Quehrada de Juan Gomez. — Roadstead. 285 



high, to the slopes of which cling a variety of filthy wicker 

 huts of the poorest sort, which, regarded from a distance, 

 have a pictui^esque effect. On a closer inspection, however, 

 they exhibit utter destitution and degraded poverty. At 

 the highest point of the steep Quebrada de Juan Gomez are 

 some fortified lines recently thrown up, together with the 

 artillery barracks ( CuarUl de ArtilleiHa), with accommodation 

 for 800 men. The Chilean troops are pretty well equipped, 

 but have a by no means imposing air 5 they appear to be 

 patient and persevering, fit for encountering great privations 

 and overcoming obstacles, rather than courageous, or eager 

 for the fray. There is, in short, a total absence of '' dash" 

 about them. From the barracks one enjoys a magnificent 

 view over the city and the environs, hemmed in on all hands 

 by the ocean. The roadstead greatly resembles that of 

 Trieste, and, like the latter, suffers much from N.W. winds. 

 The merchantmen lie at anchor in pretty regular order, with 

 the double object that, in case of a suddan '' norther," they 

 may not suffer from ships dragging their anchors, and may be 

 able at once to make sail if necessary. 



Although at the commencement of the winter season (May 

 to October) of the southern hemisphere, when frequent storms 

 fi'om north and north-west make the roads of Valparaiso, if 

 not dangerous, at least hazardous, the majority of sailing 

 vessels make for other better-sheltered harbours along the 

 west coast, yet there were still about 180 vessels of all sizes 

 and every flag lying at anchor off the town. The most 



