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4 We gradually approached the landing all eyes eager to catch the first glimpse of Chagres. We saw the place and an exclamation of surprise burst from all lips. Behind the rocky point on the left banks of the river - was situated this tropical town. To me it was novel - singular - grotesque. We landed on the opposite bank - and went on board the Steamboat Clrus. The Americans were with true Gomkuism - turning to account the hidden and new route of travel. Two or three tents had been pitched upon which hung signs - bearing names of some of our best hotels in the States. We found the Falcon's passengers - busy some preparing for the night - others loading boats - ready for a start against the morrow - others sauntering about - looking at the scenery. Our sportsman (Stone) was instantly off with his rifle. He found nothing worthy of his fire - when lo! a large bird comes and settles himself very much at ease within distance. Elate with sight of so noble gain - Stone draws up - fires and kills his game - but approaching to carry off his prize - he drops it quickly on inhaling its stron perfume - his expectations and his fun pushing together. He had shot a turkey buzzard. Seated on the deck of the Ams - in the twilight time I had ample opportunity to view Chagre - and its attendant scenery. The town is on the low bank of the river - while immediately back of it rose high hills. It consists of some fifty or sixty dwellings - without order or regularity - the only distinctive building being one bearing on its ridge the sign St Charles.. To one not accustimed to tropical scenes - the town appears very singular. The houses are so inferior looking - and built without any reference to either beauty or convenience - so totally different from anything seen before - that one is surprised. It was owing to this, joined to the glowing opinions formed from the newspapers of the great city of Chagres - that exclamations which burst from our party as we rounded the point. The contrast was - vivid and strange. Chagres belongs to the republic of New Granada - is situated on a river bearing the same name - which rises among the mountains and makes a throughfare for half the distance across the Isthmus. It lies on the east bank of the river and is hemmed in behind with high hills. Its inhabitants are chiefly negroes - who follow boating on the river. They are mostly the slaves who were liberated at the