A DIFFICULT LABOUR. 161

viceroy to analyze some mineral waters of the
neighbourhood ; afterwards he settled for a time
in the mountainous province of Tarma, beyond the
Cordilleras, and in May 1780 visited Huanuco,
the extremity of the Spanish settlements in that
direction. In the vast and almost impervious
forests beyond, he ascertained the fact which
had been reported of the Oinchona, or Peruvian
bark, being abundant there, though previously sup-
posed to grow at Loxa only. He determined also
that there were several species of this valuable
drug, all more or less useful in medicine.

To investigate the botanical riches of these
forests, swarming with insects, and filled with
stagnant pestiferous vapours, proved a labour of
no less danger than difficulty. There was besides
another and a still more formidable obstacle than
the natural obstructions presented by these wild
regions. During one of his botanical expeditions his
little company was attacked .by a party of maroon
negroes, against whom they defended themselves
with so much courage that they succeeded in
making their escape, and even took three prisoners.
These savages determined to take their revenge,
and having assembled to the number of two hun-
dred, were advancing, under cover of the night,
with the intention of plundering their camp, but
happily, being made acquainted with their danger,