this purpose, and admits of little more than mere mention.
The previous chapters indicate a deficiency in information in regard to the following routes:
1. Nicaragua—The practicability of a route between Monkey Point and the Lake Nicaragua, or San Juan River.
2. Chiriqui—No information extant.
3. Panama route, and improvement of the harbors.
4. San Blas and Chepo—A better line may be practicable.
5. Caledonia Bay, or the Gulf of Urabà to the Gulf of San Miguel, by way of the Savana or Lara Rivers.
6. Examination of the depression noticed by Gen. Michler.
7. The line proposed by Sr. Gorgoza.
The elevation of the passes upon these routes should be definitely fixed. The instrument which must determine the question of practicability is the Wye spirit-level. If the capacity of the harbors are insufficient for the largest class of ships, or can not be made available at a reasonable cost, further examination is unnecessary.