July 1829. PINTO—DIRECTOR. 209 
a fine day, when the range of mountains is uncovered, the view 
is grand ; but not so imposing as when their lower portions are 
concealed, and their summits partially exposed. This part of 
the Andes rises about 11,000 feet above the plain, and is covered 
half way down the sides with snow, the lower edge of which is 
regularly defined, and presents a change of colour so abrupt 
and horizontal as to appear unnatural, and therefore diminish 
the grandeur of the scene very much. But under whatever 
circumstances this view is seen from the Cuesta de Prado, it is 
magnificent, and produces an effect beyond description. The 
road descends down the eastern side of this Cuesta, to a plain 
about 1,100 feet below the summit. So much rain had fallen 
during the two preceding days, and last night, that our driver 
expressed some doubt whether we should be able to cross the 
Podaguel, a river which is frequently impassable from the 
strength of its current. The idea of spending a night at the 
miserable hovel we were leaving was enough to induce us to 
run a considerable risk, and we set off to make the attempt. 
The water was very deep, and the current sufficiently strong 
to render it a performance of some danger ; but, this difficulty 
being passed, we soon reached the city of Santiago, and in the 
house of Mr. Caldcleugh, enjoyed the hospitality and society 
of a warm-hearted friend. 
I waited on the Director (Pinto), who received me with the 
greatest politeness. He entered into the particulars of our past 
voyage with much interest, assuring me that every facility should 
be afforded, and every assistance rendered, whenever it might 
be. required ; and in this assurance we never found ourselves 
deceived, for on all occasions the conduct of the executive 
authorities towards us was marked in attention, and even kind- 
ness. I make this observation with the more pleasure, as it 
was very unusual in our communications with the authorities 
of those governments we had previously visited, to find the 
objects of our voyage considered in the least interesting. 
Although the weather, during our visit to Santiago, was not 
there considered fine, we left the city and its neighbourhood 
with a strong impression of the salubrity of the climate, and the 
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