BOGOTA, or SANTA Fg DR BOGOTA, the capital of the Republic of Co lombia. Despite the fact that it is but 4° 41' north of the equator, the elevation of the plateau on which it stands is so great (over 8,000 feet) that the breeze is cool and invigorat ing. But there are, Colombians admit, many damp days, and the rarefaction of the air is somewhat trying. A fertile plain or table-land of exquisite beauty extends for a distance of about 30 miles on three sides, while directly above rise two mountains of moderate height, and surrounding the whole scene are snow capped peaks of the Andes— among them the extinct volcano of Tolima. Water is supplied by two mountain streams flowing through the town itself ; the supply, however, is not kept free from contamination, and is insufficient for the present needs of the city. Unfortunately the overcrowding of buildings occupied by the poorer classes, and the absence of a good sys tem of drainage, offset the conditions otherwise favorable to health. Bogota is lighted by gas and electricity; its streets are well.laid out ; and the houses, though low, are substantially built. There is a valuable library of over 50,000 volumes; and the university, founded in 1867, is considered the best in the Andean region north of Peru. On 12 Sept. 1902 the govern ment decreed the establishment of a museum and academy, to increase the popularity and efficiency of the National School of the Fine Arts. Founded in 1538 by Gonzalo Ximenes de Quesada, a native of Santa Fe, a small town near the city of Granada, and in the Spanish province of that name, Bogota became the capi tal of New Granada, as the country was first called by the Spaniards. For history, indus
tries, etc., see Cowman+. In the volume 'Colombia,' by Phanor J. Eder (London 1913), we read that students from all departments are attracted to the National University at the capital. "There are 536 students, 232 attending the Law School, 202 the Medical School, 58 the School of Mathematics and Engineering, and 44 the Dental School. Not more than 25 or 30 per cent, however, complete their studies, but the attendance is rapidly increasing: in 1906, for instance, there were only 77 students in the Law School." Mr. Eder says that the Art School and the Conservatory of Music of Bogota "do remarkably good work considering the scanty resources they command. The economic helplessness of the departments, coupled with the fact that the governors, pre fects, and alcaldes are appointed mediately or immediately by the President, causes all power to be centralized at the national capital. The new presidential palace is of an unpretentious exterior; the interior is wholly charming, with a refreshing flower-filled court and fountain in the centre, the rooms bright, the offices possess ing an air of dignity and quiet, constant activ ity.° Pop., according to last census, 123,000.