Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/71

 1836.] in comparisons thus taken. I have frequently taken a set of comparisons with our whole force of chronometers immediately after an assistant, and found errors of five-tenths or more. I am therefore perfectly satisfied that good pocket watches, previously rated at the extreme positions, are more worthy of confidence than explosion of rockets. We seldom find two observers note the flash of a gun in perfect accordance, even at three miles.

Panama was formerly a place of some note, but shortly after the visit of Ulloa, about a century ago, may be said to have arrived at its zenith. The remains of the buildings evince wealth, and afford some idea of the extent to which they hoped to carry their improvements. But they are now fast falling into decay. The port is seldom visited by vessels of any size, and the fortifications, which originally were admirably constructed, are rapidly following the fate of the houses.

The population is chiefly a mixed race: few Spaniards are to be found. One Englishman, and the American consular agent, comprise all the society we met. This doubtless will change the instant the steam navigation is in force. Inns and lodging-houses must then arise for the accommodation of those pursuing this route.

There is every facility for erecting a substantial pier, and improving the inner anchorage, which must follow the arrival of the steamers, unless they still