47 



which is in extent from east to west six miles, and 

 nine from north to south, is defended from the sea 

 by a pleasant island called Quiriquina ; the entrance 

 upon the north side, which is half a league broad, is 

 the only one of sufficient depth to admit ships of the 

 line, the other being- narrow, and only navigable for 

 small vessels. The soil, under the influence of a 

 favourable climate, produces an abundance of tim- 

 ber, minerals, excellent wine, and all the otlier ne- 

 cessaries of life, and the sea and rivers great quan- 

 tities of delicate fish. 



The adjacent tribes, perceiving the intention of 

 the Spaniards to Qccupy this important post, gave in- 

 formation of it to their neighbours and friends, the 

 Araucanians, who, forseeing that it would not be 

 long before the storm would burst upon their own 

 country, resolved to succour their distressed allies, 

 in order to secure themselves. But before I proceed 

 torcíate the events of this war, 1 have thought pro- 

 per to give some account of the character and man- 

 ners of that warlike people, who have hitherto, with 

 incredible valour, opposed the overwhelming torrent 

 of Spanish conquest, and from henceforward will 

 furnish all the materials of our historv. 



