Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/215

1838.] following morning. Fortunately we had the pleasure of an introduction to Sr. Chico Vallejo, who kindly entertained us during the night.

About half past nine we reached Moyotepita, having passed through a band of mosquitoes, extending three or four miles, which galled both ourselves and horses much, and sadly put our patience to the test. Suddenly they appeared, and after a brisk gallop, as suddenly forsook us.

At Moyotepita we rested, breakfasted, and dined. Moyotepita is situated on the first rise of the great flat of marsh land, through which the Estero Real meanders until it reaches the Gulf of Fonseca. This flat extends easterly behind the ranges of Telica and Asosnsco, and probably near, or even as far as, the lake of Managua, by which (I firmly believe) it is fed. By barometric measurement it is not above the level of the observatory at Cardon. Range of temperature 84° to 91° in shade, in a well fifty feet deep 90°.

It was necessary to come to this side of the range, as the Volcano de Viejo is inaccessible on the south.

At four, having procured guides, we proceeded for the foot of the mountain, where we designed sleeping. Our journey lay partly through the woods, where the guides halted for a draught of the fermented juice of the palm, (toddy,) which their previous visits had prepared, and others were now tapped in readiness for our return. As the method VOL. I.