100 



CilAP. III. 



Herts, ShruhSj and Trees. 



Whenever mineralogists undertake to cha-^ 

 racterize the external appearance of a mineral 

 country^ they describe it as particularly recog- 

 nizable by the weakness of its vegetation and 

 the faded colour of the plants^ occasioned by 

 the mineral vapours. This observation is in ge- 

 neral too boldj and frequently contrary to expe- 

 rience. M. Macquer * observes very properly, 

 that there are some countries which are rich in 

 mineSj whose vegetation is not injured thereby. 

 This is precisely the situation of Chili^ a 

 country, as we have seen^ rich m mineral pro- 

 ductions of every kind, and enjoying at the 

 same time a vigorous and profuse vegetation. 

 The plains, the valleys, and tlie mountains, are 

 covered with beautiful trees, many of which 

 :<<arcely ever lose their verdure, and each season 

 produces vegetables suited to llie climate in the 

 greatest perfection. Feuille has given an ac- 

 count of those plants only which grow upon the 



' Dirtionanj of Chemii'oy \ -irlicle Mine?. 



