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An. 1685
The Air and Weather of Panama.
of men from all parts. But Panama, as it is not over- charg'd with men so unreasonably as the other, tho very full, so it enjoys a good air, lying open to the Sea wind ; which riseth commonly about 10 or 11 a clock in the morning, and continues till 8 or 9 a clock at night : then the Land wind comes, and blows till 8 or 9 in the morning.
There are no Woods nor Marshes near Panama, but a brave dry Champain land; not subject to fogs nor mists. The wet season begins in the latter end of May, and continues till November. At that time the Sea breezes are at S. S. W. and the Land winds at N. At the dry season the winds are most betwixt the E. N. E. and the North : Yet off in the Bay they are commonly at South ; but of this I shall be more particular in my Chapter of Winds in the Appendix. The rains are not so excessive about Panama it self, as on either side of the Bay : yet in the months of June, July and August, they are severe enough. Gen- tlemen that come from Peru to Panama, especially in the these months, cut their hair close, to preserve them from Fevers ; for the place is fickly to them, because they come out of a Country which never hath any Rains or Fogs, but enjoys a constant serenity ; but I am apt to believe this City is healthy enough to any other people. Thus much for Panama.
The 20th day we went and anchored within a league of the Islands Perico (which are only 3 little barren rocky Islands) in expectation of the President of Panama s Answer to the Letter, I said, we sent him by Don Diego; treating about exchange of Prisoners ; this being the day on which he had given us his Pa- role to return with an Answer. The 21st day we took another Bark laden with Hogs, Fowl, Salt Beef, and Moloffoes: she came from Lavelia and was going to Panama. In the afternoon we sent another Letter ashore by a young Mostiso (a mixt brood of Indians and Europeans) directed to the President, and 3 or 4 Co- pies