lish the one we had projected, through the want of sufficient funds in the hands of the society; but the complaints we uttered on this head, having made all the impression we could have wished on the sensibility of several generous individuals who have supplied us with the means of realizing our ideas, the topographical chart which we shall very soon publish, exonerates us from this task.[1] We shall therefore simply point out the limits of the Huallaga, so as to enable the reader to follow with precision the thread of the narration of father Sobreviela.
The river Huallaga issues, with the name of Huanuco, in 10 degrees 57 minutes south latitude, from lake Chiquiacoba in the plains of Bombon, whence it flows precipitately, directing its impetuous course to the north, and receiving all the rivers noted in the geographical chart, as far as the city of Leon de Huanuco, in 10 degrees 3 minutes south latitude. In this part it makes an inflection to the east; and, passing southward of the above-mentioned city, preserves the same direction until it reaches the town of Muna, at the entrance of the mountainous territory, situated in 9 degrees 55 minutes. It now shifts its course, and runs impetuously to the north, between two high and rugged mountains, by which it is supplied with water sufficient to render it navigable. By the interposition, however, of dreadful precipices, and dangerous banks of sand, the navigation is impeded until it reaches 9 degrees 22 minutes, at the confluence of the river Monzon, which falls into it at the western bank. It now becomes more tranquil in its course, and, forming a variety of islets, widens or narrows in proportion as the branches which descend from the Cordillera, and which, describing semi-circles, insensibly lose their altitude, approach or retreat from its banks. It is now augmented in every direction by new rivers, receiving among others, to the east, the river of the Moon, in the altitude of 7 degrees 40 minutes south latitude. Continuing its rapid course to the north, it takes a bend at the town del Valle, in 7 degrees 50 minutes, and, forming two difficult passes named Sabaloyaco and Cachahuanusca, immediately before its confluence with the Huayabamba, it passes along the confines of the province of Lamas, where it changes its name of Huanuco to that of Huallaga. The river of Huayabamba flows into it at the left bank, in 7 degrees 33 minutes, with a breadth of half a mile and a fathom of depth; and in 7 degrees 10 minutes it receives, on the same side, the river Moyobamba, which supplies it with an equal quantity of water.
- ↑ To the great regret of the Editor, the topographical chart to which an allusion is here made, did not accompany the set of Peruvian Mercuries which fell into his hands.
