CHAPTER X. 
C H I L I — C O N T I N U E D. 
18 39. 
Previous to my arrival at Valparaiso, the naturalists and some 
officers on board the Peacock and Relief had made excursions into 
the interior. On my arrival I allowed all those who could be spared, 
and were desirous of visiting Santiago, sufficient leave to make the 
trip. Several set out for that city, and some with a view of making 
the trip to the Cordilleras beyond. 
The bilocheros were eager for opportunities to hire their biloches, 
a vehicle somewhat resembling a double gig, which is generally used 
for travelling in Chili. They have a most rickety and worn out 
appearance ; almost every part appears mended with cords made of 
hide. They accommodate two passengers, and the time required 
between Valparaiso and the city (Santiago), is about eighteen or 
twenty hours. In the shafts a horse is put ; a postilion rides another 
on the left, and sometimes another is 'placed on the right, both being 
fastened to the vehicle by lassos of raw-hide proceeding from the 
saddle. Each vehicle is attended by three bilocheros or drivers, with 
a drove of twelve or fifteen horses, forming quite a cavalcade. 
The bilocheros are very expert at their business. They are excel- 
lent riders, having been brought up to this exercise from their infancy, 
and understand managing their horses, though in a rude way. Their 
horses are small, but spirited, and bear fatigue well. Their usual 
speed is about nine or ten miles an hour. Few equipages can com- 
pare with these crazy machines, driven, as they sometimes are, pell- 
mell up hill and down dale, with all their accompaniments of horses, 
Guachos, &c. ; and it affords no small amusement to those on foot, 
to witness the consternation of the affrighted passengers, in momen- 
vol. i. 46 
