1S2 CHILI. 
tary expectation of a break down, and a broken neck or limbs. It is 
a difficult matter to acquire composure, on seeing the numerous 
temporary lashings, giving ocular proof that accidents have been 
frequent, however well satisfied one may be with the skill of the 
conductor. Fortunately the road is excellent, though at this season 
(May) it is divested of much of its beauty from the want of vegetation. 
The interest is, however, carried forward to the lofty peaks of the 
Andes, of whose summits occasional glimpses are had; and the eye 
glances over the surrounding scenery in the immediate neighbour- 
hood, that would elsewhere be deemed grand, to rest on some high 
and towering peak. Among these the peak of Tupongati is the most 
noted, ranking, since the measurement of King, as next in height to 
the Himmaleh mountains. 
The first stopping-place is at Casa Blanca, a small pueblo of some 
five hundred inhabitants, where travellers usually sleep. The ac- 
commodations were good, having been recently much improved. In 
the neighbourhood is the only tract of woodland to be found in this 
part of the country. The elevation of Casa Blanca, about thirty miles 
from Valparaiso, is five hundred and ninety-eight feet above the level 
of the sea. The primitive district extends about fifty miles from the 
coast, and of course is found here. It is composed chiefly of gneiss, 
which is generally easily decomposed. The mountains, in "conse- 
quence, are not rugged, but of an easy ascent, and mural precipices 
are not met with. The gneiss was in some places observed to 
pass into hornblende rock, resembling the trachytic or igneous green 
stone. It contains abundance of diffused epidote, and among the 
minerals schorl was observed, but no garnets were found. 
The road from Casa Blanca next passes through Curacovi, a small 
pueblo, three hundred and forty-four feet above the level of the 
sea, where the trap rock first makes its appearance, and then 
over a high ridge called the Cuesta de Zapata. This terminates the 
first plain, and divides it from the second, of similar character, which 
extends to the Cuesta del Prado. It is passed over by a zigzag road, 
and was found to be two thousand three hundred and ninety-four feet 
high. On reaching the top the view that presents itself is extensive 
and magnificent. 
In front is the extensive plain of Maypo, with here and there a 
conical mountain standing alone on it. At the extremity of the plain 
rise the lofty peaks of the Andes, covered with eternal snow, some 
reaching above the clouds. They appear but a few hours' ride off 
