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terials, and a like disposition of them, are found 

 every wherCj though, in general, more pulver- 

 ized or reduced to earth. 



The variety of fossils with which the earth 

 abounds, must necessarily add to the value of 

 this delightful country ; and although at present 

 (he precious metals appear to attract the sole 

 attention and regard of the inhabitants, there 

 will doubtless be a time when, stimulated by 

 science, they will apply themselves to the dis- 

 covery of various minerals not less worthy of 

 attention. 



Sect. VI. Earths. If Nature has been pro- 

 digal of the precious metals to Chili, she has 

 not been sparing in the variety of its earths. 

 Under different modifications, I have discovered 

 both the argillaceous, the calcareous, the sandy, 

 and the mineral. It contains all the kinds of 

 clay described by Linnsus and Wallerius, ex- 

 cepting the flesh-coloured clay, or terra lemnia ; 

 but, in place of this, I have met with five other 

 kinds that appear to me to be entirely distinct 

 from those of Linnaeus. 



The first of these is the clay of Buccari, 

 (argilla Buccarina). It is a species of bolar 

 earth found in the province of St. Jago. It is 

 very fine and light, of an agreeable smell, 

 and of a brown colour spotted with yellow 

 dissolves readily in the mouth, and like all 



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