Equinoctial Regions of America

The text is an excerpt from Alexander von Humboldt's "Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America," focusing on the Lake of Valencia in Venezuela. Humboldt provides a detailed account of the lake's geographical and geological features, emphasizing its intermediate position as a closed basin with no outlet to the ocean. He discusses the lake's dimensions, depth, and the surrounding topography, noting the contrast between the fertile northern shore and the more barren southern side. The narrative explores the historical changes in the lake's water levels, attributing these fluctuations to both natural and anthropogenic factors, such as deforestation and agricultural practices. Humboldt also examines the thermal springs near the lake, analyzing their chemical composition and the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. The text highlights the ecological and climatic conditions of the region, including the process of evaporation and the role of the lake in sustaining local agriculture. Humboldt's observations are enriched by comparisons to European landscapes, offering insights into the broader implications of environmental changes in tropical regions.