a district of Terra Firma in South America, belonging to the Spaniards. The coast is rocky and mountainous, interspersed with small fertile valleys; subjected at certain seasons of the year to dry north-west winds, but blest in general with a clear air and wholesome climate. A very great illicit trade is carried on by the English and Dutch with this province, notwithstanding all the vigilance of the Spaniards, who have scouts perpetually employed, and breastworks raised in all the valleys. A vast number of cacao trees are cultivated in this province; and it is reckoned that the crop of cacao produced here amounts to more than 100,000 fanegas of 110 pounds each. The country of Santa Fe consumes 20,000; Mexico a little more; the Canaries a small cargo; and Europe from 50 to 60,000. The cultivation of the plant employs 10 or 12,000 negroes. Such of them as have obtained their liberty have built a little town called Nirva, into which they will not admit any white people. The chief town is likewise called Caracas, and is situated in N. Lat. 10.10. Dampier says it stands at a considerable distance from the sea; is large, wealthy, and populous; and extremely difficult of access, by reason of the steep and craggy hills over which an enemy must take his route. The commerce of this town, to which the bay of Guaira at two leagues distance serves for a harbour, was for a long time open to all the subjects of the Spanish monarchy, and is still so to the Americans; but the Europeans are not so well treated. In 1728 a company was formed at St Sebastian, which obtained an exclusive right of maintaining connexions with this part of the new world. Four or five ships which they dispatch every year, fail from thence, but they return to Cadiz.