Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Notes on the Isthmus of Panama: With Remarks on Its Physical Geography and Its Prospects, in Connection With the Gold Regions, Gold Mining, and Washing; January 1852
A long-cherished wish to see the Pacific Ocean was gratified a few months ago; and during a visit to its shores, I made from time to time these notes respecting the Isthmus and town of Panama and its neighbourhood, the point on the great Ocean the near est Europe. Becoming interested by what I saw and heard there, I endeavoured to glean the best information obtainable on these topics whilst on the spot; the subject appearing to me to gain importance daily, from the vast increase Of intercourse across the Isthmus - the ensuing completion of the Panama Railway - the various schemes of colonisation throughout Central America, and the proposals for a ship canal from the one great Ocean to the other.
The Atlantic coast of the Isthmus is about 20 days steaming from England; and if quicker steamers succeed the present, the duration of the voyage will be shortened in proportion to their speed. The old harbour of porto-bello is almost deserted, not withstanding its excellence and capacity, and the road from it is long and tedious and out of order, the whole way to Panama. A prejudice exists against the climate of (the Town, and the Chagres River has been found convenient for boating goods and passengers to within 25 miles of Panama; therefore for many years the Road stead of Chagres has been the point most in use, in Spite of nume rous disadvantages.
The future Atlantic port will be Navy Bay, or Manzanilla Har bour, not so good a Haven as porto-bello, but on the whole, serviceable and accessible, and chosen as the Terminus of the Panama Railway. It is occasionally exposed to a heavy Norte, and there is no fresh water convenient, both serious drawbacks, but it is roomy, and in some places deep enough for large ships.
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