The extent ^\llich modern s^eograplieis assign 

 to Chili is much greater than that which the in- 

 habitants allow it; the former usually compre- 

 hend w ithin it, Cujo, Patagonia, and the land 

 of Magellan. But these countries are not only 

 separated from it by natural limits, but their cli- 

 mate and productions differ ; their inhabitants 

 have countenances totally mdike the Chilians, 

 and their language and customs have uo resem- 

 blance.* 



Sect. II. Name. The writers upon America 

 liave given various derivations of the name of 

 Chili, which are either ^vholly false, or founded 

 on absurd conjectures. It is certain, however, 

 that it was known by its present name long before 

 the arrival of the Spaniards. The inhabitants 

 derive the name from certaiii birds of the tlirush 

 kind, that are very common in the countrvj and 



houses to be constructed for llie accomiDodutioii of their 

 otticers: one of which has been ruined, hut the others ^till 

 nniaiu entire. Tlie Spaniards have built soiue more, lur llic 

 greater convenience of travellers, 



Al'houah llie principal mountain of the Cordilleras is the 

 riiitusal tirniiiiatiou of Cliili to the t r.^t, I conipiehend uitln'u 

 its confines not only tlie western vaHevi; of that mountain, as 

 nect-,sar;lv atlaelu'd lo it, but abo t!ie ea-rein ; as, thoiiijh not 

 comprised within its natural limits, having been occupied by 

 t^hiij.ni colonies Irotu time irnmemoiiul. 



b4 



