Page 73

A few days in Callao 

Callao is well known as the seaport of the city of Lima, which stands at the foot of the Andes Mountains. 7 miles to the east and being about 500 feet above the level of the sea, and the ground having a gradual ascent. It is well seen from the anchorage and clear weather, and has a very inspiring appearance. Pilots are free in Callao. The population is about 30,000. The principal export are hides coffee, silver and cocaine. The imports are general merchandise, coal and agricultural machinery. The duties on all imports are very high, ranging from 30 to 50%. Callao made be said to enjoy all interrupted fine weather at all seasons of the year. The early mornings are damp and misty. A nauseous smell, occasionally called the painter, is frequently experienced by vessels coming into port. It deposits on white paint and whitewash a thick slime of a chocolate color, washing off from the former, but spoiling its after appearance. Some ascribe it to the number of small dead fish that are washed in by the swell and deposited in the sand; others suppose it is to be the mud from the bottom of the sea, or to be of volcanic origin; this latter is probably the cause. Occasionally visitations of yellow fever occur. In 1868 the number of deaths from this fever in Callao amounted to 60 daily, while at Lima, from 250 to 300 daily. The thermometer registered 82° during that. Supplies of all sorts may be obtained here. Wood is scarce and very dear. There is a hospital where seamen can be received.