burning atmosphere. I allude to the oe denominated 
_ mirage, which is seen here in perfection. At a distance-it p 
tous the appearance of a true lake, dotted with islands planted with 
trees which were reflected on the surface of the imaginary waters, 
the most perfect illusion. In proportion as we advanced; :the 
_- waters, the islands fled before us——they diminished. in 
size more and more, and finally disappeared as if by enchantment, 
much 40 the surprise of my companions who were caveimane anh 
— chet @ are: a rit Si of Feaatenttiens. or little mountains. © rs. 
Seaiiacl one of these is a cave, which M. Gay has named after Mo 
lina, the historian of Chile. It has been known heretofore in the prov- 
ince of. San Fernando simply by the term “la: cueva,” the cave. It 
is,supposed that it was once filled with soluble salts, as the sulphate: 
né,, the sulphate or carbonate of magnesia, or perhaps muriate: 
of soda, and the water, which constantly filters into it, dissolving these: 
salts, has formed. this.grot now called Molina’s cave. Its form is, 
more or less. round,—embossed on all sides—from fifteen to eight- 
een. yards long, and from ten to-twelve wide, se tt eed 
es isabetiae A serena i 
De OS Fee OE EOS gine tac 
ete 
< * mid , Sopot | alae yi ces yeni, 
comes eunob which is: fibrous and.of a dull black, whieh 
isthe true lignite; the other compact and of shining black, whieh is 
the j jet of which beautiful necklaces are made. He met with’sever=; 
al valuable plants; the Salsela, Salicornia, and a species of Rosella, 
E also several minerals and petrified. shells, as se int 
lee, Birsle, Serita, Serpula, Dentalium, &c. 
«Mr, J..N. Reynolds has been, for many months, ceeatiaas in) the 
1 provinces of Chile and Arauco, collecting subjects of natar~ 
/ al history. His. attention has been principally directed towards the 
birds of the country, and he has already: sent 
mens to the United States, among which are many new and. highly. 
interesting i He has been particular in-studying the habits of 
all those he ‘as taken, and he intends, if possible, to complete: sheer 
-of Chile before he leaves the coast. 
-obisend: these notes under the impression that they will be interest- 
MEtioyees, as they at least show that something is s doing for science. 
oapipaunammcimaa W. 5. WR. a 
yok, wit 4 4 ‘ ae ee + 
