43 



easily soluble ; it is collected in great quantities 

 upon the borders of these springs, where it shoots 

 into crystals that are usually of a quadrangular 

 prismatic form. The inhabitants use it for 

 Glauber's salt, which they believe it to be; but 

 I am more inclined to think it a species of Ep- 

 som salt, as it has neither the base nor the form 

 of the true Glauber, yet, as I have never had an 

 opportunity of analyzing it critically, 1 cannot 

 determine with positiveness. Mineral waters arc 

 in great estimation with the Arauranians, who 

 consider them as peculiarly beneficial, and as 

 under the particular care and protection of 

 MeuUn, one of their benevolent deities, whom 

 they call Gcncorunco, or. Lord of the mineral 

 li^aters. 



Sect, IV. Soil. The soil of Chili is wonder- 

 fully fertile ; its fertility is not, however, equal 

 throughout the country, but is increased in pro- 

 portion to its distance from the sea.* The mari- 

 time are less productive than the middle districts, 

 and the latter are inferior in quality of soil to 

 the vallevs of the Andes. In these last, the ve- 

 getation is more luxuriant and vigorous, and the 

 animals larger and stronger than in the other 



' Tlio plains, the mountains, the valleys, in short, all Ciiili, 

 without exception, is an object of wonder; since from its ex- 

 treme (Vrtility, it would seem as if every particle of earth whs 

 converted into seed. .^wt'rzca/i Ga%eileer; article Chill 



