a town of New Granada, in the province of Cauca, stands among the Andes, at an elevation of 8576 feet above the sea, 148 miles N.N.E. of Quito. In the vicinity is an active volcano. The town contains a fine church; and has some trade in wooden articles. Pop. 7000.

PASTORAL. (Latin, pastor, a shepherd) is the name given to a species of poetry which is devoted to descriptions and delineations of country life, or to dramatic compositions in which the principal characters are shepherds or other rustics. (See Eclogue, Bucolic, and Idyll.)

PASTORAL THEOLOGY is that department of theology which has to do with the practical duties of a clergyman as the teacher, counsellor, comforter, and guide of his spiritual flock.

PASTORAL LETTERS are those circulars addressed by a bishop (the pastor of his people) to his diocesans, for their religious instruction or guidance in matters of ecclesiastical discipline.