[XXVII-33] Squier's Cent. Am., 129-30; this authority also gives a cut of the cathedral on p. 261; Wappäus, Mex. und Cent. Am., 310-11; Huston's Journey, 24-7.
[XXVII-34] The town stands on the right bank of the Choluteca River in an amphitheatre among the hills. It has a fine stone bridge of ten arches spanning the river. Wells' Hond., 186-8; Laferrière, De Paris á Guatém., 95-6; Squier's Cent. Am., 155.
[XXVII-35] Omoa is situated about a quarter of a mile from the beach on level ground, but the back country rises rapidly into a chain of high mountains, beginning abruptly at Puerto Caballos, now called Puerto Cortés. Owing to its position, Omoa is generally cool and healthy, has seldom been visited by epidemics. The place is defended by the San Fernando castle. Trujillo lies close by the sea at the foot of a lofty mountain covered with vegetation, and reaching to the very edge of the water. The town was at one time of considerable importance, both in a commercial and military point of view; but now it has an antique, dilapidated, and abandoned appearance. Amapala, on the island of Tigre, was in old times a favorite resort of pirates; it was here that Drake had his depot during his operations in the Pacific. Owing to the visits of those marauders, the Indian population of Tigre and Zacate Grande retired to the mainland, and the islands remained almost entirely deserted till 1838, when Amapala was made a free port, since which time it has become a very important place. It has a salubrious climate. Further details on the towns of Honduras may be found in Montgomery's Narr. of a Journey to Guat., etc., in 1838, 31; Squier's Cent. Am., 98-129, 142-161; Squier's Hond. R. R., 74-84, 99-102; Squier's Trav., ii. 164-8; Young's Resid. Mosq. Shore, 138-40; Wells' Hond., 324-5, 574-9; Reichardt, Cent. Am., 89-90, 93-5; Wappäus, Mex. und Cent. Am., 311-19; Froebel's Cent. Am., 177-83; Pim's Gate of the Pac., 28-9.
[XXVII-36] It is comprised within lat. 13° and 14° 30' N., and long. 87° 30' and 90° 20' W. Am. Cyclop., xiv. 610. Between 13° and 14° 10' N. lat., and between 87° and 90° W. long. Squier's Cent. Am., 279; Laferrière, De Paris á Guatém., 111.
[XXVII-37] By decree of President Gonzalez, July 14, 1875, the department of San Miguel was cut up, and that of Gotera created with the districts of Gotera and Osicala. San Miguel was compensated with Chinameca, detached from Usulutan. Salv., Diario Ofic., July 20, 1875.
[XXVII-38] It is made a part of the governor's duty to keep the gen. govt apprised of every important occurrence within his department or its vicinity; in addition to which he must furnish annually a gen. report on every branch of the public service, with suggestions for the further improvement and progress of the communities under his charge. His subordinates in districts and towns report to him. A number of governors' reports may be seen in Salv., Gaceta, Sept. 3 to Dec. 24, 1876; Jan. 2 to Dec. 18, 1877; Id., Diario Ofic., May 17 to Dec. 3, 1879; Jan. 15, 1880, etc.
[XXVII-39] Towns of from 200 to 2,000 inhabitants two regidores, of upwards of 2,000 to 10,000 four, and those exceeding the latter number six. Each corporation elects a competent clerk to authenticate its acts and those of the alcalde.
[XXVII-40] Id., May 1-16, 1875; March 5-22, 1879.
[XXVII-41] Like other Spanish towns, it covers a large area in proportion to the population. The houses are built low, of a single story, and adapted to resist the constant shakes of the earth. Each house has an inner court, frequently containing a fountain and garden. The dwellers run out to the court on feeling a temblor of some force. When the shocks are heavy and continuous, they seek safety in the plazas and open fields, where they erect tents.
[XXVII-42] It is situated between N. lat. 13° 50' and 18° 15', and within W. long. 88° 14' and 93° 12'. Am. Cyclop., viii. 288. Between 13° 42' and 18° lat. N., and between 88° and 93° 5' W. long. Encyclop. Brit., xi. 211.