Quito

ke'to, the capital city of Ecuador. The name is Indian, signifying deep ravine. Quito is situated on a plateau of the Andes 9,350 feet above the sea. Although it lacks but fifteen miles of being situated directly under the equator, the altitude is such that the climate is spring-like and agreeable. Cotopaxi and other volcanoes and lofty peaks in the immediate vicinity form a circle about the city. The region is subject to earthquakes. The buildings are, for that reason, low and substantial. No provision is made for heating. A railroad has of late been constructed to the port of Guayaquil, 165 miles distant; but Quito is as yet little known. There is a university with thirty-two instructors and 216 students. The population is estimated variously at from 35,000 to 80,000. The population is, of course, Spanish and Indian. The city lacks hotels and paving, but is lighted with electricity. Water is supplied by public fountains fed by open ditches from the mountains. Other municipal improvements are under way. The young women are famous makers of gold lace. The art was introduced by Spanish nuns. The establishments of the Catholic church are numerous. There are six monasteries, seven convents, two seminaries, seven parish churches, fifteen convent churches, a cathedral, a basilica, and thirteen chapels, in all covering a fourth of the city area. Consul-General Dietrich says:

Quito is noted for the large amount of religious painting and sculpture done within its limits and exported to adjacent countries. Laces and embroideries are also made. Other important industries are the carving and coloring of small figures from vegetable ivory, and the drying of bird skins, particularly the skins of humming birds brought from the Napo River by the Indians.

Manufacturing interests are represented by seven flour mills, one foundry, one ice factory, and two sugar refineries. Shoes are made by hand. There are also establishments engaged in making woolen and cotton blankets, ponchos, baize, common carpets, matting, Indian felt hats, furniture, pottery, saddles, wagons, carts, adobe, hard and soft brick, roofing tiles, chocolate, cheese, and candles.