CLIMATE OF CHILI. 45 
in Rio Janeiro, are nevertheless not deficient in 
refinement. 
The climate resembles that of the middle of 
France, and vegetation thrives abundantly in 
its fertile soil. Among many kinds of native 
animals, the wild goats are the most numerous, 
and are scarcely ever tamed. Chili is particu- 
larly rich in beautiful birds; troops of parrots 
are seen on the wing; humming-birds, and but- 
terflies of all kinds, hover round the flowers, 
and swarms of lantern-flies sparkle through the 
night; while venomous insects and snakes are 
unknown. 
This fine country has been long neglected. 
Spanish jealousy allowed no trade with foreign 
nations; and the introduction of the Inquisition 
was sufficient to prevent all mental advance- 
ment. The inhabitants are also justly accused 
of idleness, in not having taken more advantage 
of the productiveness of their soil. Now, how- 
ever, that they have thrown off the yoke under 
which their industry was oppressed, and burst 
the fetters of the Inquisition, which bowed down 
their minds, they begin to be ashamed of the 
low grade of civilization on which they stand, 
EVs 
