CHILI AND VALPARAISO. 49 



displaying their gay flags and mingling their bright streamers 

 in the brilliant effulgence of a cloudless sky. 



The police of Valparaiso is celebrated for its efficiency. 

 Good order and decorum prevail everywhere. Crime is rarely 

 heard of, and never suffered to go unpunished. The credit of 

 forming this institution is given to Portales, a man of rare 

 talents and great energy of character. It consists of two 

 distinct bodies, one mounted, and the other on foot; the 

 former patrol the streets on horseback, while the latter watch 

 over a particular ward or district, for which they are held 

 responsible. They wear a uniform and a sword, to distin- 

 guish them from the other citizens. 



The market is well supplied. Fruits and vegetables are 

 abundant and cheap ; tke grapes, peaches and pears are of 

 the best kinds. Beef is as good as we have at home. There 

 is also a great variety of fish' 



The population is estimated at 34,000, and is rapidly 

 increasing. 



The principal seaports of Chili are Valdavia, Talcahuano, 

 Copiapo, Coquimbo, Chiloe, and Guasco. Talcahuano and 

 Valdavia we have in particular heard represented as most 

 eligible places for vessels which visit these seas, to touch at. 

 As for Valparaiso, it is not a good seaport; it is entirely 

 exposed to the ocean from the north, so that, when the wind 

 blows with violence frpm that quarter, which is the case during 

 the winter season, a heavy sea sets into it, and renders the 

 anchorage highly dangerous. It is, however, more frequented 

 than any other harbor. Vessels make it a point to stop 

 ^ere, whatever may Be their destination. 



The common people of Chili are a mixed race, sprung from 

 bhe union of the Spaniards with the native Indian women. 

 They are generally well made, of a dark brown complexion, 





