CHAPTER XV

.—Visits to the capital City, Managua—Legislative

Assembly; How to procure a Quorum—Executive Message—Ratification of Treaty with the United States—Antiquities—Lake of Nihapa—Huertas—Dividing Ridge—Traces of Volcanic Action—Hacienda de Ganado—An Extensive Prospect—Extinct Crater—Ancient Paintings on the Cliffs—Symbolical Feathered Serpent—A Natural Temple—Superstitions of the Indians—Salt Lake—Laguna de Las Lavadoras—A Courier—Three Months Later from Home—The Shore of Lake Managua—Aboriginal Fisheries—Ancient Carving—Population of Managua—Resources of surrounding Country—Coffee—Inhabitants—Visit Tipitapa—Sunrise on the Lake—Hot Springs—Outlet of Lake—Mud and Alligators—Dry Channel—Village of Tipitapa—Surly Host—Salto de Tipitapa—Hot Springs again—Stone Bridge—Face of the Country—Nicaragua or Brazil Wood—Estate of Pasquel—Practical Communism—Matapalo or Kill-tree—Landing and Estero of Pasquel or Panaloya—Return—Depth of Lake Managua—Communication between the two Lakes—Popular Errors, 383

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