318 



They are generally possessed of good talents^ 

 and succeed ia any of the arts to which they 

 applv themselves. They would make as great 

 progress in the useful sciences as they have done 

 in metaphysics, if they had the same motives to 

 stimulate them as are found in Europe. They 

 do not readily imbibe prejudices, and are not 

 tenacious in retaining them. As scientific books 

 and instruments, however, are very scarce, or 

 sold at an exorbitant price, their talents are 

 either never developed, or are wholly employed 

 upon trifles. The expenses of printing are also 

 so great, as to discourage literary exertion, so 

 that few aspire to the reputation of authors. 

 The knowledge of the civil and canonical laws 

 is held in great esteem by them, so that many of 

 the Chilian youth, after having completed their 

 course of academical education in Chili, pro- 

 ceed to Lima, which is highly celebrated for its 

 schools of law, in order to be instructed in that 

 science. 



The fine arts are in a very low stale in Chili, 

 and even the mechanical arc as yet very far from 

 perfection. We may except, however, those of 

 carpentry, and the working of iron and the pre- 



added to that of observation, and a happy mixture of all the 

 qualities of mind and of character that render roan capable of 

 the greatest performances, prompt tliem to (he boldest undcr- 

 takins<i, when stimulated by oppression. fia^nar* History of 

 the Indiet, vol, v. lib. ii. 



4 



