J^otices in Natural History. 271 



burning atmosphere. I allude to the phenomenon denominated 

 mirage, which is seen here in perfection. At a distance it presented 

 ID us the appearance of a true lake, dotted with islands planted with 

 trees which were reflected on the surface of the imaginary waters, 

 creating the most perfect illusion. In proportion as we advanced, the 



lake, the waters, the islands fled before us they diminished in 



size more and more, and finally disappeared as if by enchantment, 

 much to the surprise of my companions who were little used to such 

 sights." . 



On the plain are a number of montecillos, or little mountains. In 

 the side of 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 

 of lime, 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. It opens by a great 

 door which is shut in by a screen of flowers and shrubs, intertwined 

 with the Eccremocarpus, and the delicate Lardizahala. 



Among other things which he found during this excursion, was lig- 

 nite under two forms, one of which is fibrous and of a dull black, which 

 is the true lignite ; the other compact and of shining black, which is 

 the jet of which beautiful necklaces are made. He met with sever-' 

 al valuable plants; the Salsola, Salicornia, and a species o( Rosella. 

 He collected also several minerals and petrified shells, as the Reiun- 

 culus, Pirula, Serita, Serjpula, Dentalium, Sic. 



Mr. J. N. Reynolds has been, for many months, travelling in the 

 southern provinces of Chile and Arauco, collecting subjects of natur- 

 al history. His attention has been principally directed towards the 

 birds of the country, and he has already sent several hundred speci- 

 mens to the United States, among which are many new and highly 

 interesting species. He has been particular in studying the habits of 

 all those he has taken, and he intends, if possible, to complete the or- 

 nithology of Chile before he leaves the coast. 



I send these notes under the impression that they will be interest- 

 ing to you ; as they at least show that something is doing for science 

 in this part of the world. W. S. W. R. 



