164 JOURNAL. 
the provisions laid up for the season are nearly exhausted, that is, all 
but mere necessaries. Everything in the shape of luxury is gone ; 
and the peasant waits, not impatiently however, (for the Chilenos are 
good-humoured and gay,) for the return of the season that brings his 
apples to render his bread more palatable, and the green boughs to 
refresh his sheds and his hedges, which, since the crop was taken off 
his garden-ground, have gradually disappeared to feed his fire. We 
had sent a mule laden with provisions to the spot, and some of our 
party had shot some partridges, which were dressed at the Rancho. 
Our tablecloth was spread in a pleasant green place, and we dined 
within hearing of the little rill that murmurs down the valley, ren- 
dering it green and fertile. A few fruit trees grew among the huge 
blocks of stone, that in its winter fury it has washed from the neigh- 
bouring mountain. It was the first party I had joined since my 
arrival, and I had done it with reluctance, because I am scarcely yet 
fit company for the young and the cheerful ; but I am glad I did so. 
Fine weather, exercise, and agreeable scenery, must do good both to 
mind and body ; I feel better than I had ever hoped to be when I first 
landed on these shores. 
As we returned, we perceived an English frigate, the Aurora, just 
going into Valparaiso from Brazil; she saluted Lord Cochrane’s flag 
as she entered. His Lordship himself is still in Santiago; the 
world says, occupied in endeavouring to obtain from the justice of 
the government the arrears of pay and prize money for the squadron. 
Some of his friends, I think injudiciously, and I am confident untruly, 
talk of him as interfering with the new government. regulations to be 
made. Others, perhaps better informed, represent his business to be 
the refutation of the absurd charges brought against him by San 
Martin.* These charges have proceeded from the basest motives : 
envy of his reputation, jealousy of his actions, and fear of his re- 
sentment ; besides the unwise anger occasioned by his esteeming it 
“ more honourable to show marks of open displeasure, than to en- 
* See p. 99. of the Introduction. 
