376 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



pressed tract of country, and the greater number of the 

 houses, on account of the earthquake shocks, being built 

 only one storey high. On riding into the town, we dismounted 

 at a hotel, where we were joined by the others. Here we 

 remained for about a couple of hours, and had luncheon, 

 where we tasted for the first time a very good red wine of 

 the country, which goes under the name of " Mosto." After 

 this we got into our saddles, and proceeded, under the escort 

 of a soldier, sent for that purpose by the Intendente, to whom 

 Captain Mayne brought an introduction, to view tlie environs 

 of the city. Our guide first conducted us to the summit of a 

 low hill, whence we had a good bird's-eye view of Concepcion, 

 and then led to a spot on the banks of the Bio-Bio river 

 where there is a ferry, which a coach which runs between 

 Concepcion and Coronel daily crosses. Our sight-seeing over, 

 we rode rapidly back to Talcahuano, and soon after went on 

 board, immediately after which we got under way for Val- 

 paraiso. The evening was calm, but a thick fog settled 

 down, and we steamed along all night at a rate of from six 

 to seven knots, the steam-whistle being blown at intervals to 

 give timely warning to any other vessels that might be in 

 the way. The 11th was perfectly calm, but very foggy for 

 some time. . We steamed along through a sea like oil, noticing 

 thousands of large Acalephse floating in the water, and many 

 specimens of a pretty gray petrel resting on its surface ; and 

 very early on the morning of the 12th we anchored in the 

 bay of Valparaiso. 



