319 



cious metalsj which have made considerable pro- 

 gress, in consequence of the information ob- 

 tained from some German artists, who were in- 

 troduced into the country by that worthy eccle- 

 siastic. Father Carlos, of Hainhausen in Bavaria. 



The important change which the exertions of 

 the present monarch have so materially contri- 

 buted to produce throughout his dominions, in 

 directing the attention of his subjects to useful 

 improvements, has extended itself to these parts. 

 The arts and sciences, which before were either 

 not known, or very imperfectly, at present engage 

 the attention of the inhabitants, so that there is 

 reason to hope that in a short time the state of 

 the country will assume a very different ap- 

 pearance. 



The peasantry, though for much the greater ^' 

 part of Spanish origin, dress in the Araucanian 

 manner. Dispersed over that extensive country, 

 and unencumbered by restraint, they possess 

 perfect liberty, and lead a tranquil and happy 

 life, amidst the enjoyments of that delightful 

 climate.* They are naturally gay, and fond of 



* The principal part of these healthy and robust men live 

 dispersed upon their possessions, and cultivate with their own 

 hands a greater or less extent of ground. They are incited to 

 this laudable labour by a sky always clear and serene, and 

 a climate the most agreeably temperate of any in the two 

 hemispheres, but more es|>ecially by a soil whose fertility has 

 excited the admiration of all travellers. iJayna/, lib. viii. ; 

 Chili. 



