Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/375

Rh these regions, is the ratio of the propagation of the human species, which is such, that, either through the defect of a sufficient space, or because it is not satisfied with the limits of the conquered territory, it proceeds, by a constant emigration, to people.the province of Tucuman.

That of Tarija is bounded, on the south, by the jurisdiction of Juxui; on the north, by that of the cities of Pilaya and Pispaya, which were formerly very flourishing, but are now, according to report, in a ruinous condition; on the west, by the plains inhabited by the unconquered Indians; and on the east, by the very considerable river named San Juan, which separates it from the department of Chichas, and the vale of Cinti. It is divided into four parochial districts, namely, San Bernardo de Tarija, San Lorenzo, which was formerly named Old Tarija, la Cancepcion, and Chahuaya.

San Bernardo, a city peopled by Spaniards, has a secular administration, a mother church, and the four convents which have been already pointed out. It is situated in a delightful plain, well supplied with water; and occupies a perfectly level surface. The adjacent territory is extremely fertile, but is exclusively applied to the culture of maize, and the rearing of herds of swine. This produce is, as well as the woods that are felled, and other commercial objects of a similar nature, expended in la Sierra.

San Lorenzo, at the foot of the mountains, distant ninety-seven leagues from Potosi, and three from Tarija, enjoys a similar temperature and fertility. Its territory, comprehending a part of la Puna, was originally regulated at about twelve square leagues. Much as it has been since augmented, it has a competent population of Spaniards. At the commencement, the