or the Isthmus of Panama, is a province between South and North America, being a narrow isthmus, or neck of land, which joins them together. It is bounded on the north by the North Sea, on the south by the South Sea, on the east by the gulph or river of Darien, and on the west by another part of the South Sea and the province of Veragua. It lies in the form of a bow, or crescent, about the great bay of Panama, in the South Sea; and is 300 miles in length, and 60 in breadth. This province is not the richest, but is of the greatest importance to Spain, and has been the scene of more actions than any other in America. The wealth of Peru is brought hither, and from hence exported to Europe. This has induced many enterprising people to make attempts on Panama, Porto-Bello, and other towns of this province, in hopes of obtaining a rich booty.

The Scotch got possession of part of this province in 1609, and had laid the foundations of a new town, designing to call it New Edinburgh; but, as the English were then in alliance with the Spaniards, king William would not permit them to go on. However, this country is not a very desirable place to settle in, it being generally mountainous and barren, as well as excessive hot, and the lower grounds are liable to be suddenly overflowed in the rainy season. Some of the mountains are so high, and of such difficult access, that it requires several days to pass them. It was from these mountains the Spaniards first discovered the South Sea, or Pacific Ocean, in 1513.