HIDE BRIDGE, SAN TIAUO DE CHILE. 



CHAPTER XV 



Valparaiso — Portillo Pass — Sagacity of mules — Mountain -torrents — Mines, how 

 discovered — Proofs of the gradual elevation of the Cordillera — Effect of snow 

 on rocks— Geological structure of the two main ranges, their distinct origin and 

 upheaval — Great subsidence — Red snow — Winds— Pinnacles of snow — Dry and 

 clear atmosphere — Electricity — Pampas — Zoology of the opposite sides of the 

 Andes — Locusts — Great Bugs — Mendoza^ — UsiDallata Pass — Silicified trees 

 buried as they grew — Incas Bridge — Badness of the passes exaggerated — 

 Cumbre — Casuchas — Valparaiso. 



PASSAGE OF THE CORDILLERA 



March yth, 1835. — We stayed three days at Concepcion, and 

 then sailed for Valparaiso. The wind being northerly, we only 

 reached the mouth of the harbour of Concepcion before it was 

 dark. Being very near the land, and a fog coming on, the 

 anchor was dropped. Presently a large American whaler 

 appeared close alongside of us ; and we heard the Yankee 

 swearing at his men to keep quiet, whilst he listened for the 



