Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/27

Rh mine to flourish, but would be beneficial to all the adjacent provinces.

That of Guarochiri, the effects of the abundance of which are more immediately felt in the capital, does not flourish in a degree which should apparently correspond with the richness of its ores, and the abundance of its metallic spots and veins. The adoption of the newly introduced method of amalgamation; the employment of a sufficient number of Indian labourers, who may be engaged without difficulty; and a few reforms in the practical part of the laborious operations; these are the only principles on which this mine, as well as all the others in the kingdom, can be brought into a truly flourishing condition.

The navigation of Peru is limited. Our commerce in corn carries us to the ports of Chile; with Guayaquil we carry on a traffic in timber, &c.; and, lastly, we make a few voyages to Chiloe, Juan-Fernandes, Valdivia, and Panama. We navigate with economy and with ease; but are deficient in the scientific part, deriving no aid whatever from astronomy. Those who have the charge of our trading vessels have no skill beyond imitation. The hydrographical charts which are consulted, are, on many accounts, defective; and the situation of the coasts is more parallel than it is represented on them. On another hand, the fogs which almost constantly hover over the land, and hide it from the navigator's view, oblige him to make a circuitous course, by which his voyage is considerably protracted.