2S 



which renders it probable, that the warmth of 

 the soil far exceeds that of the atmosphere. 

 The countries bordering on the east of Chili do 

 not enjoj these refreshing winds ; the air there 

 is suffocating*, and as oppressive as in Africa 

 under the same latitude. 



Sect. VII. Meteors. Meteors are very fre- 

 quent in Chili, especially those called shooting- 

 stars, which are to be seen there almost the whole 

 year, and balls of fire that usually rise from the 

 Andes and fall into the sea. The aurora austra- 

 lis, on the contrary, is very uncommon. That 

 which was observed in 1640 was one of the 

 largest ; it was visible, from the accounts that 

 have been left us, from the month of February 



tlie inanner it deservos. Not^vitl1sta^(liIJg so few are employed 

 ill cultivation, and tiiosc bv no means very industiions, a suf- 

 ficient quantily of wheat for the subsistence of 60^,000 per- 

 sons, is annually sent from Chili to Callao, and the other ports 

 of Peru, for tiierc are not in the world lands more productive 

 of every kin<l of grain. Besides the great quantities of wine 

 and hemp that are exported every year, the last of which is 

 cultivated in uo other part of the South Sea, those of hides, 

 tallow, jerked beef, gold and other metals, which constitute 

 the most valuable cargoes, and are shipped from all the ports, 

 are much more considerable. The chief occupation of the 

 inhabitants is the breeding of cattle, which are so plenty, that 

 an ox may be bought for a trifling sum ; an unequivocal proof 

 of the fertility of the country, where m uey is comparatively 

 of little value. History of the European Settlements in 

 America, vol. i. part 3. chap. 11. 



c 4 



