QUINTERO. 191 



Having spent the forenoon in riding to see the cattle, and plant- 

 ing fruit trees and strawberries in the garden, Mrs. Miers and I took 

 leave after dinner, and returned to Concon by way of old Quintero 

 House, most picturesquely situated near the lake, of which we had 

 seen the seaward end in riding along the beach. Some of the 

 scenery is very pretty, particularly about the house itself; but as we 

 coasted the lake towards the ocean, the vegetation began to give way 

 to sand, and we soon found ourselves going cautiously along a 

 formidable slope, where to have slipt would have precipitated us 

 into a very deep lake, and where the sand was of so loose a texture, 

 that to slip seemed almost inevitable. At length we reached the 

 sea-beach, and there found, that owing to the high wind and tide of 

 to-day, the barrier of the lake was burst ; and we had to search a long 

 time for a ford. At length, however, we got over safely ; but it was 

 not until dark that we crossed the river at Concon. The sagacity of 

 the horses, who, having once passed it, had no hesitation in choosing 

 the ford, carried us across with safety, though there is something 

 fearful in fording a deep and rapid river in the dark. The rushing of 

 the waters, the sensation of struggling owing to the resistance they 

 offer to the horses' feet, the cry of a water-bird startled from its nest 

 on the margin, might easily become the shriek of the water sprite, 

 and his attempts to seize the traveller. Night, doubt, and fear, are 

 powerful magicians, and have done more to. people the world of 

 fiction than half the romancers that ever lived. 



15th. — On returning from a long and pleasant walk we met 

 Captain F. S., and two other gentlemen, who had kindly ridden 

 from Valparaiso to escort me home. I was really sorry to leave my 

 kind hosts, who are so superior in knowledge and rational curiosity 

 to any family I have seen for. a long time, that I have enjoyed 

 my visit more than I can say. We were three hours in reaching 

 my house, for the road, in many places, does not admit of fast riding ; 

 but a fine sunset, a beautiful view, and agreeable companions, made 

 up for the road and all its difficulties. 



Valj)araiso, August 1 1th. — I rode to the port to prepare for a 



