66 List of tliti Plants of Chile. 



that of Italy, as many plants are common to both regions, and Euro- 

 pean vegetables prosper well here. With this fact in view we should 

 essay the acclimation of a great number of species whose utility is 

 known and in this way increase the comforts of the inhabitants, and 

 the products of a soil highly favored by nature. It is not strange that 

 Chile produces species proper to Peru and the river La Plata since 

 the proximity of these countries affords a natural explanaUon. But 

 what surprises me is to find a resemblance with the Cape of Good 

 Hope and New Holland. I think that in proportion as we approach 

 the country of Arauco these similitudes will be more apparent. 



Ahhough the quantity of matter I have collected may be consider- 

 able it is too Hmited for scientific classification. Immense vacuities 

 would remain which v/ould leave the vv^ork very imperfect without the 

 hoped for advantages resulting. Therefore to give the public a slight 

 sketch of the vegetable productions which I have seen and examined, 

 I made use of alphabetic arrangement which has no other advan- 

 tage than facilitating investigation. I have thought necessary to add 

 the common names most frequently used. They will serve to in- 

 form the inhabitant of the true nomenclature, and lead him to seek 

 in books the history of the plants which engage his attention, and 

 at-the same time will be a great aid to strangers in abbreviating 

 the labor of indagation. I shall not overlook exotic plants which 

 have been introduced and are cultivated in gardens and other places 

 for amusement or utility. In this way we shall not fail to see those 

 which should be preferred and which may hereafter be profitable. 

 Medicinal properties are invaluable and particularly in the country 

 where generally pharmaceutic preparations and persons skilled in their 

 administration are rare. A materia medica of the vegetables of the 

 country would be a work of the greatest interest. 



Very sincerely your servant, &ic. 



Charles Bertero. 



hist of the plants of Chile ; by Dr. Bertero. 



Acacia Cavenia. Bertero. A very common tree in the plains 

 and the declivity of the mountains ; its height varies from three to 

 ten varas.* I have observed it highest in elevated places. It is 

 commonly called espino. Molina, places it in the genus Mimosa, and 



'* A vara is equal to tliirfy iiiclicp and i? a Spanish yard. — T. 



