^9 



sinking of the earth, or falling of buildings. 

 This, in my opinion, is owing to subterranean 

 passages communicating with the volcanoes of 

 the Andes, which are so many vent-holes for the 

 inflamed substances, and serve to counteract their 

 efl'ects. Were it not for the number of these 

 volcanoes. Chili would, in all probability, be 

 rendered uninhabitable. 



Some pretend that they can foretel an earth- 

 quake from certain changes in the atmosphere. 

 Although this does not appear to me impossible, 

 I must acknowledge that my own experience has 

 furmshed me with nothing to induce rae to cre- 

 dit it. I was born and educated in Chili, and 

 while in that country paid great attention to the 

 state of the air during earthquakes : I have 

 known them occur both in the rainy and dry sea- 

 sons, during a storm as well as a calm. 



Sect. X. Salubrity of Climate The inha- 

 bitants of Chili, notwithstanding the frequent 

 occurrence of earthquakes, are very well satis- 

 fied with their country, ami I am co;'\inccd 

 would not readily be induced to quit it for any 

 other exempt from this calamity. 



This preference is not foujsded solelv upon 

 that natural attachment to c )untry, wlach is 

 common to all men, but is derived from some 

 advantages peculiar to Chili; a soil naturally 

 fertile, and well adapted to every useful and 



