Return to Valparaiso. — European War-Prognostications. 313 



During the night we returned on horseback to Melepilla, 

 and the following morning, 1st May, 1859, continued our 

 journey to Valparaiso, where we arrived about four p.m., full 

 of the most delightful and varied memories of our trip. 



\Yhen we reached Valparaiso the frigate was ready to sail, 

 but her departure was delayed, as our Commodore resolved 

 to await the arrival of the next European mail, in case he 

 should receive fm^ther instructions as to his route. In every 

 social circle at this place, men hoped against hope that a 

 European Congress would be convoked, which should devise 

 a peaceful solution of existing differences. If, however, there 

 was to be war, then amongst all, especially the Germans resi- 

 dent here, it was a foregone conclusion that Germany ought to 

 make common cause with Austria. The disappointment was 

 not long waited for — * * * * ! 



The uncertainty of our stay did not admit of any more 

 excursions being made to a distance, and the naturalists 

 accordingly redoubled their activity in searching for subjects 

 in the environs of the town. The Directors of the railroad 

 from Valparaiso to Santiago, which, however, is as yet only 

 completed as far as the little village of Guillota, were so kind 

 as to invite the members of the Expedition to make free use 

 of their line, and the chief engineer, Mr. Lloyd, had also 

 issued instructions to the various station-masters to give all 

 manner of facilities to the foreign guests, and assist them in 

 their collections to the utmost of their power. Unfortunately 

 we found no time to avail ourselves of this very friendly in- 



