Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/242

Rh from Yzabal to Guatimala by mules; but about this period a company was formed for opening the navigation of the river Motagua, from Gualan to Omoa, and proposals were issued containing tables, which exhibited the difference in freight. The company however from some cause or other, failed in accomplishing its object, and with the exception of a few private individuals, the road by Yzabal was invariably frequented. In September 1815, a royal order was issued for the navigation of this river, which appears to have had the desired effect. A few individuals united together, and aided by a loan of 5000 dollars from the Consulado, provided suitable vessels and established a regular communication. Since then it has been the regular channel for all exports, and for a great portion of the imports, although eight days on an average is consumed in the descent, and from fifteen to twenty-four in the ascent.

To no other cause but an unwillingness to change old roads, can he attributed the neglect of the river Polichic, which seems to offer for the northern coast, a far more convenient and easier passage, than the Motagua and Guslan. By