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.]

[Footnote 169: The island and point of Tomaco are placed in modern maps at the mouth of the Mira, off which are many islands, in lat. 1 deg. 40'N.]

As the land here is low and full of creeks, we left the river on the 21st December, and crossed these small bays in our canoes. In our way we saw an Indian hut, whence we took the master and all his family, and rowing forwards, we came to Tomaco at midnight.

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