67 



with yellow^ blue, and red. The surface gene- 

 rally consists of an argillaceous earth. This salt 

 is excellent^ but it is used only by such as live 

 in the vicinity ; as those who are at a distance 

 prefer the sea salt, which is obtained in great 

 quantities, and of a fine quality upon the coast, 

 particularly at Bucalemu, Boycruca, and Vichu- 

 quen. In the middle districts, however, the salt 

 from the springs of Pehuenchcs, which I have 

 already mentioned in treating of mineral waters, 

 is most generally used. 



Sal-ammoniac, either incrusted or in a state of 

 efflorescence, is very common in many parts of 

 Chili. It is also found of various colours, in a 

 fossil state, in the vicinity of volcauces, of wiiich 

 it appears to be a production. 



Much of the marly ground in the neiglibonr- 

 hood of the city of Coquiinbo is covered vvith a 

 crust of some inches of crystallized nitic, Vtith 

 a base of fixed alkali.*" 



In other parts of the same province this salt is 

 found with a calcareous base; but we must n;>t 

 consider as nitre all the salts which the inhabit- 

 ants represent as such, foi' the natron is likewise 

 fjund there, or e-irthy alkaline salt, combined 

 with sea salt, and sometimes with the volatile 



* Nor is salii'etie less common ther..', v,hich is fiequj;liy 

 twiiii.l in llie valleys an inch tiiick upon ll;e surface of iLe 

 ei'.lih. frazi.r's yoyji^e, vol. i. 



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