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21 We remained in Girgona 4 days. Mrs Newcomb was so sick that we could not proceed without giving her a short respite. We had reached the Isthmus at a gloomy period. The most unwelcome news each day arrived from Panama of no steamer - no sail vessel to carry away the many Americans who were no filling up that city. There was not the least prospect of speedily leaving the Isthmus and being forwarded on our journey to San Francisco. Our company was in a very unsettled state of feeling - not knowing which was the best course to pursue - hence there was dissensions and pittings - one advising this and another that. We met several parties returning to Chagres - having become discouraged - and having determined to seek a way overland through Mexico. Our tent was pitched among many others - just above the town - on a bank that in times of high water became an island. It was a pleasant spot - under the trees - and as I was determined not to annoy myself about company affairs - I found so much more time for enjoyment of the novelties which now surrounded me. It was a delightful four days to me. I had plenty room for observation - and every sense was greeted with things new and gratifying. Girgona is situated upon a high bank of the river and contains some hundred buildings. These were arranged better than those of Chagres - for there was a plaza - and some semblance of streets. I found it to contain - one or two hotels - lately opened by Americans. And a Catholic church. The only wooden edifice in the place and having the exclusiveness of a tile roof. The Alcaldi's house - was the only other building worthy of attention and this only from its being a store - bottles renged on the shelves - with various labels indicating their contents being the staple of the assortment. The scenery around the town - is of the mountainous stamp - woods and scattered trees - with the rapid and narrow river - winding among the hills - being the chief particulars. It may be proper here - having now seen more of the country and its inhabitants - to describe more minutely - what I saw of their habits and customs - their habitations etc. I have called their habitations - houses - but this would convey no [pr?] idea to those who are accustomed to American houses. It might be more proper to call them huts - but they are not even these - but bear a character essentially their own - they are ranches. A ranch then is built of bamboo - laced closely together - is of square construction - and is generally about ten feet dimensions. The roof which projects far over the sides - and can be