CHAPTER XVIII A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY [Illustration: ON THE WAY TO MARKET.] Although Peru lies entirely within the tropics, and close to the equator, yet its climate cannot be called equatorial, nor is the vegetation exclusively that of the Torrid Zone. Latitude has comparatively little influence in determining its character, the chief index to which is to be found in the remarkable physical features of this extensive territory, one of the largest and richest of the South American countries. The temperature here varies from equatorial heat to arctic cold, and the products of all zones flourish within its boundaries. Lofty peaks, clad in perpetual snow, look down from their frozen summits on scenes of perennial spring-time; and, from these lesser heights, the view extends over valleys and forests where summer reigns throughout the year and Nature is riotous in her extravagances. According to the best Peruvian authority, the republic extends from north latitude 1° 29′ to south latitude 19° 12′ 30″; and from meridian 61° 54′ 45″ to 81° 18′ 39″ longitude west of Greenwich, covering an area of about one million seven hundred thousand square kilometres. Its boundaries are marked on the north by Ecuador and Colombia; on the east by Brazil and Bolivia; on the south by Chile; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The settlement of boundary disputes and the definite establishment of limits between the different countries of South America are problems that have long taxed the diplomacy of these nations and proved a persistent drawback to their unity. By mutual agreement, it is understood that the basis on which the disputed frontiers are to be defined rests on the division of the territory made by Spain during the colonial government and recognized at the time of the Independence. The delays that have occurred in fixing these limits have made the task more delicate with the passing of time, owing to the increased value of the lands in dispute, the growing population and other circumstances; but, fortunately, the vexed problem is rapidly nearing a final solution, most of the rival claims having been already submitted to arbitration, and many of them satisfactorily settled. The frontiers indicated in the accompanying map represent the claims of Peru; though the limits between this country and its northern and eastern neighbors, as here shown, may be modified by the decisions that are to result from the arbitration of friendly nations, chosen by mutual agreement to mark the dividing line; on the south, the Camarones River forms the boundary between Peru and Chile, though the latter occupies the provinces of Tacna and Arica pending the plebiscite agreed upon in the treaty of Ancón. [Illustration: LAKE OF LA VIUDA, IN THE HIGH SIERRA.]