Between the plateau region and the coast, at the north, practically no communication exists, but farther down there are a number of trails. Thus there are roads to Latacunga and Ambato from the lower valleys west, several extend to points above from Babahoya or Bodegas, the capital of Los Rios and the chief port of the interior on the river which also enjoys the two names. Bodegas is 36 miles up from Guayaquil and is reached by a strong tide so that river steamers come up on the flood in 8 hours and even go higher in winter when the rivers are full. It is from Bodegas that interior traffic begins to points not easily accessible from the railway. From Naranjal and Machala, coastal towns of El Oro at the extreme south, roads lead to Cuenca and other interior towns; other roads farther south go to Loja, and to Tumbes in Peru. All of these roads are merely mule or bridle trails, no wagon roads existing. In the Andine region there are naturally additional trails from one point to another, many reaching altitudes of 13,000 or 14,000 feet, crossing chasms or rivers on swinging bridges three feet wide, with no more guard than a single wire if any, and passing along slippery dangerous slopes, where the meeting of a loaded mule train may well excite terror; a rock wall on one side and a precipice on the other, often leaving small space for passage. Scenes of beauty may repay some persons for the discomforts and risks endured, but not the average tourist, nor will sufficient business reward the commercial traveler. The Leonard Exploration Company is to make caminos and later cart roads into the Oriente, where its oil wells may be located. CHAPTER XVIII ECUADOR: RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES AGRICULTURE The chief productions, industries, and exports of Ecuador are, as might be expected, agricultural or forestal in character.