or BOGOMILITI, in Ecclesiastical History, a sect of heretics which sprung up about the year 1179. Their founder was one Basil, a monk, who was burnt alive at Constantinople by the Emperor Alexius Comnenus. Their system was nearly allied to that of the ancient Gnostics and Manichaeans. (See Anna Comnena, Alex. xv.; Wolf, Hist. Bogomilorum.)

BOGOTÁ, formerly called SANTA FÉ DE BOGOTÁ, the capital of the republic of New Granada, is situated in the province of the same name, in 4. 6. N. Lat. and 78. 50. W. Long., in an elevated plain or table-land forming part of the eastern ridge of the cordillera of the Andes, which separates the extensive valley crossed by the river Magdalena from those immense plains that are watered by the Meta, the Casanare, and many other rivers flowing eastward, which increase the waters of the majestic Orinoco.

The plain of Bogotá occupies a space of about 60 miles from south to north in length, and 30 miles east to west in breadth. It is surrounded by lofty mountains, but more especially to the eastward, where the summits of Chingaza and the Paramo de la Sierra Paz are conspicuous for their elevation. No part of this chain, however, has been found to exceed in height 14,000 feet above the level of the sea, and consequently in these latitudes it does not reach the limits of perpetual snow. The mountains which bound it in other directions are much less elevated; and over those to the westward may be seen, in the distance, the snowy summits of the more elevated mountains which constitute the central ridge of the cordillera. Throughout its whole extent this plain exhibits evident marks, in the perfect level of its surface, the alluvial nature of the soil, and the appearance of the insulated rocks which rise up in some parts of its extent, of having formerly been the site of an extensive lake. It is traversed by the river Fanza or Bogotá, which, collecting into one channel the numerous mountain-streams that water the valley, bends its course to the south-western extremity of the plain, and enters a narrow channel, from which it is precipitated over a perpendicular precipice of 600 feet in height, into the valley of the Magdalena, forming the magnificent fall of Tequendama. This splendid cataract is an object of wonder and admiration to all beholders. The fall forms one continued sheet of water, interrupted only a little at its upper part by a projecting ledge of rocks. So great is the diffusion of water in the surrounding atmosphere, in the form of rain or haze, that a perpetual humidity prevails; and the vegetation in the immediate vicinity exhibits an uncommon degree of vigour and luxuriance. The contrast of the vegetation at the summit, where oaks, elms, and other trees of temperate climes are found, with that at the bottom, where the graceful palm-tree flourishes, is very remarkable, and cannot be altogether accounted for merely by the difference of level. The evaporation at the fall must be very great, as the volume of water which issues from the bottom of the valley towards the Magdalena is much smaller than at the summit, where the river leaves the plain of Bogotá. In various parts of the plain, from the great equality of its surface, the banks of the river are to a considerable extent inundated, and so marshy, that, especially in the rainy season, they cannot be passed without difficulty. These situations abound in ducks and other water-fowl, in the capture of which an ingenious device is resorted to by the Indians. His head concealed by a cap made of rushes, while the rest of his body is under water, the fowler stealthily moves towards the game, which he seizes by the feet and secures to his girdle.

Could the opening at Tequendama, through which the river Bogotá now escapes, be closed up by artificial means, the whole extent of the plain would be converted into one continuous lake, as appears to have been the case in former times; for the change which has been produced, and which has rendered so great an extension of soil useful to man, has without doubt been occasioned by the agency of the river, whose waters, by constant attrition during a series of ages, have eventually been able to overcome the rocky barrier opposed to their progress, and have hollowed out the deep channel through which the river now precipitates itself into the abyss beneath; and, from our knowledge of the laws which regulate the economy of nature, we may anticipate that the same causes will in time come still more effectually drain the plain of Bogotá. The traditions of the aborigines tend to confirm the view which is now taken of the ancient condition of this plain; but, ignorant of the extensive operation of those natural causes which are known to us, they ascribed the whole to supernatural agency, and have handed down a legend, setting forth, that an aged man of great power and wisdom, named Boechia, broke down, by means of his powerful arm, a passage through the rocks which inclose the valley at Tequendama, and formed the outlet by which he drained the adjacent plain; and that having accomplished this, he taught the inhabitants of the country to build cities and villages, and introduced among them those habits of industry, civilization, and religion, which were found to exist at the time when the country was discovered by Europeans.

This extensive plain is exceedingly fertile, and susceptible of the highest cultivation. It produces abundant crops of wheat, barley, and the leguminous plants cultivated in Europe. Of the former the average produce is five quarters per acre; and of all these, owing to the regular succession of the rainy and dry seasons, two crops may be obtained from the same field in one year; a practice, however, which is not usually followed with the cereals, as these require the alternation of green crops, to prevent the fertility of the soil becoming too much exhausted. Linseed is also cultivated to a great extent, and affords ample sustenance to numerous flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. and horses, which are reared and maintained on this plain for the supply of the capital. Before the conquest of the Spaniards, the plains of Bogotá maintained a numerous population; but the inhabitants who at present reside on it, and are occupied in agricultural pursuits, are far too few in number to give full development to its fertility and resources. Its immediate vicinity to a populous city, where there is a ready market for all its produce, presents very powerful inducements for the establishment of industrious and intelligent agriculturists; and, doubtless, many such, from Europe and elsewhere, will ere long find their way to so inviting a situation.

The plain of Bogotá, according to the observations of Humboldt, has an elevation of 6904 feet above the level of the sea; and consequently, although so near the equator, it enjoys a mild and equable climate, the inhabitants experiencing a kind of perpetual spring. In consequence of the sun being twice perpendicular at nearly equidistant periods during the year, there are two winter or rainy seasons, and two summer or dry seasons every year, each of about three months' continuance; the rainy season commencing about the equinoxes, and continuing during the months of March, April, and May, and again during September, October, and November; and the dry seasons beginning with the solstices, and continuing during the intermediate months. Even during the winter months the rains are not continuous, but generally the mornings are cool and exceedingly agreeable, the rain usually commencing towards the afternoon. The range of the thermometer averages at this season from 58° to 63°, but sometimes descends as low as 47° of Fahrenheit. During the summer months, however, there is almost constantly a serene and unclouded sky, with so little dew during the night that it scarcely inconveniences the inhabitants who then venture out into the open air. At this season the average height of the thermometer is from 68° to 70° in the shade. A climate so delicious is found very conducive to the preservation of health, and few spots within the tropics present so desirable a place of residence. Here those insects and venomous reptiles which occasion so much annoyance in the neighbouring districts of less elevation are altogether unknown; and the females who inhabit this plain possess a freshness of complexion unknown to those who dwell in less favoured parts of the country. Yet, with all these advantages, the period of human existence does not appear to be in general so prolonged in this country as in more rigorous climates; old age comes on at a less advanced period of life; and females, who reach maturity at an early age, exhibit the symptoms of decay at a period when women in England are in the full enjoyment of all their physical and intellectual faculties.

Owing to its great elevation, the rarefaction of the atmosphere is considerable, so that strangers, on their first arrival at Bogotá, are generally affected with a degree of oppression and difficulty of breathing; but this, in most instances, gradually disappears with a protracted residence. Here epidemic diseases are altogether unknown. Travellers, however, who proceed to Bogotá by the Magdalena are not unfrequently attacked, on their arrival, with intermittent fevers; but there is every reason to believe that the causes which give rise to this complaint have been in operation during the period of their navigating that river.

The mountains which surround the table-land or plain of Bogotá, and those that extend towards the provinces of Casanare, Velez, Mariquita, and Antioquia, abound in rich mines of iron, copper, lead, silver, gold, sulphur, precious stones, and coal. Towards the north, in the province of Velez, are situated the celebrated Monquirá copper mines, which for more than a century have supplied all the interior of New Granada with that metal. As they have not yet been scientifically worked, the yield has hitherto been much smaller than it ought to have been. They are very extensive, and in the immediate vicinity are abundant coal mines, which hitherto have not been worked by the proprietors, as the abundance of other fuel has hitherto obviated the want of them. The copper mines of Monquirá are situated at a distance of 45 miles from the river Carare, which is one of the navigable streams flowing into the Magdalena; and the authorities of Velez are occupied in opening a road leading to that river by which to export the rich produce of their province. The copper mineral of Monquirá assayed at Swansea, produced 31 per cent. of pure copper, and a small quantity of silver. When science shall be applied to the working of these mines, and a sufficient number of workmen employed, they will be able to supply not only the whole of New Granada, but also contribute a considerable quantity for exportation. In Villete, a hamlet situated halfway between Bogotá and the river Magdalena, there are also some rich copper mines not yet worked; the most noted of these are those of Poyandé, on the left bank of the river Magdalena to the south-east of Bogotá. These mines, from their proximity to the river Magdalena, which is the principal source of communication in New Granada, offer the greatest advantages for working, and have been lately undertaken by a New Granadian house.

Westward of Bogotá is the province of Mariquita, and on the left bank of the Magdalena are the silver mines of Santa Anna, now worked by an English company called the Mariquita and New Granada Company. The hilly range in which these mines are situated abounds in gold mines as they approach the province of Antioquia, which comprises auriferous grounds of extraordinary richness, and have lately attracted the attention of Europe. Several companies for working the mines have been formed in consequence. In the auriferous parts of Antioquia, works have lately been constructed by the New Granada Company, formed in this country, and possessing the rich mines of Frontino, Bolivia, and Juan Creollo; as also by a French company working the mines of Curazao on the right bank of the river Nare, and by a multitude of national companies, who are daily making new discoveries.

The produce of the gold mines of Antioquia at the present time is calculated at five millions of dollars annually, although only a small part of the population work them, as the inhabitants generally prefer agriculture to mining.

Thus it is that although the population of Antioquia, at present divided in three provinces, is 230,000, it is calculated that not more than 7000 work in the mines.

In the vicinity of Bogotá are the abundant salt mines of Zipaquira, Enemocón, and Taurá. From these and from the salt pits of Cheta, Recetor, Pajarito, and Cumural, the whole of the interior of New Granada is supplied.

These salt mines were worked by the Spanish and Columbian governments by the primitive method which they found in use among the Indians. But the government of New Granada has established a perfect administration for scientific and economical working, by which they produce considerable quantities.

At the present time these salt mines yield to the government an income of half a million dollars annually. As the population increases the revenue to the government will be augmented, as the produce of these mines will provide for centuries a population of ten times the present number.

Close to Bogotá are also situated the celebrated emerald mines of Muzo, which for many years have supplied the great demand for this precious stone in Europe. These mines belong to the government, who have rented them to a company composed of natives and foreigners.

The city of Santa Fé de Bogotá was founded in 1538, City, by Gonzalez Ximenes de Quesada. It stands at the base of two mountains, which are known by the names of La Guadalupe and Monteserrato. At first it consisted of only twelve houses, in honour of the twelve apostles, and contained but sixty inhabitants; but, from its favourable situation, it increased rapidly, and became a place of considerable extent; two years afterwards was raised to the rank of a city; and eventually became the seat of government for the kingdom of New Granada. Its population in 1800 consisted of 21,464, exclusive of strangers and temporary residents; and in that year the number of births exceeded that of Bogotá.

Its population was estimated at 30,000 in 1821, when, on the union of New Granada and Venezuela, to form the republic of Columbia, it became the capital and the seat of government.

Since the dissolution of Columbia, and its division into three independent republics, Bogotá has continued to be the capital of one of them, namely of New Granada. Its population is estimated at present at 60,000.

The rapid increase of the population has greatly enhanced the value of houses and other property in the city and its vicinity. Nature indeed seems to have pointed out the plain of Bogotá as the most eligible situation which can well be imagined for the formation of a great and opulent city, the seat of government of a powerful nation. It enjoys a genial and salubrious climate, in the midst of a fertile and abundant district; and it forms the centre from which diverge to the north and to the east the two most extensive lines of internal navigation to be found in Colombia.

The communication with the coast is easily effected by means of a carriage-way from Bogotá to El Roble, a distance of 9 leagues, and one for mules from El Roble to Honda, 13 leagues; and between Honda and the coast by the steamers of the Santa Marta, Cartagena and Barranquilla Companies, and lately by those of the Magdalena Steam Company, established in London.

These various steamers scarcely suffice for the increasing traffic, both export and import, of this improving country. The steamers ascend the river in eight or ten days, loaded with foreign merchandise for the consumption of the provinces of the interior, and descend loaded with the tobacco of Ambalema, Penalosa, Geron, Socorro, and the different districts in which this article is produced in excellent quality in New Granada; as also with the bark of Fusaguzga, Pitayo, and other districts, where it is as good as that of Calisaya.

On approaching Bogotá from the Magdalena, the city is seen at a considerable distance, the cathedral and the convents of Guadalupe and Monteserrato being the most conspicuous objects in view. These stand on the summits of two mountains about 2500 feet above the city, which is built at their base. The ascent is steep and difficult; but the labour of the traveller is amply repaid by the magnificent view which he obtains of the city, its convents and gardens, and the whole extent of the plain, with its villages, its hamlets, and cultivated fields. The city itself is somewhat in the form of an amphitheatre, and occupies a larger space than might seem requisite for the number of its inhabitants. The convents, with their extensive gardens, comprise a considerable portion of it; and the houses, on account of the earthquakes, are generally of but one story. The cathedral, built in 1814, possesses very little external beauty; but its interior is fitted up with considerable taste and elegance; its ornaments are rich and valuable; and the statue of the Virgin, who is the patron saint, is covered with a profusion of diamonds and other precious stones. The convents, formerly numerous (about 33), and many of them richly endowed, have of late years fallen into decay, and been devoted chiefly to the service of government, their revenues being mostly applied to educational purposes. There are still, however, about nine convents and three numeraries occupied by religious persons, of which the most wealthy and prosperous are those of Santo Domingo and San Juan de Dios, to which latter there is attached a hospital for the reception of the sick and wounded, affording accommodation to several hundred inmates, who are carefully attended by the friars, and plentifully supplied with everything requisite; besides which, food is here daily distributed to the poor. The convent of San Francisco is of great extent, and under good management. It contains many valuable paintings, the productions of Vasquez, a native artist of considerable merit; one of which, in particular, a Madonna with an infant Jesus, has been mentioned in terms of high commendation.

The university of Bogotá was founded in 1610, since which time two colleges have been endowed with large revenues for the purposes of education. The colleges are now three in number, and in them are educated nearly all the youth of these countries. Formerly the course of study was confined to Latin, mathematics, natural and moral philosophy, and theology; and even then the university produced some men of great eminence for their attainments in the natural sciences; among whom Mutis, Caldas, and Zen hold a distinguished place.

In accordance with the new constitution signed on the 21st May 1833, and which has merited the applause of the liberal portion of the English and United States press, religion and education are completely free, and no forced contributions can be levied at any time or place to support any kind of worship. Foreigners and natives can practise their religion with every liberty, and keep their schools for the education of their children in the manner they may think best.

A military school is supported out of the public funds, which has produced some good engineers; and in some private colleges literature is taught along with the physical sciences, mathematics, and moral philosophy. The scientific and professional degrees have been abolished, and the personal accomplishments of each person alone determine his standing in society.

The mint is a large and handsome building, with coining machinery of great strength and solidity. All the departments are regulated with much precision and minuteness. This is the only mint in the republic of New Granada, with the exception of that of Popayan. We are informed by Humboldt, that from 1789 to 1795, 8,161,862 dollars were coined at Santa Fé de Bogotá, and, from 1788 to 1794, 6,502,642 dollars in Popayan. During the four years 1801–4 inclusive, the amount coined at Bogotá was 5,214,199 dollars, at Popayan, 3,554,878. After this period the coinage seems to have increased in amount, since in Santa Fé de Bogotá alone no less than 3,499,489 dollars were issued in 1806 and 1807. At present the coinage in Bogotá and Popayan is not considerable, because the precious metals are exported in bars or in dust since the duties on their exportation were abolished. The French decimal system in the monies has been adopted since 1847, and in all transactions French silver and other coins of a similar standard are used indiscriminately with the national coinage. These monies are received in exchange for tobacco, coffee, cacao, gold, and other produce of the country. The gold coinage consists of ten-five, and two-dollar pieces; the ten-dollar piece weighs 16 grains, 469 milligrams, and contains 900 parts of pure gold, and 100 alloy. The doubleons of 16 dollars have been abolished. In public business transactions the French decimal system is universally adopted.

The square round the cathedral is beautified with a statue of Bolivar in bronze by Teneroni, and a large building constructed on the spot formerly occupied by the palace of the viceroyalty and the town hall. In this building are held the sittings of the legislative assembly; also the offices of the ministry of war, home department, municipality, and the local authorities, are in this building. There also are held the sittings of the provincial government, which, in a country enjoying perfect municipal institutions, is a very considerable body, as it issues laws on all subjects concerning the provinces without the government being able to interfere under any circumstances. The palace of the president is an old Jesuit college repaired and fitted up. The private houses are generally good, and the great influx of foreigners has improved the style of building. The streets, as in almost all cities built by the Spaniards in South America, are formed at right angles to each other; and all those extending from east to west have a small stream of water flowing along them, a convenience which might tend greatly to increase the comfort and cleanliness of the inhabitants, under an improved system of police. Only a few of the principal streets are provided with side pavements. There are four public squares or plazas provided with fountains, and five handsome bridges over two small rivulets which traverse the city.

A public market is held every Friday in the great square, where abundant supplies of all kinds of provisions are exposed for sale, and where may be seen an assemblage of all the varied classes which inhabit this country—the Creole, the Mulatto, the Mestizo, the Indian, and the Negro. The supplies of beef, mutton, pork, poultry, and game, are abundant, and moderate in price. Vegetables and fruit are also plentiful, and in the utmost variety; the vegetable productions of the tropical, the temperate, and even cold regions, being all easily attainable, in consequence of the diversified elevation of the surrounding country. One part of the market-place is appropriated to the sale of articles of native manufacture, which consist principally of coarse cotton and woollen fabrics. In the vicinity of the river Pinza or Bogotá, which is here an insensible stream, and runs close to the city, is situated the principal or public promenade, which is inclosed on each side by gardens, and shaded by rows of stately poplars. This forms the favourite resort of the inhabitants during the delightful evenings of summer; and the surrounding gardens afford a place of resort to such parties as desire to solace themselves with the silver tones of their favourite guitar.

The society of Bogotá is very agreeable, the inhabitants being mild, polite, and cheerful. They are naturally fond of gaiety and amusements, as is evinced by the frequency of their tertulias or evening parties, their balls and concerts. The ladies are remarkably lively and pleasing in their manners; they are generally low in stature, but delicately formed, their feet and ankles being particularly small and handsome, which they set off to great advantage by the neatness of their shoes and silk stockings. The morning dress, in which they usually attend their devotions, consists of the saya and mantilla. The saya or skirt of black kersymere or silk, variously ornamented, fits closely to the body, and is well calculated to show off a fine figure: the mantilla covers the neck and shoulders, and sometimes the head, and is kept close to the body by the folded arms. The evening promenade dresses of the ladies are much more showy and diversified, both in form and texture, than those which are worn in the early part of the day, partaking a good deal of the fashions of Europe, which daily become more prevalent; and at their balls and tertulias they frequently display the additional ornaments of a profusion of rich and valuable jewels. They dance with much grace and elegance; and among the favourite dances of the country may be noticed the Spanish contra-danza, which, by its slow and graceful movements, is peculiarly well calculated to exhibit to advantage the fine figures which they possess in common with most other women of Spanish origin. The females of the inferior classes usually go without shoes or stockings, a practice which often forms a striking contrast with the rest of their attire, which in many cases is both showy and expensive.

The moral condition of the inhabitants of Bogotá has been variously estimated, and perhaps in most instances incorrectly. The political state of the country before the revolution was such as to afford little scope for the display of striking character. But the eventful scenes of the revolution have given rise to a development of character which shows that the masses possess a high degree those qualities which are calculated, with the aid of an improved system of education, to raise them in the scale of civilized communities. Previous to the revolution, the men, besides their ordinary occupations or religious observances, had scarcely any other means of employing their leisure time than by devoting themselves to gambling, cock-fighting, and bull-baiting. The women, brought up in the most profound ignorance and superstition, devoted much of their time to religious matters, and in attendance on the numerous festivals and processions of the church. The want of a good and efficient education, the demoralizing influence of some of the religious practices there prevalent, and the comparatively little estimation in which virtuous conduct in females has hitherto been held, have tended materially to lower the tone of morals in the country. But a new epoch has at length dawned upon them; efficient means have been adopted to promote education and intelligence among all classes; and a purer system of ethics seems to be gradually introducing itself into the country, as has been shown, among other things, by the establishment of a Bible Society in Bogotá, under the able auspices of some of the most influential men of the country, and even aided by the Catholic clergy themselves. (Humboldt, Essai Politique; Humboldt, Vue des Cordillères; Relation Historique des Voyages de MM. Humboldt et Bonpland; Hall's Present State of Colombia; Mollien's Travels in Colombia, translated from the French; Present State of Colombia; Hamilton's Travels in