File:The gate of the Pacific (1863) (14740203116).jpg

Identifier: gateofpacific00pimb (find matches)
Title: The gate of the Pacific
Year: 1863 (1860s)
Authors: Pim, Bedford, 1826-1886
Subjects:
Publisher: London : L. Reeve & co.
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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icaragua. Realejo has a population of about 1200, mostlyemployed in attendance on the shipping or carrying onthe commerce of the port, which has greatly increasedin importance since it became a calling-place for steamersrunning between Panama and San Francisco. The port of Eealejo is formed by the estero of thesame name, and that of Dona Paula, into which fall therivers Realejo and Telica; it is sheltered from wind andsea by the islands Asserradores and Cardon, also by thepromontory of Castanon, between which there are twochannels leading into an inner basin, having soundingsfrom five to nine fathoms, and which is surrounded bylow land. The perfect tranquillity of the anchorage offers faci-lities for every kind of repair; there are even beaches,upon which, as it were upon a natural gridiron, vesselsmay be placed; the only real inconvenience is the dis-tance from Realejo, and the necessity of tiding there inthe conveyance of merchandise. Of the entrance, one passage, Barra Falsa is be-
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REALEJO. 333 tween the south end of Cardon and Point Castafion, itsgreatest breadth hardly exceeds three cables, its leastone. This channel ought only to be navigated with apilot. The safest as the deepest channel is that of Cardon,between the island of the same name and Asserradores. In Belchers Voyage round the World, vol. ii. p. 307,the harbour is thus described :— Cardon, at the mouth of the port of Realejo, issituated in lat. 12° 28 N., about long. 87° 12 W. It hastwo entrances, both of which are safe, under proper pre-caution, and in all weathers. The depths vary from twoto seven fathoms, and good and safe anchorage extendsfor several miles; the rise and fall of tide is eleven feet,full and change three hours and six minutes. Docksor slips therefore may easily be constructed, and timberis readily to be procured of any dimensions. Wood,water, and immediate necessaries and luxuries are plen-tiful and cheap. The village of Realejo is about ninemiles from the sea.* Its populatio

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