As the coast and country of Lima has continual dry weather, so this northern part of Peru is seldom without rain, which is perhaps one reason why this part of the coast is so little known.  Besides, in going from Panama to Lima, they seldom pass along the coast, but sail to the west as far as the Cobaya Islands, to meet the west winds, and thence stand over for Cape St Francisco.  In returning to Panama, they keep along the coast, but being deeply laden, their ships are not fit to enter the rivers, the banks of which, and the seacoast, are covered with trees and bushes, and are therefore convenient for the natives to lie in ambush.  The Indians have some plantations of maize and plantains, and also breed fowls and hogs.  On the 27th December, 1684, we entered the river of St Jago [Patia] with four canoes by the lesser branch, and met with no inhabitants till six leagues from its mouth, where we observed two small huts thatched with palmito leaves.  We saw at the same time several Indians, with their families and household goods, paddling up the river much faster than we could row, as they kept near the banks.  On the opposite, or west side, we saw many other huts, about a league off but did not venture to cross the river, as the current was very rapid.  In the two huts on the east side we only found a few plantains, some fowls, and one hog, which seemed to be of the European kind, such as the Spaniards brought formerly to America, and chiefly to Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba, where, being previously marked, they feed in the woods all day, and are recalled to their pens at night by the sound of conch shells.

We returned next morning to the mouth of the river, intending to proceed to the isle of Gallo, where we had directed the ships to meet us.  This small uninhabited island, in lat. 3 deg.  N.[168] is situated in a spacious bay, three leagues from the river Tomaco, and four and a half from an Indian village of the same name.  It is moderately high, and well stored with timber, having a good sandy bay at its N.E. end, near which is a fine stream of fresh water; and over against the bay there is good anchorage in six or seven fathoms.  There is only one channel by which to approach this island, in which are four fathoms, and into which it is necessary to enter with the flood, and to come out with the ebb.  The river Tomaco is supposed to have its origin in the rich mountains of Quito, and takes its name from that of a village on its banks.[169] The country on this river is well peopled by Indians, among whom are a few Spaniards, who traffic for gold with the natives.  This river is so shallow at the mouth, that it can only be entered by barks.  The town of Tomaco is small, and situated near the mouth of the river, being chiefly occupied by the Spaniards, who trade in this neighbourhood.  From this place to that branch of the river St Jago where we were then at anchor is five leagues.

[Footnote 168:  The lat. of Gallo is only 1 deg. 57’ N. That assigned in the text would lead to the isle of Gorgona, in 2 deg. 54’ N. but the description of our author suits much better with Gallo.—­E.]