28 



shocks were probablj more violent before the in- 

 flammable materials found outlets bjthe means of 

 volcanoes. At present they produce only hori- 

 zontal or oscillatory motions. From a course of 

 accurate observations it has been ascertained, 

 that earthquakes never occur unexpectedly in 

 this country, but are always announced by a 

 hollow sound proceeding from a vibration of the 

 air; and as the shocks do not succeed each other 

 rapidly, the inhabitants have sufficient time to 

 provide for their safety. They have, however, 

 in order to secure themselves, at all events, built 

 their cities in a very judicious manner ; the streets 

 are left so broad, that the inhabitants would be 

 safe in the middle of them, should even the 

 houses fall upon both sides. 



In addition to this, all the houses have spacious 

 courts and gardens, which would serve as places 

 of refuge. Those who are wealthy, have usually 

 in their gardens, several neat wooden barracks, 

 where they pass the night whenever they are 

 threatened with an earthquake. Under these 

 circumstances, the Cbilians live without appre- 

 hension, and consider themselves in perfect secu- 

 rity ; especially, as the earthquakes have never 

 been hitherto attended with any considerable 



tljis occasion a single person perished in the whole province, 

 excepting seven invalids, who were drowned in the city of 

 Concep'iion ; and the loss of lives, if any, was no greater irs 

 liic preceding eartliqi!;.'kcs. 



